Bet laughed with the others, but her heart was heavy over Phil's insincerity. Auntie Gibbs, who just naturally liked boys better than girls, was doubled over with laughter at their antics. She buzzed around them, took their hats and coats and hung them up.
"Look at that," pouted Joy. "Why don't you wait on us hand and foot? Aren't we as good as the boys?"
"That's as may be! But girls ought to wait on themselves. That's what!"
"You're perfectly right, Auntie Gibbs!" nodded Bob.
"I'd like to know why? Maybe you think we don't want some attention now and then, even if we are girls," said Kit.
"Go on with your nonsense! I know you're only trying to make fun of me. The boys wouldn't do that!"
"Indeed we wouldn't, Auntie Gibbs! You are perfectly right," assented Phil, with a triumphant smile at Kit.
Bet was silent. She watched Phil with a heavy heart. How could he pretend innocence like that?
Just then the jingle of the telephone brought the nonsense to an end. Bet answered it.
"Who? What? Oh Daddy! Daddy! Are you so near, really? —Company? Of course, the girls are here and Bob and Phil. —Oh thank you, Daddy, you're a dear. Goodbye!"