“Do come in!” she exclaimed.
“We were sure you were dead!” said Alice Endicott, one of the most vivacious girls in the troop. “We’ve been knocking for hours!”
“Not really?” asked Marjorie, seriously. “Oh, what time is it?”
“Quarter of six!” answered Doris Sands, consulting her watch.
“And we’re to be at the inn at quarter past for dinner with your father and mother!” cried Lily, in alarm. “Marj, we certainly will have to rush!”
“Yes,” announced Alice, “we’re all going—that’s the reason we are here. I’ve heard of parties where nobody came but the hostess, but a party without the hostess would be rather odd!”
She seated herself comfortably on the couch, and the others followed her example. Marjorie listened incredulously to what she had told them.
“You’re invited too? Why, that’s perfect! But why didn’t papa tells us?”
“Oh, you know he’s always strong on surprises,” remarked Lily. “I think this is a dandy. But don’t stand there like a bump on a log, Marj! We’ve got to dress.”
In less than ten minutes the girls announced their readiness to start. Florence Evans reminded them both, however, not to forget their flowers.