Nettie was glad of the chance to visit the Towers but she objected to having her hair brushed so vigorously.
"Mother, do make Nettie behave! She won't keep still and her hair gets all tangled!"
"Nettie, you are too big to make so much noise. If you don't wish to go with the others to-night, say so and Laura needn't bother," admonished Mrs. Lee.
"Of course I want to go but I hate this fussing," returned the little girl.
"It would only serve you right if mother kept your hair cut straight around from your ears, like the Hoover children!" remarked Laura.
This veiled threat had a good effect; Nettie made no more trouble and soon her long tresses were confined in six tight braids and she was free to seize her hat and go on her mission.
Holding the note folded tightly in her hand, she went up the steep street and along the vine-covered wall of the Tower grounds, and finally reached the stone steps leading to the double gates of iron, through which a broad walk in the midst of grass and trees curved toward the house.
The gate opened readily to Nettie's touch and then shut with a loud bang that attracted the attention of a big, black dog which came bounding across the grass. At his first bark Nettie's heart stood still. She paused just inside the gate, too terrified to move, but in a moment she felt secure, for she saw Alene coming along the walk, calling imperiously to Prince.
"What a shame to scare the little girl! Go right home, sir! Don't be frightened, Nettie, he won't harm you. He only barks that way to let you know how glad he is to see you! Come in, girlie!"
"It's only a note from Laura; I can't wait," said Nettie shyly.