“And do I go, too, papa?”
“Certainly, my dear—if you wish.”
“If I wish! Well, yes; I decidedly do. Just think of the fun of going to Court and seeing cousin Dorothy. My cousin, Dorothy,” she added, as an explanatory interjection for the benefit of the Professor and Kearns, “is one of the maids of honor to the Queen.”
“Yes,” added General Mainwarren, “and she is as popular at the Court as she is beautiful, which in this case is saying much.”
“Ah, my dear,” exclaimed the Colonel wistfully, “you haven’t seen Dorothy since you were quite a little girl. I fear you may find things somewhat changed. Dorothy may not be inclined to devote so much attention to my little country bud as in the old days.”
“Oh,” said Beatrice with enthusiasm, “I am convinced Dorothy will never change toward me. She’s not that kind. When do we start?”
“To-morrow.”
“To-morrow! Oh, how shall I ever be able to get ready! I must be off to look after things. I hope I shan’t appear before the Court and Dorothy quite like a dowdy!” And she pirouetted out of the room.
“Forgive her, gentlemen,” said the Colonel indulgently, “she’s only a child yet, you know. But, tell me what you think of this news I bring.”
“Think!” replied the Professor; “what are we to think. It’s impossible to imagine what we can be needed for—except, perhaps, as curiosities. I’m quite unfamiliar with the atmosphere of a Court and I think I may truthfully say that my friend Kearns is equally so. I don’t know whether we should go.”