“Anyway, Mrs. Hadley, I’ll do justice to the chocolate!” put in Marjorie. “I’m just about starved!”
The girls removed their wraps, while John busied himself with the tea-wagon. Sandwiches were piled invitingly on the plates, the cocoa steamed in its pot, and a cozy fire burned in the hearth; everything seemed in harmony to make Marjorie forget her unpleasant experience. These informal parties were among the happiest occasions of Mrs. Hadley’s peaceful life, and her guests always found them equally charming.
“How was the dance?” she inquired, after the girls had been served.
“So—so,” replied Lily indifferently. “The big interest of tonight, Mrs. Hadley, is not the dance, but our senior class election. Marj is up for president!”
“She’s elected by now!” prophesied Dick jovially. Then, getting up and extending his hand, “Allow me to be the first to congratulate you, Madame President!”
“No, no!” protested Lily, almost overturning her cup in her eagerness to brush Dick aside. “I’m her roommate! It’s my right!” And she pressed a resounding kiss upon Marjorie’s cheek.
“You’re both silly gooses,” exclaimed the heroine, herself, laughing heartily. “Of course, it isn’t true! And just think, if I’m not elected——” Her voice assumed a tragic tone, “just think how much greater you are making my disappointment!”
“You old hypocrite!” denounced Lily. “She doesn’t care a snap of her fingers for the highest honor a girl can get in college! Just think of it, Mrs. Hadley, she’s done nothing but try to get out of it, ever since she was nominated!”
“Couldn’t we call Daisy, or somebody, and learn the outcome?” suggested John, consulting his watch. “It’s only quarter of eleven.”
“Fine!” cried Lily, delightedly. “You’re willing, aren’t you, Mrs. Hadley?”