“Let the future take care of itself,” said Grace, airily. “Just at present I’m having a lovely time!”
After lunch they thought of some more shopping they had to do—mostly for things which they needed on their trip—so that it was late afternoon before they reached Deepdale once more.
As Mollie stopped the car before Grace’s door to let her get out, she handed her a paper parcel containing the precious centerpiece which Grace had overlooked.
“Don’t forget anything,” said Mollie, with elaborate politeness. “And don’t forget—next time is your treat!”
“I envy your mother, Gracie,” Betty called after her, as Mollie started the motor. “I reckon she has a happy birthday.”
Amy’s house was the next stop and on the way Betty remarked how quiet the girl was.
“What’s the matter, Amy dear?” she asked, curiously. “You act as if you had lost your last friend.”
Amy shook off her thoughtful mood and smiled.
“I suppose you’ll think I’m foolish,” she said, a bit shyly. “But I just can’t get that old lady out of my mind—the one who does the embroidery.”
“Listen, Amy,” remarked Mollie, screwing around in her seat until the girl came within her range of vision, “if we should feel bad about every poor unfortunate person in this world, we would all be joy killers. So stop worrying.”