"Oh, why don't I bring you some! We had a lovely raspberry layer cake when Mr. Von Dalin was here, and I never thought to bring over a mite! Mother says I am growing careless, and I'm afraid she's right!"
"Dear child! I don't want you to bring me cake! I said that only in fun."
"You shall have some, all the same! Isn't the table here any better?"
Miss Sterling wrinkled her face into an answer. "The last cook is the worst we've had yet."
"Too bad! Colonel Gresham said he was going to see Mr. Randolph about things; but I dare say he has forgotten it."
"I hope he won't think I've been complaining to you." Miss
Sterling looked alarmed.
"No, I cautioned him. Probably he will never think of it again."
"I rather hope he won't. My fear of the Powers is amounting almost to terror."
"Oh, Miss Nita, don't be afraid! That will make you go back! You mustn't have a bit of fear!"
Miss Sterling laughed softly. "Well," she yielded—"let's talk about the birthday celebration."