“Not I,” said the undaunted doctor. “Come, Ethel, let us hear what should be done.”
“There’s no time,” said Ethel, bewildered. “The court will be only on the day after to-morrow.”
“Ample time!” said Dr. Spencer, who seemed ready to throw himself into it with all his might. “What we have to do is this. The ladies to be propitiated are—”
“Nine Muses, to whom you will have to act Apollo,” said Dr. May, who, having put his friend into the situation, had a mischievous delight in laughing at him, and watching what he would do.
“One and two, Ethel, and Mrs. Rivers!”
“Rather eight and nine,” said Ethel, “though Flora may be somebody now.”
“Seven then,” said Dr. Spencer. “Well then, Ethel, suppose we set out on our travels this afternoon. Visit these ladies, get them to call a meeting to-morrow, and sanction their three trustees.”
“You little know what a work it is to call a meeting, or how many notes Miss Rich sends out before one can be accomplished.”
“Faint heart—you know the proverb, Ethel. Allons. I’ll call on Mrs. Ledwich—”
“Stay,” said Dr. May. “Let Ethel do that, and ask her to tea, and we will show her your drawing of the school.”