TWO LITTLE WOMEN ON A HOLIDAY

BY

CAROLYN WELLSAuthor Of The Patty Books, The Marjorie Books, Two Little Women Series, Etc. 

FRONTISPIECE BYE. C. CASWELL

Made in the United States of America1917

TOMY VERY DEARCHILD FRIEND

FRANCES ALTHEA SPRAGUE

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

I A WONDERFUL PLAN

II A FAVOURABLE DECISION

III THE ARRIVAL

IV A MERRY QUARTETTE

V GOING ABOUT

VI A MATINEE IDOL

VII GREAT PREPARATIONS

VIII THE CALLER

IX FINE FEATHERS

X A SKATING PARTY

XI THE COLLECTIONS

XII THE LOST JEWEL

XIII SUSPICIONS

XIV AT THE TEA ROOM

XV DOLLY'S RIDE

XVI WAS IT ALICIA?

XVII A CLEVER IDEA

XVIII FOUR CELEBRATIONS

XIX ALICIA'S SECRET

XX UNCLE JEFF'S FOUR FRIENDS

CHAPTER I

A WONDERFUL PLAN

"Hello, Dolly, " said Dotty Rose, over the telephone. 

"Hello, Dot, " responded Dolly Fayre. "What you want?"

"Oh! I can't tell you this way. Come on over, just as quick as youcan. "

"But I haven't finished my Algebra, and it's nearly dinner time, anyway. "

"No it isn't, --and no matter if it is. Come on, I tell you! You'd comefast enough if you knew what it's about!"

"Tell me, then. "

"I say I can't, --over the telephone. Oh, Dolly, come on, and stopfussing!"

The telephone receiver at Dotty's end of the wire was hung up with aclick, and Dolly began to waggle her receiver hook in hope of gettingDotty back. But there was no response, so Dolly rose and went for hercoat. Flinging it round her, and not stopping to get a hat, she rannext door to Dotty Rose's house. 

It was mid January, and the six o'clock darkness was lighted only bythe street lights. Flying across the two lawns that divided thehouses, Dolly found Dotty awaiting her at the side door. 

"Hurry up in, Doll, " she cried, eagerly, "the greatest thing you everheard! Oh, the very greatest! If you only CAN! Oh, if you ONLY can!"

"Can what? Do tell me what you're talking about. " Dolly tossed hercoat on the hall rack, and followed Dotty into the Roses' living-room. There she found Dotty's parents and also Bernice Forbes and herfather. What could such a gathering mean? Dolly began to think ofschool happenings; had she cut up any mischievous pranks orinadvertently done anything wrong? What else could bring Mr. Forbes tothe Roses' on what was very evidently an important errand? For allpresent were eagerly interested, --that much was clear. Mr. And Mrs. Rose were smiling, yet shaking their heads in uncertainty; Bernice wasflushed and excited; and Mr. Forbes himself was apparently trying topersuade them to something he was proposing. 

This much Dolly gathered before she heard a word of the discussion. Then Mrs. Rose said, "Here's Dolly Fayre. You tell her about it, Mr. Forbes. "

"Oh, let me tell her, " cried Bernice. 

"No, " said Mr. Rose, "let her hear it first from your father. Yougirls can chatter afterward. "

So Mr. Forbes spoke. "My dear child, " he said to Dolly, "my Bernice isinvited to spend a week with her uncle, in New York City. She isprivileged to ask you two girls to accompany her if you care to. "

Dolly listened, without quite grasping the idea. She was slow ofthought, though far from stupid. And this was such a sudden andstartling suggestion that she couldn't quite take it in. 

"Go to New York, for a week. Oh, I couldn't. I have to go to school. "

Mrs. Rose smiled. "That's just the trouble, Dolly. Dot has to go toschool, too, --at least, she ought to. Bernice, likewise. But thisinvitation is so delightful and so unusual, that I'm thinking youthree girls ought to take advantage of it. The question is, what willyour parents say?"

"Oh, they'll never let me go!" exclaimed Dolly, decidedly. "They don'twant anything to interfere with my lessons. "

"No, and we feel the same way about Dotty. But an exceptional casemust be considered in an exceptional manner. I think your people mightbe persuaded if we go about it in the right way. "

"I don't believe so, " and Dolly looked very dubious. "Tell me moreabout it. "

"Oh, Doll, it's just gorgeous!" broke in Bernice. "Uncle Jeff, --he'sfather's brother, --wants me to spend a week with him. And he's goingto have my cousin, Alicia, there at the same time. And he wants us tobring two other girls, and Alicia can't bring one, 'cause she's atboarding school, and none of the girls can get leave, --that is, nonethat she wants. So Uncle said for me to get two, if I could, --and Iwant you and Dot. "

"A whole week in New York! Visiting!" Dolly's eyes sparkled as thetruth began to dawn on her. "Oh, I WISH I could coax Mother into it. I've never been to New York to stay any time. Only just for the day. How lovely of you, Bernie, to ask us!"

"There's no one else I'd rather have, but if you can't go, I'll haveto ask Maisie May. I must get two. "

"Are you going anyway, Dots?"

"I don't know. I want to go terribly, but I don't want to go withoutyou, Dolly. Oh, WON'T your mother let you?"

"The only way to find out is to ask her, " said Mr. Forbes, smiling. "Suppose I go over there now and ask. Shall I go alone, or take youthree chatterboxes along?"

"Oh, let us go, " and Dotty sprang up; "we can coax and you can tellabout the arrangements. "

"Very well, " agreed Mr. Forbes, "come along, then. "

So the four went across to the Fayre house, and found the rest ofDolly's family gathered in the library. 

"Here is Mr. Forbes, Daddy, " said Dolly, as they entered. 

