Tavia ran back to where Dorothy and Mrs. White were busy putting bows of bright ribbon on gifts, and sealing up parcels with the Merry Christmas stamps. Her cheeks were blazing and her eyes dancing from pent-up nervous strain. She grew more nervous each moment. Surely Dorothy would notice it, she thought. And then, too, Dorothy had told her Miss Brooks had asked to see her on Thursday. Would she remember that now?
Tavia picked up the unfinished darning bag, but her fingers trembled so she could scarcely thread her needle. Mrs. White glanced up from her work.
"You have had a lot of trouble with that bag, Tavia, dear," she said, "I guess you don't like lining things."
"Oh, I don't mind it at all," stammered Tavia, "but, you see, I have had no practice. I'll know how better next time."
She fancied she heard Nat coming along the drive. Yes, surely that was the machine. She waited for the toots. Her thimble rolled to the floor. Then her thread tangled.
Toot! toot! toot!
"Are the boys going out?" asked Dorothy suddenly.
"I didn't think so," replied Mrs. White.
"Oh, I have to go on an errand!" exclaimed Tavia, as if she had just thought of it. "Perhaps Nat will take me. I have a package I have to mail."
She was down the stairs before either Dorothy or Mrs. White had a chance to speak. They looked at each other questioningly.