“To the naked eye you appear to be perfectly healthy and normal,” replied Billie, “but I suppose Miss Nancy-Bell, you are taking notice with a view to dressing up, and for my part, I think we should go down just as we are. It’s a cowboy dance.”
There was a continuous argument about clothes between Nancy and Billie which Miss Campbell invariably had to settle. On this occasion Miss Campbell was for appearing as spectators at the dance and not as active guests. She had not counted on being entertained at the Lodge, and she was unable to conceal her misgivings.
“I think it would be very rude not to dress up,” cried Nancy hotly. “Mrs. Steptoe is going to wear a pink cotton crêpe. She told me she was, and they are all looking forward to seeing us in—well—something different than this.”
The other girls laughed teasingly.
“Anything to show off that new frock of yours, Nancy,” cried Billie. “Cowboys and Indians will do if you can’t find a better audience.”
Nancy was offended. She flushed hotly and her eyes filled with tears. She had very sensitive feelings somewhere hidden under her gay careless manner.
“Bless its heart! Are its feelings hurt?” exclaimed Billie, putting her arms around her friend’s neck and kissing her warmly. “I wouldn’t have gone fer to hurt its feelings for anything in the world. It shall wear its little folderols if it chooses, shan’t it, Cousin, and put on all its ribbons and laces.”
“Silly old tease,” said Nancy, laughing through her tears. “You’re just as anxious as anybody to dress up only you’re too proud to admit it because you’re afraid people will think you are vain.”
“Go along with you, you foolish children, and get into your clothes,” here interrupted Miss Campbell. “If Nancy wants to appear in a party frock, I think it won’t do any harm to these poor isolated ranchmen.”
It so happened, therefore, that the girls, in another twenty minutes, for the first time since they had left Sevenoaks, the home of their friend, Daniel Moore, attired themselves in their prettiest gowns. Only simple muslin frocks, but with plenty of hand embroidery and lace insertions to make them fine, and ribbon bows to set them off.