“Oh, goody, goody. Be here at twelve o’clock. That will bring us back home in time for lunch at one o’clock.”
Alfy, who thought the previous ride had been to short altogether, exclaimed “Oh, I’m so, so, so glad. We can have another ride. Oh, Dorothy, I do just love automobiling, I really do.”
Frau Deichenberg came to the door just then and ushered the two girls into the cozy living-room where they laid aside their wraps. “Herr is in the studio,” murmured Frau. “He is awaiting you there, Miss Dorothy.”
“I’ll go right up,” answered Dorothy. “Now Frau Deichenberg, do not bother with Alfy at all. She can amuse herself till I finish.” With that Dorothy ascended the stairs and Frau, after excusing herself by saying she must tend dinner as they always had dinner at noon—Herr wanted it so—left Alfy alone.
Alfy roamed about the room and examined all kinds of curios,—queer baskets, curious vases, old fans and precious paintings and etchings. So quickly did the time pass that she never noticed Dorothy as she came into the room.
“Well, Alfy, all ready to go home?” chirped Dorothy from behind her.
“Well, well, I never knew you were through. When did you come into the room, just now?” asked Alfy.
“Yes, Alfy, just now, and if I’m not mistaken, there is Gerald tooting his horn outside—he must be hailing us,” remarked Dorothy. The girls quickly donned their coats, bid good-bye to Frau, and departed.
Dorothy exclaimed in delight, “Look, look, Alfy, its dear Aurora, she must have come too! Oh, you dear, dear girl, I am so glad to see you!” And Dorothy embraced her, fondly kissing her several times. “Alfy, this is Aurora Banks, Gerald’s sister. Aurora, you have heard me speak of Alfaretta many times, I am sure.”
“Oh, I am so glad to know you,” heartily responded Aurora, “Dorothy is always talking of you.”