"I had to be out, dear, and I came round for you myself."
"Is it very late?" asked Ada.
"No; about eleven. Have you had a pleasant evening?"
Ada burst into tears; and then, laying her head on her father's shoulder, she said:
"Oh, papa, I have been so wretched and so stupid."
"What has happened, dear?"
"Nothing at all, papa; and that is the very vexation. It was a dancing party, and I was not well enough dressed, and so Clara rather slighted me, and I thought she left me to myself, and it was very uncomfortable."
"It certainly was unkind if she forsook you for such a reason," said Dr. Arundel indignantly; "but how came you to make a friend who could serve you so, Ada?"
"I didn't know," faltered Ada.
"Had you any idea it was to be such a party?"