Mr. And Mrs. Fayre and Trudy, Dolly's older sister, greeted thevisitor cordially, and looked with smiling inquiry at the eager facesof the three girls. 

Dolly went and sat on the arm of her mother's chair, and, putting anarm around her, whispered, "Oh, Mumsie, please, PLEASE do say yes! Oh, please do!"

"Yes to what?" returned Mrs. Fayre, patting her daughter's shoulder. 

"Mr. Forbes will tell you. Listen. "

"It's this way, my dear people, " began Mr. Forbes. He was a man withan impressive manner, and it seemed as if he were about to make aspeech of grave importance, as, indeed, from the girls' point of view, he was. "My brother Jefferson, who lives in New York, has invited mydaughter to spend a week in his home there. He has asked also anotherniece, Miss Alicia Steele. He wants these girl visitors to bring withthem two friends, and as Alicia does not wish to avail herself of thatprivilege, Bernice may take two with her. She wants to take Dotty andDolly. There, that's the whole story in a nutshell. The question is, may Dolly go?"

"When is this visit to be made?" asked Mrs. Fayre. 

"As soon as convenient for all concerned. My brother would like thegirls to come some day next week, and remain one week. "

"What about school?" and Mrs. Fayre looked decidedly disapproving ofthe plan. 

"That's just it!" exclaimed Dotty. "We knew you'd say that! But, Mrs. Fayre, my mother says this is the chance of a lifetime, --almost, --andwe ought, we really OUGHT to take advantage of it. "

"But to be out of school for a whole week, --and what with gettingready and getting home and settled again, it would mean more than aweek--"

"But, mother, we could make up our lessons, " pleaded Dolly, "and I DOwant to go! oh, I do want to go, just AWFULLY!"

"I should think you would, " put in Trudy. "Let her go, mother, it'llbe an education in itself, --the visit will. Why, the girls can go tothe museums and art galleries and see all sorts of things. "

"Of course we can, " said Bernice, "and my uncle has a beautiful houseand motor cars and everything!"

"That's another point, " said Mr. Fayre, gravely. "You must realise, Mr. Forbes, that my little girl is not accustomed to grandeur andwealth. I don't want her to enjoy it so much that she will come backdiscontented with her own plain home. "

"Oh, nonsense, my dear sir! A glimpse of city life and a taste offrivolity will do your girl good. Dolly is too sensible a sort to be aprey to envy or discontent. I know Dolly fairly well, and I can vouchfor her common sense!"

"So can I, " said Bernice. "Doll will enjoy everything to the limit, but it won't hurt her disposition or upset her happiness to see thesights of the city for a short time. Oh, please, Mr. Fayre, do let hergo. "

"Just as her mother thinks, " and Mr. Fayre smiled at the insistentBernice. 

"Tell me of the household, " said Mrs. Fayre. "Is your brother's wifeliving?"

"Jeff has never been married, " replied Mr. Forbes. "He is an elderlybachelor, and, I think is a bit lonely, now and then. But he is also alittle eccentric. He desires no company, usually. It is mostextraordinary that he should ask these girls. But I think he wants tosee his two nieces, and he fears he cannot entertain them pleasantlyunless they have other companions of their own age. "

"And who would look after the girls?"

"Mrs. Berry, my brother's housekeeper. She is a fine noble-hearted andcompetent woman, who has kept his house for years. I know her, and Iam perfectly willing to trust Bernice to her care. She will chaperonthe young people, for I doubt if my brother will go to many placeswith them. But he will want them to have the best possible time, andwill give them all the pleasure possible. "

"That part of it is all right, then, " smiled Mrs. Fayre; "it is, to mymind, only the loss of more than a week of the school work thatpresents the insuperable objection. "

"Oh, don't say insuperable, " urged Mr. Forbes. "Can't you bringyourself to permit that loss? As Dolly says, the girls can make uptheir lessons. "

"They can--but will they?"

"I will, mother, " cried Dolly; "I promise you I will study each daywhile I'm in New York. Then I can recite out of school hours after Iget back, and I'll get my marks all the same. "

"But, Dolly dear, you can't study while you are in New York. Therewould be too much to distract you and occupy your time. "

"Oh, no, Mrs. Fayre, " observed Bernice, "we couldn't be all the timesightseeing. I think it would be fine for all us girls to study everyday, and keep up our lessons that way. "

"It sounds well, my dear child, " and Mrs. Fayre looked doubtfully atBernice, "and I daresay you mean to do it, but I can't think you couldkeep it up. The very spirit of your life there would be all againststudy. "

"I agree with that, " said Mr. Forbes, decidedly. "I vote for the girlshaving an entire holiday. Lessons each day would spoil all their fun. "

"They couldn't do it, " Trudy said. "I know, however much they tried, they just COULDN'T study in that atmosphere. "

"Why not?" asked Bernice. "We're not young ladies, like you, Trudy. Wewon't be going to parties, and such things. We can only go to theshops and the exhibitions and for motor rides in the park and suchthings. We could study evenings, I'm sure. "

"It isn't only the lessons, " Mrs. Fayre said; "but I can't feel quitewilling to let my little girl go away for a week without me. " Herpleasant smile at Mr. Forbes robbed the words of any reflection theymight seem to cast on his brother's invitation. "I'm sure Mrs. Berrywould do all that is necessary in the way of a chaperon's duties, butthese girls are pretty young even for that. They need a parent'soversight. "

Mrs. Fayre was about to say a mother's oversight, when she rememberedthat Bernice had no mother, and changed the words accordingly. 

There was some further discussion, and then Mrs. Fayre said she musthave a little time alone to make up her mind. She knew that if Dollydid not go, Maisie May would be asked in her place, but she still feltundecided. She asked for only an hour or two to think it over, andpromised to telephone directly after dinner, and tell Mr. Forbes herfinal decision. This was the only concession she would make. If notacceptable then her answer must be no. 

