"Yes, I understand," replied Molly in a graver tone.
"Do you agree?"
"Yes," answered Molly.
"Well, your consent being obtained," continued Hester, "I will go with you to the Towers this morning, Molly, and look at the ball-room, and see Mrs. Lorrimer on the subject."
"The worst of it is," continued Annie, "that we have such a very short time to prepare—only one week to make all our fancy dresses and to see to all the other arrangements!"
"Fancy dresses!" exclaimed Nora from her sofa. "What am I to wear?"
"You are to be dressed as Queen of the Fairies. You shall lie on a bed of rose-leaves, and have gossamer, cloudy sort of drapery all around you. Never fear, Nora, you will look lovely—leave it to me."
Nora's eyes sparkled.
"Annie, you're a darling!" she exclaimed, with enthusiasm.
"And what character am I to be, Annie?" cried Nan, pouting her full lips. "I'm not jealous, and I don't mind Nora being Queen of the Fairies; but please remember that it's my party, and I am really the queen of the day."