Mr. Soffy had lingered behind to escort Venna home. He always found an excuse for this, if she were alone. Miss Harriet and Miss Mary lingered, too, with the intention of not leaving him in danger, but he thwarted their good intentions with a bland smile.
"Now, don't you bother waiting for me. Miss Mary," he said in his pleasantest tone. "I wish to consult Mrs. Hadly regarding the picnic, and seeing her now will save me a call, you know."
"Oh, very well!" returned Miss Mary. "We will be going on then."
And as they were "going on" Miss Mary's head nodded with satisfaction. "The dear boy! You see, Harriet, my advice has been timely. He's trying to cut down his calls!"
"About time!" replied Miss Harriet sharply. "But it's her fault—not his!"
At this moment Mrs. Hadly found herself hurriedly kissed by her girls.
"Quick, girls! They'll be up the hill before we catch them," exclaimed Bessie impatiently. The girls all laughed.
"What on earth are you up to?" asked Venna, smiling.
"We'll tell you later—some good joke!" exclaimed Bessie, as she and her companion rushed out of the hall, throwing kisses back to her as they went.
"Be careful!" she called after them.