"Oh, Janice!" Stella said, "I'm to have a birthday party. You know, I told you all about it before." "Yes, Stella, you told me," agreed Janice.
"Of course I did. And I want you to come. I couldn't really have a party without you, Janice. But I am not so sure about some of the girls."
"Oh, dear me!" murmured Janice. "If I was going to have a regular party I'd invite all the girls in our class—or else none at all."
"Now, that's just like you! You always are so quick. How did you know I didn't want to invite her?" complained Stella, pouting.
"I didn't know. Whom do you mean to leave out?" Janice asked, smiling.
"There! That's what my mother says! You are always so shrewd and sly."
"Oh!" cried Janice not at all pleased, "does your mother think I am sly?"
"We-ell, she said you were shrewd," admitted Stella, changing color. "Now, don't get mad, Janice Day. I want you to help me."
"You go about it in a funny way," said Janice, rather piqued. "I am not sly enough to be of any use to you, I guess."
"Now, don't be angry!" wailed the other girl. "What I mean is, that you always see through things and can get out of difficulties."