"No, dear," responded Bab. "Ruth knows nothing about it. Bathe your face at once. It is almost time to go down to luncheon, and your eyes are awfully red. While you are fixing up I'll tell you about it."
"Oh, Bab!" Mollie said contritely when her sister had finished her account of what had happened in the study. "You're the best sister a girl ever had. I don't believe I'll ever be so silly about my clothes again. This has cured me. I'm so sorry."
"Of course you are, little Sister," soothed Bab. "Don't say another word.
Here comes Ruth and Grace."
The two girls entered the room at that moment and a little later the four descended to luncheon.
"I am going to do some shopping this afternoon," announced Ruth. "Would you girls like to do the stores with me?"
"I'll go," replied Grace. "I want to buy a pair of white gloves and I need a number of small things."
"I have an engagement this afternoon," said Harriet enigmatically. "I must ask you to excuse me, Ruth."
"Certainly, Harriet," returned Ruth. "How about you and Mollie, Bab?"
"Mollie can go with you," answered Bab, coloring slightly. "But would you be disappointed if I do not go? I have something else that I am obliged to see to this afternoon."
"Of course, I'd love to have you with me, Bab, but you know your own business best."