"All right then, I'll stay, but when you've finished, you have to go up in a tree with me and spend the night. We'll be like the captive princess."
They had just finished a fairy tale of a princess confined in a tower which she never left during many years. The tower was well provisioned so that she did not starve.
"It'll be great fun," continued Julia. "We'll take plenty of food up with us. I'm so glad you promised to go."
"May I tell mamma about it?"
"No."
"Then I won't go. I know mamma wouldn't like it, Julia, and it's wrong to worry her."
"And it's downright wicked to break one's word. You aren't going to be wicked, are you?"
Beth looked worried. "Please don't ask me to play princess, Julia."
"But you just have to, Beth; that's all there is about it."
This was Julia's ultimatum. She persisted in remaining with Beth until the dress was finished, although, she, herself, did comparatively little sewing. She even stayed nights at the Davenports for fear Beth would betray her secret.