"Let's show them the slumber robe," proposed Louise. So they were called in while Bess and Elsie spread their work over a chair.
The boys went through the ordeal fairly well, being amiably desirous of pleasing the proud needlewomen.
Will brought down their scorn upon his head by saying it was pretty, as if it were not "lovely," and Aleck insulted Dora by examining her daisies with a critical air and then asking what sort of flowers they were.
For this stupidity Carl promised to punish him.
"Aren't you coming with us, Dora?" asked Bess when they reached the street, seeing that she turned toward home.
"I am sorry, but I can't this afternoon," she said.
They united in coaxing her, but she would not listen, and with a cheerful good-by walked briskly away.
"Mayn't I carry your parcel for you?" asked a voice at her side.
"Why, Carl, I thought you had gone with the others! It isn't dark. I do not need anyone."
"Please, ma'm, I'd like to walk with you if you don't mind."