That evening Mr. Fabian explained, carefully, about the times and customs of the purchases that represented certain people. He wove a tale of romance about each piece of furniture the girls had delighted in, and enhanced their interest in the dishes and other small objects they had collected that summer, until the three disappointed owners felt a renewed attraction in the articles.
Mr. Ashby was present, but he said nothing until Mr. Fabian had ended. Then he added in a suggestive manner: “Fabian, what do you say to the girls taking short trips to the country, each week, to hunt up such antiques as can be found in out-of-the-way nooks all through New England?”
The girls perked up their ears at this, and waited to hear Mr. Fabian’s reply.
“If they had a car and someone to accompany them on such excursions, I think they would thoroughly enjoy it.”
“Dalken has three cars—two limousines, you know; and he told me that he wished he could prevail upon the girls to make use of one, instead of his leaving it in a garage to eat up its value in rent. I thought of this way to give the girls many interesting quests, and make use of the car at the same time, so I mentioned it to him. He was delighted and wants the girls to try the plan,” explained Mr. Ashby.
“And I will offer myself as chaperone,” hastily added Mrs. Fabian.
“If I could only be included in these outings I should love it,” laughed Nancy Fabian.
“You are! Any one who belongs to us, must consider themselves as invited,” said Polly, laughingly.
So an outing for Saturday was planned, that night, and Mrs. Fabian and Nancy were to manage the details for the girls.
“We will choose a likely country-side for our first trial,” remarked Mrs. Fabian, looking at her husband for advice.