"Please do not judge my wife too harshly, " said Mr. Fayre as heaccompanied Mr. Forbes and Bernice to the door. "She still looks uponDolly as her baby, and scarcely lets her out of her sight. "

"That's all right, " returned Mr. Forbes. "She's the right sort of amother for the girl. I hope she will decide to let Dolly go, but ifnot, I quite understand her hesitancy, and I respect and admire herfor it. Bernice can take somebody else, and I trust you will not tryover hard to influence Mrs. Fayre in Dolly's favour. If anythinguntoward should happen, I should never forgive myself. I would farrather the children were disappointed than to have Mrs. Fayrepersuaded against her better judgment. "

The Forbeses departed, and then Dotty Rose went home, too. 

"Oh, Dollyrinda, " she whispered as they stood in the hall, "do yous'pose your mother'll EVER say yes?"

"I don't believe so, " replied Dolly mournfully. "But, oh, Dot, how Ido want to go! Seems 'sif I never wanted anything so much in all mylife!"

"You don't want to go a bit more than I want to have you. Why, Dollops, I shan't go, if you don't. "

"Oh, yes, you will, Dotty. You must. It would be silly not to. "

"But I couldn't! I just COULDN'T. Do you s'pose I could have onesingle bit of fun going to places without you? And knowing you werehere at home, longing to be with us! No-sir-ee! I just couldn't pos-SIB-ly! So just you remember that, old girl; no Dolly, --no Dotty! Andthat's SURE!"

There was a ring in Dotty's voice that proclaimed an unshakabledetermination, and Dolly knew it. She knew that no coaxing of Berniceor even of Dolly herself, could make Dotty go without her chum. 

For chums these two were, in the deepest sense of the word. They weretogether all that was possible during their waking hours. They studiedtogether, worked and played together, and occupied together theirlittle house, built for them, and called Treasure House. 

Dolly knew she couldn't enjoy going anywhere without Dotty, and sheknew Dot felt the same way about her. But this was such a big, splendid opportunity, that she hated to have Dotty miss it, even ifshe couldn't go herself. The two girls said good-night, and Dolly wentback to her family in the library. 

"I hate terribly to disappoint you, Dolly darling, " began her mother, and the tears welled up in Dolly's blue eyes. This beginning meant anegative decision, that was self evident, but Dolly Fayre was pluckyby nature and she was not the sort that whines at disappointment. 

"All right, " she said, striving to be cheerful, and blinking her eyesquickly to keep those tears back. 

"Now, look here, Edith, " said Mr. Fayre, "I don't believe I can standthis. I don't differ with you regarding the children, but I do thinkyou might let Dolly go on this party. Even if it does take a week outof school, she'll get enough general information and experience from aweek in the city to make up. "

"That's just it, Will. But the experiences she gets there may not bethe best possible for a little girl of fifteen. "

"Oh, fifteen isn't an absolute baby. Remember, dear, Dolly is going togrow up some day, and she's getting started. "

"And another thing. I asked Mr. Forbes a few questions while you weretalking to Bernice, and it seems this other girl, the niece, Alicia, is attending a very fashionable girls' boarding school. "

"Well, what of that? You speak as if she were attending a lunaticasylum!"

"No; but can't you see if Dolly goes to stay a week with wealthyBernice Forbes and this fashionable Alicia, she'll get her head fullof all sorts of notions that don't belong there?"

"No, I won't, mother, " murmured Dolly, who, again on her mother's armchair, was looking earnestly into the maternal blue eyes, so like herown. And very lovingly Mrs. Fayre returned the gaze, for she adoredher little daughter and was actuated only by the best motives inmaking her decisions. 

"And, here's another thing, " said Dolly, "Dot won't go, if I don't. Itseems too bad to spoil HER fun. "

"Oh, yes, she will, " said Mrs. Fayre, smiling. "She would be foolishto give up her pleasure just because you can't share it. "

"Foolish or not, she won't go, " repeated Dolly. "I know my Dot, andwhen she says she won't do a thing, she just simply doesn't do it!"

"I'd be sorry to be the means of keeping Dotty at home, " and Mrs. Fayre sighed deeply. 

CHAPTER II

A FAVOURABLE DECISION

All through dinner time, Mrs. Fayre was somewhat silent, her eyesresting on Dolly with a wistful, uncertain expression. She wanted togive the child the pleasure she craved, but she had hard work to bringherself to the point of overcoming her own objections. 

At last, however, when the meal was nearly over, she smiled at herlittle daughter, and said, "All right, Dolly, you may go. "

"Oh, mother!" Dolly cried, overwhelmed with sudden delight. "Really?Oh, I am so glad! Are you sure you're willing?"

"I've persuaded myself to be willing, against my will, " returned Mrs. Fayre, whimsically. "I confess I just hate to have you go, but I can'tbear to deprive you of the pleasure trip. And, as you say, it wouldalso keep Dotty at home, and so, altogether, I think I shall have togive in. "

"Oh, you angel mother! You blessed lady! How good you are!" And Dollyflew around the table and gave her mother a hug that nearly suffocatedher. 

