Mrs. Clutterbuck was intensely interested in the concert. "Do you mean to say there's to be a prince at it?" she asked.
There were to be princesses also, it seemed.
"Oh," said Mabel, "how lovely it would have been for Elsie and you to go."
She saw the experience that it would be for a little home bird of the Mrs. Clutterbuck type. She considered for a moment--"Couldn't she give up her ticket for one of them?"
Mrs. Clutterbuck saw the indecision in her face.
"No, my dear, no," said she, "I know the thought in your mind. I have a much better plan."
The pleasure of being at last able to dispense favours--transformed her face. She turned with an expectant, delighted look to Elsie.
"If we could go together," said she, "and it wouldn't be a bore to both of you to sit with two country cousins like ourselves, I should take two tickets. It would be charming."
This plan was received with the greatest acclamation.
"We ought to have a chaperon anyhow," said Jean.