Reluctantly Bet went on with her plans. There were a few tears when she told the bad news to her chums in the afternoon.
"That's the worst of having a father who plays with you," said Joy. "I never expect my mother and father to care about my good times."
"I just can't make it a real success without Dad," exclaimed Bet tearfully.
"You can, if you try, Bet Baxter. So brace up and stop your sniffling!"
"I wasn't sniffling, Joy Evans," exploded Bet.
"What do you call it, then?" laughed Joy.
"Just a few regretful tears."
Even Shirley, the serious one laughed heartily at Bet. And in a few minutes they were busy with their plans.
"Say Bet, what possessed you to ask Edith Whalen? I've tried to be glad but it isn't in me to be," said Joy.
"I'm not glad, myself, but what's the use of being a Merriweather Girl unless you live up to the heroine of the Manor? Lady Betty would have asked her, I'm sure," replied Bet.