"There, there, Dollygirl, " said her father, "go back and finish yourpudding while we talk this over a bit. Are you sure, Edith, you arewilling? I don't want you to feel miserable and anxious all the weekDolly is cut loose from your apron string. "

"No, Will; it's all right. If you and the Roses and Trudy, here, allagree it's best for Dolly to go, it seems foolish for me to object. And it may be for her good, after all. "

"That's what I say, mother, " put in Trudy. "Doll isn't a child, exactly. She's fifteen and a half, and it will be a fine experiencefor her to see a little bit of the great world. And she couldn't do itunder better conditions than at Mr. Forbes' brother's. The Forbes' area fine family, and you know, perfectly well, there'll be nothing therethat isn't just exactly right. "

"It isn't that, Trudy. But, --oh, I don't know; I daresay I'm a foolishmother bird, afraid of her littlest fledgling. "

"You're a lovely mother-bird!" cried Dolly, "and not foolish a bit!but, oh, do decide positively, for I can't wait another minute to tellDot, if I'm going. "

"Very well, " said Mrs. Fayre, "run along and tell Dotty, and Bernice, too. "

Dolly made a jump and two hops for the telephone, and soon the wiresmust have bent under the weight of joyous exclamations. 

"Oh, Dolly, isn't it fine!"

"Oh, Dotty, it's splendid! I can hardly believe it!"

"Have you told Bernice?"

"Not yet. Had to tell you first. When do we go?"

"Next Tuesday, I think. Now, you tell Bernie, so she can write to heruncle that we accept. "

And then there was another jubilation over the telephone. 

"Fine!" cried Bernice, as she heard the news. "Lovely! I'd so muchrather have you two girls than any others. I'll write Uncle Jeff to-night that I'll bring you. And I'll come over to-morrow, and we'lldecide what clothes to take, and all that. "

Mrs. Fayre sighed, as Dolly reported this conversation. 

"You girls can't do a bit of serious study all the rest of the timebefore you go, " she said. "Now, Dolly, I'll have to ask you to do yourlessons every day, before you plan or talk over the trip at all. "

"Yes, mother, I will, " and Dolly started at once for her schoolbooks. 

It was hard work to put her mind on her studies, with the wonderfulpossibilities that lay ahead of her. But she was exceedinglyconscientious, was Dolly Fayre, and she resolutely put the subject ofthe New York visit out of her mind, and did her algebra examples withdiligence. 

Not so, Dotty Rose. After Dolly's telephone message, she flung herschoolbooks aside, with a shout of joy, and declared she couldn'tstudy that night. 

"I don't wonder, " laughed her father. "Why, Dot, you're going on averitable Fairy-tale visit. You are quite justified in being excitedover it. "

"I thought you and Dolly didn't like Bernice Forbes very much, " saidMrs. Rose. 

"We didn't use to, mother. But lately, she's been a whole lot nicer. You know Doll made her sort of popular, and after that, she helpedalong, herself, by being ever so much more pleasant and chummy with usall. She used to be stuck up and disagreeable; ostentatious aboutbeing rich, and all that. But nowadays, she's more simple, and moreagreeable every way. "

"That's nice, " observed Mr. Rose. "Forbes is not a popular man, nor avery good citizen; I mean he isn't public-spirited or generous. Buthe's a fine business man and a man of sound judgment and integrity. I'm glad you're chums with his daughter, Dotty. And you ought to havea perfectly gorgeous time on the New York visit. "

"Oh, we will, Daddy; I'm sure of that. What about clothes, Mumsie?"

"I'll have to see about that. You'll need a few new frocks, I suppose, but we can get them ready made, or get Miss Felton to come for a fewdays. There's nearly a week before you start. "

"I want some nice things, " declared Dotty. You know Bernice haswonderful clothes, and I suppose her cousin has, too. "

"Maybe your wardrobe can't be as fine as a rich man's daughter, " saidher father smiling at her, "but I hope mother will fix you up so youwon't feel ashamed of your clothes. "

"I think they'll be all right, " and Mrs. Rose nodded her head. "I'llsee Mrs. Fayre to-morrow, and we'll find out what Bernice is going totake with her. You children can't need elaborate things, but they mustbe right. "

The Rose family spent the entire evening talking over the coming trip, and when Dotty went to bed she set an alarm clock, that she might riseearly in the morning to do her lessons for the day before breakfast. She did them, too, and came to the table, smiling in triumph. 

"Did all my examples and learned my history perfectly, " she exulted. "So you see, mother, my trip won't interfere with my education!"

"Oh, you can make up your lessons, " said her father, carelessly. "Iwouldn't give much for a girl who couldn't do a few extra tasks tomake up for a grand outing such as you're to have. "

"I either!" agreed Dotty. "But the Fayres are worried to death forfear Doll will miss a lesson somewhere. "

"Dolly learns more slowly than you, " remarked her mother. "You have agift for grasping facts quickly, and a good memory to retain them. "

"You ought to be grateful for that, " said Mr. Rose. 

"I am, " returned Dotty. "When I see Dolly grubbing over her history, Ican't understand how she can be so long over it. "

"But she's better in mathematics than you are. "

"Yes, she is. She helps me a lot with the old puzzlers. She thinkswe'll study in New York. But somehow, I don't believe we will. "

"Of course, you won't, " laughed Mr. Rose. "Why, you'd be foolish to dothat. A fine opportunity has come to you girls, and I advise you tomake the most of it. See all the sights you can; go to all thepleasant places you can; and have all the fun you can cram into yourdays. Then go to sleep and rest up for the next day. "

"Good, sound advice, Dads, " said Dotty; "you're a gentleman and ascholar to look at it like that! But I don't know as we can go aboutmuch; I believe Mr. Forbes is quite an old man, and who will take usabout?"

"I thought the housekeeper would, " said Mrs. Rose. 

