“No, Marj has stuck pretty closely to business this summer, I will say that for her,” remarked Ethel. “Of course she sees John every day or so, but it’s all very matter-of-fact.”
When the girls reached home, Lily found a cordial reception awaiting her. Mrs. Munsen and Mrs. Hadley had offered to go down to the tea-house during the supper hour so that the scouts might have the meal together.
“Lily,” said Alice, after they were seated at the table, “I know you like parties, so, if you and Marj are willing, I want to arrange one for Friday night.”
“Yes, I love parties,” replied Lily, enthusiastically. She was thinking of the house-warming in the beginning of the summer, and of the picnic supper she had just missed.
“Well, this one would be a little out of the ordinary, but everybody likes the idea—except Marie Louise. And I think we can win her over!”
“Oh, we can’t possibly have a party that Marie Louise doesn’t approve of,” objected Marjorie. “Why, this is her house—”
“But it isn’t to be held here,” said Alice. “We thought of using the tea-house!”
“Yes! Yes!” cried Marjorie, her eyes sparkling with delight at the prospect of something adventurous.
“Not after that warning!” protested Lily in horror.
“I guess if Marj can plan to spend another night there—practically alone,” said Alice, “we could afford to take a chance in a crowd. Besides we might make some discoveries.”