“I shall never get such another chance,” she implored.
“Put up your hair, Lydia Massingbyrd,” I commanded.
“I’ve always wanted to do this,” she moaned. “And now just as there’s going to be any good in it you bully me.” Her mouth dropped again, she looked at me with appealingly candid eyes.
“Oh, have it your way,” I growled. “Show off before Phillips, and Almington, and little Cecilia Bennett, and Mrs. Day, and the Drake boys!”
“Almington!” exclaimed Mrs. Massingbyrd. “That settles it!” and she resolutely shook out her hair again.
“Almington!” I exclaimed, in amazement. “Why does Almington settle it?”
“I can’t bear the man!” cried she, stamping her foot.
“Oh, well, if this is by way of punishment——”
“Cecilia Bennett’s sister is one of my dearest friends.” Apparently she thought this was an explanation.