"Very soon, but not just to-day. All right, Jack. I'll be on hand. Any orders?" and he imitated the honorable butler in pose and manner, his thumbs just touching the seams of his trousers and his head thrust back as if complying with the savage demands of a high-priced dentist.
"The car at two," ordered Jacqueline, and with a "well butlered bow"
Gerald took himself off.
"You are not to wear your black dress—no uniform to-day, Stacia," Jacqueline told Tessie. "Put on the nicest summer dress you own, that one with the pink flowers. You are to be my companion to-day—and I hope you have a lovely time."
"I'm sure I shall," replied Tessie respectfully, but the whole proceedings were becoming so mysterious she wondered if the plan really did involve Fairyland.
"You look as if you wanted to say something. What is it, Stacia?" asked
Jacqueline.
"Oh, I couldn't bother you with it now," replied Tessie, but an envelope in her hand spoke more intelligently.
"No bother at all. I have lots of time. What is it, Stacia?"
"I overheard you say, Miss Jacqueline, that you were treasurer of the Violet Shut Ins, and I have some ticket money belonging to their last benefit. Could I give it to you?" asked Tessie.
"Why, of course you could. Isn't that lovely!" taking her envelope from
Tessie's trembling hands. "I always knew we would hear from those lost
tickets, and now my accounts are all perfectly straight. Won't Cousin
Marcia be pleased!"
"Cousin Marcia!" Tessie could not help repeating, as she all but stumbled from the room in her confusion.