"Oh, I am sure she would love to come! do let me run in and ask her!" she urged, as they neared the house. "Ten to one she will not come until her mamma comes home to tell her if it is 'the correct thing' or not," said Fred, teasingly.
"Yes, that will be just it; she will not know what to wear for this special occasion, and it is a pity to lose a moment of this beautiful evening," said Fanny.
"I'll run the risk, and stand responsible for 'the correct thing' this time," said Dexie; "so do let me out, Lancy. Give me three minutes, and I will return with or without her."
Dexie had noticed Nina's wistful face in the window as they drove up, so she ran into the house without ceremony.
"Come, Nina, can you get ready to go for a drive in three minutes? Say, quick!"
"Oh, I would love to go, but mamma is out, and I could not get ready so soon without her. Oh, I am so sorry!" and she looked her disappointment.
"Come along; I'll dress you in a jiffy," and she pulled her out into the hall, and from among the clothing which hung in the cloak closet she soon had her muffled to the ears, in spite of Nina's repeated protests that none of those articles of clothing belonged to herself, but to her uncle.
"Oh, I am so afraid; indeed, I feel sure mamma would say that it is not the correct thing to go like this."
"Oh, no matter; hurry, or they won't wait for us. It won't hurt to be dressed in this rig for a short time," and Dexie hurriedly buttoned the big coat around her, and pulled a fur cap down over her ears, completely concealing her identity.
"My muff and furs are upstairs somewhere. Mamma put them away."