"I have been wondering why Mrs. Sinclair had not called to see Ned," commented Mrs. White when Dorothy handed her the cards. "This explains it, of course. Dorothy, what did I tell you? See how well trained my eyes are."
"But when Agnes showed plainly she wanted to pose with Ned," argued Dorothy, "that was——"
"Just to throw you off the scent, of course," finished Mrs. White. "Well, I am glad we are going to have an engagement for the holidays. It will make a little round of gaieties for the young folks. Dorothy, you may give Agnes her first shower."
"And make it something good to eat," suggested Nat. "No fun in giving a girl a lot of drygoods—make it ice-cream."
Ned was recovering rapidly, and he too joined in suggesting plans for the "handing around of Agnes." He insisted it was up to him and Nat to give Tom a sendoff, and finally did obtain Mrs. White's permission to give a bachelor dinner in the coach house. They wanted the affair given where there would be no objection to either noise or "muss," as Nat put it, so the coach house was decided upon.
"Plans, plans, nothing but plans," sang Tavia. "I wish some one would make plans for me. I would like to elope this very evening. I am not particular about having a partner in the going away; a railroad ticket would answer."
Dorothy glanced up quickly at Tavia. She knew the latter almost meant what she said—that is, she would really like to run away before Christmas morning.
"And shake me?" asked Nat in mock concern. "Now, Tavia, you and I have been friends for a long, long time——"
But this was too much for Tavia. Suddenly she jumped up, put her hand to her eyes and dashed from the room.
"She's crying!" whispered Ned.