"It won't be such fun as if there were a little spice of wickedness in it," quoth Hester.
"Hetty, you shock me! I shall be seventeen on Saturday. At seventeen one ought to discard wickedness as one would a worn-out shell."
"All right, love! Of course I approve, but did you not say that you wanted to ask me a favor?"
"Rather; I want you to lend me your room for the great occasion."
"Of course I will; what is more, I will help you by every means in my power. Of course Molly is coming to the birthday feast?"
"Of course she is; she is to be one of my most distinguished guests."
"And that new girl, Cecil Ross?"
"She shall also be invited; Molly shall not be deprived of her dear friend's society."
"Kate, I am certain you are jealous of Cecil Ross."