The girls were in high spirits to-night, and in no mood to talk “sobersides,” as Mary Bertram sometimes called their graver discussions.
But when the little meal of cocoa and cake had come to an end, Margaret said, “I want to make a proposal.”
“Hush! hush! Let the oracle speak!” cried Olive, her pretty face beaming with mirth.
“Oh Olive, don’t be so ridiculous!” said Margaret. “You know perfectly well I am no oracle; but I have a notion in my head. It is this: why should not those splendid-looking girls, the Vivians, join the Specialities? They did look rather funny, I will admit, yesterday; but even then one could see that clothes matter little or nothing to them. But now that they’re dressed like the rest of us, they give distinction to the whole school. I don’t think I ever saw a face like Betty’s. Fan, you, of course, will second my proposal that Betty Vivian, even if her sisters are too young, should be asked to become a Speciality?”
Fanny felt that she was turning very pale. Susie Rushworth gazed at her in some wonder.
“I propose,” exclaimed Margaret Grant, “that Miss Betty Vivian shall be invited to join our society and to become a Speciality. I further propose that we ask her to join our next meeting, which takes place this day week, and is, by the way, held in my room. Now, who will second my suggestion?”
“You will, of course, Fan,” said Susie. “Betty is your cousin, so you are the right person to second Margaret’s wish.”
Fanny’s face grew yet paler. After a minute she said, “Just because Betty is my cousin I would rather some one else seconded Margaret Grant’s proposal.”
All the girls looked at her in astonishment.
“Very well; I second it,” responded Susie.