"Fix it yourself," suggested Frank, stabbing his needle into the jersey.
"I can't," said Mabel. "Mother always does it. Besides," she added as an afterthought, "I hate sewing."
As she spoke, her mother came in with a cheery greeting for her children. Before Mabel had a chance to ask her mother about the dress, Mrs. Brewster said,
"Mabel, I want you to get supper for Frank tonight, and be here when the laundress comes for her pay. I have been asked to take dinner with a woman from New York City who is an interior decorator of note."
"I can't, mamma, Rosanna Horton has asked me over there, and I told her I would come," said Mabel peevishly.
"Well, tell her you won't be among those present," said Frank, chewing off his thread.
"But I told her I would come, and I am going," said Mabel, stubbornly.
"I bet you won't if mamma says not," retorted Frank.
His mother caught his eye and shook her head.
"Someone will have to stay home and see the laundress, and Frank has his basketball practice. It is a great chance for me, so I wish you would stay, Mabel," she said.