"I don't know at all, mother. It seems Bernie has never visited therebefore, though she has been to the house. Her uncle is queer, and whyhe wants his two nieces all of a sudden, and his two nieces' friends, nobody knows. It's sort of mysterious, I think. "

"Well, it's all right, as long as you're properly invited. It seemsstrange Bernie's cousin didn't care to take a friend. "

"Yes; I wonder what she's like. Bernice hasn't seen her since theywere little girls. She lives out in Iowa, I think. She's at school inConnecticut somewhere. It's all sort of unknown. But I like that partof it. I love new experiences. "

"I always do too, Dot, " said her father. "I reckon when you come home, you'll have lots to tell us. "

"New York isn't so strange to me, " said Dotty. "I've been there a lotof times, you know. But to go and stay in a house there, --that's thefun. It's so different from going in for a day's shopping with mother. Or the day we all went to the Hippodrome. "

"You'll probably go to the Hippodrome again, or some suchentertainment, " suggested Mrs. Rose. 

"I dunno. I imagine the old gentleman doesn't favour such gaiety. Andthe housekeeper lady will likely be too busy to do much for us. Wecan't go anywhere alone, can we?"

"I don't know, " replied Mrs. Rose. "You must be guided bycircumstances, Dotty. Whatever Mr. Forbes and Mrs. Berry say for youto do, will be all right. Make as little trouble as you can, and do asyou're told. You'll have fun enough, just being with the girls. "

"Indeed I will! Oh, I'm so glad Dolly can go. I wouldn't have stirreda step without her!"

"No, I know you wouldn't, " agreed her mother. 

Next day at school recess, Bernice showed the girls a letter she hadreceived from Alicia. 

"You know I haven't seen her in years, " Bernice said; "I think shemust be more grown up than we are, though she's only just sixteen. "

"Dearest Bernice:" the letter ran. 

"Isn't it simply screaming that we're to camp out at Uncle Jeff's! I'mwildly excited over it! Do you know why he has asked us? I'm not sure, myself, but I know there's a reason, and it's a secret. I heard auntand father talking about it when I was home at Christmas time, butwhen I drifted into the room, they shut up like clams. However, we'llhave one gay old time! Think of being in New York a whole week! Idon't want to take any of the girls from here, for fear they'd bringback tales. Don't you bring anybody you can't trust. Oh, I've laidlots of plans, but I won't tell you about them till I see you. Bringall your best clothes, and ask your father for quite a lot of money, though I suppose Uncle Jeff will give us some. I can scarcely wait forthe time to come!

 "Devotedly yours, "ALICIA. "

"What does she mean by a secret reason for your going?" asked Dolly. 

"I haven't an idea, " replied Bernice. "My father knows, though, I'mquite sure, 'cause he smiled at that part of Alicia's letter. But hewouldn't tell me. He only said, 'Oh, pshaw, nothing of anyconsequence. It's very natural that a lonely old bachelor uncle shouldwant to see his little girl nieces, and it's very kind and thoughtfulof him to ask you to bring friends. ' He says Uncle Jeff is not fond ofcompany, and spends all his time by himself. He's a scientist ornaturalist or something, and works in his study all day. So, dad says, it'll be fine for us girls to have four of us to be company for eachother. "

"It's gorgeous!" sighed Dotty, in an ecstasy of anticipation. "Butwhat does your cousin mean by bringing a lot of money? We can't dothat, --and our parents don't let us spend much money ourselves, anyway. "

"Oh, that'll be all right, " said Bernice, carelessly. "We won't needmuch money. And if we go to matinees, or anything like that, ofcourse, I'll pay, if Uncle Jeff doesn't. You two girls are my guests, you know. You needn't take any money at all. "

"All right, " said Dolly, and dismissed the subject. Money did notfigure very largely in her affairs, as, except for a small allowancefor trifles, she never handled any. Nor did Dotty, as these two werestill looked upon as children by their parents. 

But motherless Bernice bought her own clothes and paid her own bills;and so generous was her father, that there was no stint, and as aconsequence, she too, cared and thought little about money as aconsideration. 

"I'm a little scared of that Alicia person, " said Dolly to Dotty asthey walked home from school. 

"Pooh! I'm not. She's no richer than Bernie. "

"It isn't that. I'm not afraid of rich people. But she seems so grownup and--well, experienced. "

"Well, sixteen is grown up. And we're getting there, Dolly. I shallput up my hair while I'm in New York. "

"Why, Dot Rose! Really?"

"Yes, that is if Alicia does. Bernice often does, you know. "

"I know it. I'll ask mother if I may. "

"Goodness, Dolly, can't you decide a thing like that for yourself?What would your mother care?"

"I'd rather ask her, " returned the conscientious Dolly. 

Mrs. Fayre smiled when Dolly put the question. "I've been expectingthat, " she said. "You'd better do as the others do, dear. If theytwist up their pigtails, you do the same. "

"I'll show you how, " offered Trudy. "If you're going to do it, you mayas well learn a becoming fashion. "

So Trudy taught her little sister how to coil up her yellow, curly mopin a correct fashion, and very becoming it was to Dolly. 

But it made her look a year or two older than she was. 

"Oh!" exclaimed her mother, when she saw her, "Where's my baby? I'velost my little girl!"

"Just as well, " said Dolly, delighted at her achievement andpirouetting before a mirror. "it's time I began to be a little grownup, mother. "

"Yes, I suppose it is. I felt just the same when Trudy put up hercurls for the first time. I am a foolish old thing!"

"Now, don't you talk like that, " cried Dolly, "or I'll pull down myhair and wear it in tails till I'm fifty!"

"No, dear; do as you like about it. And, if you want to wear it thatway while you're in New York, do. It's all right. "

More discussions came with the new dresses. Mrs. Fayre was for keepingto the more youthful models, but Mrs. Hose felt that the girls shouldhave slightly older styles. Bernice's frocks were almost youngladyish, but those were not copied. 

Dotty and Dolly always had their things similar, different incolouring but alike in style. So their respective mothers had manyconfabs before the grave questions were settled. 

