Although she was amazed at the girl’s words and manner, Marjorie was delighted to learn so quickly that Irene would probably fall in with her plans. She therefore hastened to put the proposition before her, choosing to ignore the remark she had made.
“I came over, Irene,” she said, quietly, “to ask you whether you would be willing to change partners with me, if it could be managed. I don’t know whom you are going with, but—”
“One of those Academy babies!” interrupted the other girl. “Clayton Jones! I don’t suppose you’d exactly enjoy his company.”
“I’d much prefer it to Kirk’s,” Marjorie assured her.
Irene sat up straight at these words, hardly able to believe that she had heard correctly. It seemed incredible to her that any normal girl could prefer the society of a boy like Clayton Jones to that of such a distinguished-looking young man.
“Do you really mean it?” she cried. “You will actually swap?”
“I’d love to. Now—as to the method. Suppose I go down to the stream early, and run off with Clayton. Then you’ll simply have to go with Kirk because there won’t be any other place!”
“Wonderful!” exclaimed Irene. She jumped up impulsively. “Oh, Marj, how can you be so generous?”
“But it isn’t generosity a bit! I’m just as well pleased as you are!”
“Well, I think it’s perfect—it will change my whole day for me. Now—will you go and arrange it with Clayton?”