Mr. Carlton glanced inquiringly at Marjorie.
"And you?" he asked kindly—"are you going to dancing-school, too?"
Marjorie hesitated, and her color rose. It had been suggested that she should accompany Elsie to the dancing class that morning, and that Aunt Julia should make arrangements about having her admitted as a regular pupil, but after what had happened last night she did not feel at all sure that Elsie would desire her society.
"I'm—I'm not quite sure," she faltered; "I think Aunt Julia may want me to go out with her."
Mr. Carleton looked a little troubled, and when he left the room he beckoned his daughter to follow him.
"Elsie dear," he said in a rather low voice, as he put on his overcoat in the entry, "I wish you would try to do something to give Marjorie a good time to-day. She is looking rather down-hearted this morning, and I'm afraid she may be a little homesick. Can't you arrange to take her out to luncheon with you?"
Elsie shrugged her shoulders.
"She hasn't been invited," she said, shortly. She did not think it necessary to add that Carol Hastings had proposed that Marjorie should make one of the party, but that she herself had opposed the plan, declaring that they would have a much pleasanter time by themselves.
Mr. Carleton frowned.
"I should think you knew Carol Hastings well enough to ask her if you might bring Marjorie with you," he said impatiently. "Remember, Elsie, what I have told you several times before; I won't have Marjorie neglected."