And the result was two very attractive wardrobes that were reallyright for fifteen-year-old girls. Afternoon dresses of voile or thinsilk, and one pretty party dress for each of dainty chiffon and lace. Morning frocks of linen and a tailored street suit seemed to be amplein amount and variety. 

Bernice had more and grander ones, but the two D's were entirelysatisfied, and watched the packing of their small trunks with joyfulcontentment. 

Dolly put in her diary, declaring she should write a full account ofeach day's happenings. 

"Then that'll do for me, " said Dotty. "I hate to keep a diary, andwhat would be the use? It would be exactly like yours, Doll, and I canborrow yours to read to my people after you've read it to yourfamily. "

"All right, " agreed Dolly, good-naturedly, for what pleased one girlusually suited the other. 

They didn't take their schoolbooks, for it made a heavy load, and too, all agreed that it would spoil the pleasant vacation. The girlspromised to make up the lessons on their return, and so it seemed asif nothing marred the anticipation of their splendid holiday. 

CHAPTER III

THE ARRIVAL

The girls were put on the train at Berwick and as Mrs. Berry was tomeet them at the station in New York, they were allowed to make thetrip alone. 

"I think this train ride the best part of the whole thing, " saidDolly, as she took off her coat and hung it up beside her chair. "I dolove to ride in a parlour car; I wish we were to travel in it for aweek. "

"I like it, too, " agreed Bernice. "Oh, girls, what fun we're going tohave! You won't like Uncle Jeff at first, he's awful queer; butthere's one thing sure, he'll let us do just as we like. He's verygood-natured. "

"What's Mrs. Berry like?" asked Dotty. "I suppose we'll obey her?"

"Yes, but she's good-natured, too. I can twist her round my finger. Oh, we'll have a high old time. "

"S'pose Mrs. Berry shouldn't be there to meet us when we get in, "suggested Dolly. "What then?"

"She will, of course, " said Bernice. "But if she shouldn't, if the carbroke down or anything like that, we'd take a taxicab right to thehouse. "

This sounded very grown-up and grand to the two D's, who had hadlittle experience with taxicabs, and Dotty exclaimed with glee, "I'drather do that than go in Mr. Forbes' car! What a lark it would be!Oh, Bernice, can we go somewhere in a taxicab while we're there?"

"I don't know, Dotty, --I s'pose so. But why should we? Uncle Jeff hastwo cars, and the chauffeur will take us wherever we want to go. "

"But I've never been in a taxicab, --without older people, I mean, andI'd love to try it. "

"Well, I expect you can, " returned Bernice, carelessly. "I dare sayyou can do pretty much anything you want to. "

"But do behave yourself, Dot, " cautioned Dolly; "you're so daring andventuresome, I don't know what mischief you'll get into!"

"Oh, we won't get into mischief, " laughed Bernice. "There'll be enoughfun, without doing anything we oughtn't to. "

"Of course, I won't do anything wrong, " declared Dotty, indignantly. "But there are so many things to do, it sets me crazy to think of it!"

"I'm going to buy things, " announced Bernice. "There aren't any decentshops in Berwick, and I'm going to get lots of things in the citystores. "

"We can't do that, " said Dolly, decidedly. "We haven't lots of moneylike you have, Bernie; I'm going to see things. I want to see all thepictures I possibly can. I love to look at pictures. "

"I want to go to the theatre, " and Dotty looked at Berniceinquiringly. "Will we, do you s'pose?"

"Oh, yes, Mrs. Berry will take us. Perhaps we can go to matinees, alone. "

"I don't think we ought to do that, " and Dolly looked distinctlydisapproving. 

"Oh, come now, old priggy-wig, " said Dotty, "don't be too awfully'fraidcat!"

"It will be just as Mrs. Berry says, " Bernice informed them. "Fathersaid I must obey her in everything. Uncle Jeff won't pay muchattention to what we do, but Mrs. Berry will. I wonder if Alicia willbe there when we get there. "

But Alicia wasn't. As the girls came up the stairs into the greatstation, they saw a smiling, motherly-looking lady waiting to welcomethem. 

"Here you are!" she cried, and it wasn't necessary for Bernice tointroduce her friends, except to tell which was which. 

"I feel as if I knew you, " Mrs. Berry said, and her kindly grey eyesbeamed at them both. "Now I must learn to tell you apart. Dolly withgolden hair, --Dotty with black. Is that it?"

"Is Alicia here?" asked Bernice, eagerly. 

"No; she's coming in at the other station. She won't arrive for anhour or more. Where are your checks? Let George take them. "

The footman took the checks and looked after them, while Mrs. Berrypiloted the girls to the waiting motor-car. 

It was a large and very beautiful limousine, and they all got in, andwere soon rolling up Fifth Avenue. 

"How splendid it all is!" exclaimed Dolly, looking out at the crowds. "It seems as if we must get all snarled up in the traffic, but wedon't. "

"Kirke is a very careful driver, " said Mrs. Berry, "and he understandsjust where to go. How you've grown, Bernice. I haven't seen you fortwo years, you know. "

"Yes, I have. We're all getting to be grown-ups, Mrs. Berry. Isn'tAlicia?"

"I don't know. I haven't seen her for a long time. But she's at a veryfashionable school, so I suppose she is full of notions. "

"What are notions?" asked Dolly, smiling up into the speaker's eyes. 

"Oh, notions, " and Mrs. Berry laughed, "well, it's thinking you knowit all yourself, and not being willing to listen to advice. I don'tbelieve you have notions, Dolly. "

"No, she hasn't, " said Bernice. "But Dotty and I have! However, Ipromised Dad I'd obey you, Mrs. Berry, in everything you say, so Idon't believe you'll have any trouble with us. "

"Land, no! I don't expect any. Now, let me see; I've two big rooms foryou all, with two beds in each. I suppose you'll room with yourcousin, Bernice, and these other two girls together?"

