"Oh, perhaps they will if we are very polite; we will try."
The weekly meetings of the G.N. Club had begun again with great interest. No one enjoyed them more than Aunt Zélie, and nothing was allowed to interfere with this engagement with the boys if she could help it. However, it happened this evening that some old friends of the family who were passing through the city on their way south called, and it was impossible to excuse herself, so the boys were left to their own devices.
Though the star chamber looked as cheerful as usual and Carl did his best as host, it was not quite the same without her.
Jim recalled with wonder that first evening when he hoped she would not come. The rehearsals for the harp man's benefit had made them all feel very well acquainted with her and one another.
They were beginning work on some screens for the Children's Hospital when there came a knock at the door. Ikey opened it and Carie walked in.
"I came to bring you a letter," she announced, handing Carl a folded paper, and shyly surveying the rest of the company from behind him.
He read it aloud.
To the G.N.C.:
We should like to come to your meeting this evening, if you will let us. We have a splendid plan to tell you. Dora thought of it. Send reply by bearer.
Yours truly,
Bess Hazeltine.
Louise Hazeltine.
Dora Warner.