"Thank you," she answered brightly, "but I have not changed my mind, and really feel quite sure that I shall enjoy myself better at home."
"Such odd taste," laughed Reba.
"But perhaps she does not expect to pass the time alone," drawled Juliet with a significant look.
Mildred repelled the insinuation with dignity. "I expect no company but my books," she said, "and certainly desire no other."
She was entirely sincere, yet it did seem a little lonely as she sat by the fire in her own room after they had gone.
But she turned resolutely to her books, soon grew interested, and after a couple of hours spent in close study, retired to bed.
Only her uncle, Miss Worth, and the children met her at the breakfast-table the next morning.
Mr. Dinsmore explained that his wife and her nieces were sleeping off their fatigue, adding, "The girls danced all night, and really it was near sunrise when we reached home."
"They must be very tired," Mildred said. "Aunt Belle and you too, uncle."