"Yes, indeed, " said Dolly, quickly, for she had no idea of roomingwith any one but Dotty. 

"That settles itself, then. "

"But suppose I don't like Alicia, " said Bernice, doubtfully. "Supposewe quarrel. "

"All right, " and Mrs. Berry nodded her head, "there are other rooms. Idon't want you to be uncomfortable in any particular. I thought you'dlike it better that way. The two rooms I've fixed for you, are two bigones on the second floor. Mine is on the same floor, in the rear. Youruncle's rooms are upon the third floor, "

"I think it sounds fine, " declared Bernice, "and I'm sure I'll get onwith Alicia, if she does have 'notions. '"

And then they reached the big house on upper Fifth Avenue, and as theyentered, Dolly felt a little appalled at the grandeur everywhere abouther. Not so Dotty. She loved elegance, and as her feet sank into thedeep soft rugs, she laughed out in sheer delight of being in suchbeautiful surroundings. Mrs. Berry took the girls at once to theirrooms, and sent the car for Alicia. 

"I'll give the front room to Dotty and Dolly, " she said to Bernice;"and you can have the other. It's quite as nice, only it looks out onthe side street, not on the Avenue. "

"That's right, Mrs. Berry. Dot and Dolly are more company than Aliciaand I are. We're really members of the family. I was so surprised atUncle Jeff's inviting us. Why did he do it, anyway?"

"Why, indeed!" said Mrs. Berry, but her expression was quizzical. "Noone can tell why Mr. Forbes does things! He is a law unto himself. Now, girls, your trunks are coming up. And here are two maids tounpack for you and put your things away. You can direct them. "

Mrs. Berry bustled away, and two neat-looking maids appeared, one ofwhom entered Bernice's room and the other attended on Dot and Dolly. 

"Which frocks shall I leave out for dinner?" the maid asked, as sheshook out and hung up the dresses in the wardrobe. 

"The blue voile for me, " replied Dolly, "and--er--what is your name?"

"Foster, miss, " and she smiled at Dolly's gentle face. 

"And the rose-coloured voile for me, " directed Dotty. "You'll find, Foster, that our frocks are pretty much alike except as to colour. "

"Yes, ma'am. And these patent leather pumps, I daresay?"

"Yes, that's right, " and Dotty flung herself into a big easy-chair andsighed in an ecstasy of delight that she really had a ladies' maid towait on her. Dolly didn't take it so easily. She wanted to look afterher own things, as she did at home. But Dotty motioned to her not todo so, lest Foster should think them inexperienced or countrified. 

Their simple belongings were soon in place, and the two D's wanderedinto Bernice's room. 

Here everything was helter-skelter. Finery was piled on beds andchairs, and hats were flung on top of one another, while shoes andveils, gloves and hair-brushes were scattered on the floor. 

"It's my fault, " laughed Bernice, "don't blame Perkins for it! I'mhunting for a bracelet, that has slipped out of my jewel case, somehow. It must be in this lot of stockings!"

It wasn't, but it turned up at last, inside of a hat, and Bernice gavea little squeal of relief. 

"That's all right, then!" she cried; "I wouldn't lose that for worlds!It's a bangle father gave me for Christmas, and it has a diamond inthe pendant. All right, Perkins, put the things away any place youlike. But save hooks and shelves enough for my cousin Alicia. She'llbe in this room with me. "

Each large room had what seemed to the two little women ample room forclothes. But Bernice had brought so much more than they did, that herthings overflowed the space provided. 

"I'll wear this to-night, for dinner, " she said, pulling out a lightgreen silk from a pile of frocks. 

"Oh, Bernie!" exclaimed Dotty; "not that! That's a party dress, isn'tit?"

"Not exactly. I've more dressy ones. But it is a little fussy for aquiet evening at home, I suppose. Well, what shall I wear?"

"This?" and Dotty picked out a simple challie. 

"Oh, gracious, no! That's a morning frock. I guess I'll stick to thegreen. Don't you think so, Perkins?"

"Yes, miss. It's a lovely gown. " The maid was interested in the girls, her life in the quiet house being usually most uneventful. This suddeninvasion of young people was welcomed by all the servants, and therewere many in Jefferson Forbes' palatial home. Mrs. Berry had engagedseveral extra ones to help with the increased work, but the two maidsassigned to the girls were trusted and tried retainers. 

And then, there was a bustle heard downstairs, a peal of laughter anda perfect flood of chatter in a high, shrill voice, and with abounding run up the staircase, Alicia burst into the room where thethree girls were. 

"Hello, Bernice, old girl!" she shouted, and flung her arms around hercousin's neck, giving her resounding smacks on her cheek. "Golly!Molly! Polly! but I'm glad to see you again! Forgotten me, have you?Take a good look! Your long lost Alicia! 'Tis really she! And lookwho's here! I'll bet a pig these two stammering, blushing young missesare the far-famed Dolly and Dotty, but which is which?"

"Guess!" said Dotty, laughing, as Dolly stood dismayed, and halffrightened at this whirlwind of a girl. 

"All right, I'll guess. Lemmesee! Dolly Fayre and Dotty Rose;--you seeI know your names. Why, the fair one is Dolly of course, and thatleaves Dotty to be you!"

"Right!" cried Dotty, and Alicia flew to her and grabbed her asenthusiastically as she had Bernice. 

"Oh, you chickabiddy!" she cried. "I foresee we shall be chums! I loveTowhead, too, but I'm a little afraid of her. See her steely blueeyes, even now, fixed on me in utter disapprobation!"

