Dotty knew very well that her mother would never allow her to go to
Lina's house; but she did not like to say that, and she only replied,—
"I've matched my worsteds, and now I must go home."
"O, you can go home afterwards. My mother said to me to-day, 'Do you bring Dotty Dimple home to supper this very night. She'll be so glad to see you!'"
Dotty gave another glance at the sky, then one at the city clock.
"What time do you drink tea, Lina?"
"At five, 'most always."
Dotty had long felt a great curiosity about the domestic affairs of the Jews; and here was an unexpected opportunity to sit down at the very table with them. She had an invitation from the head of the family, and that was something which did not happen every day. She could go home any time afterwards; for their own tea-hour was not till half past six.
"I'll walk along with you a little way, Lina, and think it over."
It was true Mrs. Parlin did not approve of Mandoline or any of her family; but Dotty thought she would forget that, just for once.
"O, dear! I keep thinking how my mamma said, 'I do not wish you to play with Lina Rosenberg!' Now I can 'most always forget easy enough; but when I TRY to forget, it says itself over and over—and I remember just as hard!"