"Well, we'll ask her, at any rate. And, now, don't forget, we are all to keep our costumes secret."
"Oh, won't it be jolly!" sang out Bess. "I can scarcely wait."
"And to think of having it after dark, without chaperons to look after us!" exclaimed Belle. "I doubt if some of the stiff girls will be allowed to come on that account."
"Then we'll have a better time without the stiffs," declared the young hostess. "I'm sure our patronesses are protection enough, and mother is going to delay her trip a few days on purpose to be on hand."
"Oh, of course," Belle hurried to explain, "I think it is just perfectly all right and delicious, but I was just speculating on the kind who may be jealous."
"And is Paul coming?" asked Bess. She was always so self-conscious when she asked a question like that.
"Why, of course," answered Cora, "and also his sister Hazel. I particularly like them both, and Jack, who has met Paul, agrees that he is a very nice young man."
"Expert opinion, I suppose," murmured Belle.
They talked in jolly mood for some time longer, and the twins were about to leave for home when a shout out in the street attracted their attention.
"What's that?" asked Cora, starting up.