“I came of my own very self, but of course the others approved. We have no intention of doing shabby things in the dark, as they do in some schools. That would be unfair to you.” 122
Mrs. Ward thought a little longer. “I will give you the required permission,” she said, “on one condition.”
“Oh, Mrs. Ward, darling! what is that?”
“You can have your party on Saturday week, and I will give you from early in the afternoon until bedtime to enjoy it.”
“Oh, Mrs. Ward, you are too angelic!”
“Stop a minute. You may not care for it so much when I have finished what I have got to say.”
“What is it, dear Mrs. Ward?”
“It is this: that you ask me too as one of your guests.”
“Oh! oh!” said Kathleen. Her expressive face changed from red to white and then to red again. Her eyes brimmed over with laughter, and then as suddenly filled with tears. “But would you—would you like it?”
“Yes, and I don’t want to destroy your pleasure; but I presume you will have a sort of supper or an entertainment which will include refreshments. Let me assist you with the expense of your supper, and may I be present at it as one of your guests? I will promise to leave soon after supper, and not to appear until supper. How will that do?”