"Surround her with a bodyguard, if you like," said the General. "You'll have Judge Baker and Hynes, of course; and that—what's the name of that shy young man who's just gone? He looks presentable."
"But—but—" protested Aunt; "Bake'd never go; and—Nelly—has—do you suppose Mr. Burke has evening clothes?"
"Naturally," I said with nonchalance, though my quick temper was fired. I was as sure he hadn't as I was that Mrs. Van Dam knew his name, and that he would oppose the dance even more strongly than did Aunt; and I wished that I could go without him. But it was useless to think of this, with even the General suggesting a bodyguard. I resolved that he should at least consult a decent tailor.
"Why not have detectives as guards—as if I wore a fortune in diamonds?" I grumbled.
"Let us at least have Mr. Burke. Now, Helen, what do you propose to wear?" concluded the General.
Mrs. Van Dam took an extraordinary interest in my toilette. She even came to see my new evening dress fitted, and put little Mrs. Edgar into such a flutter that she prodded me with pins. I'll simply have to ask Father to increase my allowance; cheap white silk, clouded with tulle, was the best I could manage.
"H'm—Empire; simple and graceful," pronounced Oracle. "Square neck, Helen, or round?"
"Why—I've never worn a low dress—not really low," I said, longing but dubious. "Pa says—"
"Nonsense!"
"A shame!" chimed Mrs. Edgar.