"Well, the curbed lion of my spirit was rampant last night, for I had a very inane time at that party—or perhaps I ate too much of the lemon streak of my Neapolitan ice; at all events, I was rash enough to declare war to the knife on all inducements from the giddy world again."
"But you will go to the next party as usual," interrupted Bert, as she left the hammock. "You will go every time, my dear; you can't help it; it is inevitable fate; so you'd better calm down and meditate on your next gown."
"Ah, Bert! You've said it now!" almost shouted Nan. "That's the very point! Is it 'inevitable fate' that we go on and on? I want something more worth the while. Do be patient with me, and let me lay the case before you as it looks to me. Here we are, every last girl of us out of school, and doing absolutely nothing. What would we think of young men who dawdled about at this rate, contenting themselves with a little dusting, arranging a few flowers, doing a bit of embroidery now and then, and in very energetic moments painting a teacup, but chiefly being 'in society,' and not earning one square inch even of their manly clothing? Horrors! I wouldn't recognize such a ninny!"
The silenced audience looked sufficiently awe-struck to encourage Nan to continue.
"Now, are we one whit more to be envied, just because we are girls? Wake up, Bert! And now that I'm awake myself, I think I shall actually blush the next time Father pays me my allowance."
"Well, girls, Nan is in earnest," said Evelyn. "Cathy and I were almost set to thinking by her burning eloquence last night—and I can assure you she has a scheme on foot; so, as a humble champion, I request an expression from the meeting, upon certain points. Firstly, all who agree that the present state of things isn't very satisfying, will please manifest it by holding up the right hand."
Cathy's gold thimble gleamed in the air. Bert was ostensibly asleep, with her head against the pillar, but suddenly she sat erect, and said with great decision:
"I think that you are running your precious heads against a wall—and, I assure you, the wall doesn't mind it in the least. You are in the world, and you would better treat it politely or you will get roundly snubbed in return. As for me, I must meet people. Until Nan or some other philosopher offers something enticing, I remain true to the ship."
"But suppose we do offer something in its place," said Evelyn, who had rolled up her work and stuck her needle through it, as though she were fastening an idea within.
"You are not much of a sinner, so entice away," said Bert, smilingly, folding her hands.