"Yes, this morning."
"But how did you happen to ask three?" inquired Fred, suspecting that his mother, who looked upon the opening day of school with dread because of the hazing that was usually indulged in, had proposed the supper party in the hope that she could keep him at home. "You didn't know about Bronson."
"Oh, yes, I did," returned Mrs. Markham, with a smile, "and I've already invited him."
"When did you meet him?"
"I haven't met him, yet. I saw Mrs. Vining this morning on the street, and she told me about his boarding with her and said she hoped you and he would be friends. Just then the girls came along and I thought it would be pleasant for Mr. Bronson if he could meet them. So I asked them and sent him an invitation."
"Momsy, you're a fox! You mean you thought you could keep Sandow and me at home where you could watch us," laughed Fred.
"Well, shall I tell the girls you prefer your skylarking to their society?" inquired Mrs. Markham.
"If she does, your goose will be cooked with Margie," blurted Sandow, and then, as he realized how disrespectful the voicing of his thoughts sounded, he added, blushing:
"I beg your pardon, Mrs. Markham. I spoke without thinking."
"Never mind, Sandow," laughed Fred's mother. "But I agree with you that Margie will resent such action on Fred's part."