CHAPTER XVIII.
THE SLEIGH-RIDE.
When Susan hurried away from her brother to find Mamie Smythe and give her the note, she knew full well what it probably contained. Jerry had told her he had come over with a party of boys, and had the very best sleigh-ride he had ever had in his life; and when she asked the names of his companions, she recognized some, who, for reasons best known to herself, Miss Ashton had forbidden to be received as visitors to the academy. Mamie Smythe read the note with a heightening color. This was it,—
“Sleigh waiting corner of Bond and Centre Streets. Supper at Bascoms’ Hall engaged for a dance. Bring six lively girls! 8 P.M. sharp.
Sub Rosa.“
For a moment Mamie looked doubtingly into Susan’s face. She would not have chosen her for one of the “lively girls;” but, now, as Susan knew something was going on, perhaps it would be best to ask her, if—Mamie had conscience enough to dally with this if for a moment; perhaps she might have longer, if there had been time, but as it was now half-past 113 seven, and the time was “eight sharp,” and the girls were to be chosen and notified, there was not a moment for parleying, even with so respectable a thing as her conscience, so she showed Susan the note.
“Oh, dear! that’s too bad!” said Susan, as she finished reading it. “Jerry is here, and he won’t go away before eight. What can I do? it would be just splendid!” And the tears actually came into her eyes.
“That’s a pity!” and Mamie, more relieved than sorry, tried to look regretful. “But don’t you tell. Promise me, Susan Downer, let come what may, you won’t tell.”
“I’m no tell-tale, Mamie Smythe, and I’ll thank you not even to hint at such a thing. You’ll all get expelled, as like as not, and, come to think of it, I’m real glad I’m not to go with you.”