"Ida is not really mean--she is rather
unfortunate--and I think, as she has been in Chelton so long it
would be unkind to leave her out."
"I hardly think she will come," commented Belle. "She has been
so--so snippy lately."
"Well, we'll ask her, at any rate. And, now, don't forget, we are
all to keep our costumes secret."
"Oh, won't it be jolly!" sang out Bess. "I can scarcely wait."
"And to think of having it after dark, without chaperons to look
after us!" exclaimed Belle. "I doubt if some of the stiff girls will
be allowed to come on that account."
"Then we'll have a better time without the stiffs," declared the
young hostess. "I'm sure our patronesses are protection enough, and
mother is going to delay her trip a few days on purpose to be on
hand."
"Oh, of course," Belle hurried to explain, "I think it is just
perfectly all right and delicious, but I was just speculating on the
kind who may be jealous."
"And is Paul coming?" asked Bess. She was always so self-conscious
when she asked a question like that.
"Why, of course," answered Cora, "and also his sister Hazel. I
particularly like them both, and Jack, who has met Paul, agrees that
he is a very nice young man.
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