“Oh, it would be just, heavenly! It will give such distinction. I know the girls will love it.”
“I think I can make myself pleasant to you all,” said Mrs. Ward, “and I should like to be there.”
“But as to paying anything, Mrs. Ward, you will come as our guest, and you know we have most of us plenty of money. Please, please, let us do the entertaining.”
“Very well, dear, I will not press that point. I hope I have made you happy, Kathleen.”
“Oh! you have—very, very happy indeed. And Saturday week is to be the day?”
“Yes, Kathleen.”
Kathleen bent down, took one of Mrs. Ward’s hands, and kissed it. Then she skipped out of the room and flew back to her companions. They were waiting for her in a state of suppressed eagerness.
“Well, Kathleen—Kitty—Kit, what’s the news?” asked Maggie.
Room was made for Kathleen in the center of the group.
“We have won! We may do it!” she said, speaking in a low tone. “Oh, she’s—she’s like no one else! I don’t know how you will take it, girls; but if you’re not just delighted you ought, to be. Why, what do you think? She wants to come herself.”