“Why, is that the throne seat?” he asked, as he extended his hand, and pretended to find it extremely difficult to lift Bess to her feet.
“No, but the lid needs closing, and I can’t do it. Sit on it, that’s a good fellow,” and she extended to him a chocolate from the tips of her fingers, which fingers Walter pretended to bite.
“Now you really must go,” said Cora, seriously, when Walter had managed to close the trunk. “Come, Jack, we have to get through by five o’clock,” and she glanced at her brother, who was in earnest conversation with Marita in her corner.
Jack paid no attention to his sister, and Walter was somewhat surprised to see Bess, after looking with satisfaction at the trunk he had closed for her, open it again.
“Well, I like that!” he exclaimed, with pretended indignation, “after me nearly breaking my back to close that lid——”
“I just wanted the things compressed, Walter dear,” said Bess, sweetly. “I’ve got a lot more to put in, and I couldn’t squeeze in another piece until they had been crowded down a bit. Now run along, little boy.”
“Come on, Jack!” called Walter, as he turned to go. “We have been insulted!”
“They can’t insult me,” murmured Jack, never turning to look at his chum. “Don’t be so thin-skinned, Wal. I’m having a good time.”
Cora’s girl chums looked at her.
“Jack, you must go!” she insisted. “Please do. I should think you boys would have lots to do to get ready, too.”