"Not at all, " said Dolly, politely, "I think you're very nice. "

The calm demureness of this speech was too much for Alicia, and shewent off in peals of laughter. 

"Oh, you're rich!" she cried; "simpully rich! WON'T we have fun! I'm'most afraid I'll love you more'n the other one--the black hairedwitch. " And then Dolly was treated to an embrace that ruffled her hairand collar and came near ruffling her temper. For Dolly didn't likesuch sudden familiarity, but her good manners kept her from showingher annoyance. 

"Oh, you don't fool me!" cried Alicia; "I know you think I'm awful!Too rambunctious and all that! But I'm used to it! At school they callme That Awful Alicia! How's that?"

"Fine, if you like it--and I believe you do!" laughed Dolly. 

"Mind reader! I say, Bernice, where am I to put my togs! You'vesquatted on every available foot of property in this room! I thoughtit was to be ours together! But every single bed in the room iscovered with your rags. I've two trunks of duds, myself. "

"Two trunks! Why did you bring so much?"

"Had to have it. There's lots of things I carry around with me besideclothes. Why, I've brought a whole chafing-dish outfit. "

"Goodness, Alicia, " exclaimed Bernice, "do you think Uncle Jeff won'tgive us enough to eat?"

"I take no chances. But it isn't that. It's thusly. Say we're out ofan evening, and on returning, are sent straight to beddy-by. Howcomforting to have the necessary for a little spread of our own! Oh, I've tried it out at school, and I can tell you there's something init. But, where, ladies and gentlemen, WHERE I ask you, can I put it?Bernice has all the places full. "

"Leave it in your trunk, " suggested Dolly, "until you want to use it. "

"Angel child!" cried Alicia. "I knew you had some brain concealedamong that mop of yellow silk floss! I'll do that same, and bethankful if my voracious cousin leaves me enough room for a few scantand skimpy clodings!"

And then, as Perkins unpacked Alicia's trunks and Foster came in tohelp, the room really seemed incapable of holding all. 

"We'd better get out, Doll, " said Dotty, laughing, as Alicia depositedan armful of petticoats and dressing jackets in her lap. 

"Oh, don't go! I want you to hold things till I find a place for them. And, say, are your own wardrobes full?"

"No!" cried Dolly. "Just the thing! Put your overflow in our room, we've less than a dozen dresses between us. "

"Goodness gracious me! Oh, you're going to buy a lot in the city, --Isee!"

"No, we're not, " said Dolly, who never sailed under false colours; "webrought all we had, all our best ones. I mean. But we don't havethings like you and Bernice. "

"You frank little bunch of honesty! Isn't she the darling! All right, neighbours, since you insist, I'll put some seventeen or twenty-fourof my Paris confections in your empty cupboards. "

Of course, Alicia was exaggerating, but she really did take half adozen frocks into the two D's room, and hung them in outspread fashionright over their best costumes. 

"And, now, since one good turn deserves another, " she rattled on, "I'll just toss my extra shoes and slippers into your lowest bureaudrawer, and my stockings into the next one. There's plenty of room. "

So there was, by crowding the contents already there. But Alicia wasso quick of motion, and so gay of speech that they couldn't refuse tolet her have her way. And, too, it seemed inevitable, for there wasn'troom for Alicia's things and Bernie's in the same room, and the D'sshelves and bureau drawers showed much vacancy. 

"Now, what do we wear this evening?" Alicia asked, tossing over herdresses. "This, let us say?" She held up a low--necked evening gown ofsilk tissue. 

"No, you goose, " said Bernice, decidedly. "Your respected uncle wouldthink you were crazy! Here, wear this. "

Bernice picked out one of the least ornate, a pretty Dresden silk, andthen the girls all began to dress for dinner. 

CHAPTER IV

A MERRY QUARTETTE

"Ready for dinner, girls?" sounded a cheery voice, and Mrs. Berry camebustling in. "Almost, aren't you? Try to remember that Mr. Forbesdoesn't like to be kept waiting. "

"I'm scared to death, " said Bernice, frankly. "I never know what tosay to Uncle Jeff, anyway, and being a guest makes it all the harder. "

"Pooh! I'm not afraid, " exclaimed Alicia. "Leave it to me. I'llengineer the conversation and all you girls need to do is to chip innow and then. "

Alicia was a tall, fair girl, larger than any of the others. She wasplump and jolly-looking, and had a breezy manner that was attractivebecause of her smiling good-natured face. She laughed a great deal, and seemed to have no lack of self-confidence and self-assurance. Herdress had many fluttering ribbons of vivid pink, and frills of lace ofan inexpensive variety. 

She led the way downstairs, calling out, "March on, march on tovictory!" and the others followed. 

The four entered the drawing-room, and found there a tall, dignifiedgentleman, in full evening dress. He had a handsome face, though atrifle stern and forbidding of expression, and his closely trimmedwhite beard was short and pointed. He had large, dark eyes, whichdarted from one girl to the other as the quartette appeared. 

"H'm, " he said, "this is Bernice; how do you do, my dear? How do youdo?"

"I'm Alicia, " announced that spry damsel, gaily, and she caught him bythe hand. 

"Yes, and very like your mother, my dear sister. Well, Alicia, if youpossess half her fine traits, you'll make a splendid woman. But Idoubt if you are very much like her except in appearance. You look tome like a flibbertigibbet, --if you know what that is. "

"Yes, and I am one, thank you, Uncle Jeff, " and Alicia laughed gaily, not at all abashed at her uncle's remark. 

"These are my two friends from Berwick, uncle, " said Bernice, introducing them. "Dolly Fayre and Dotty Rose. "

"You are welcome, my dears, " and the courteous old gentleman bowed tothem with great dignity. "I trust you can find amusement and enjoyyour visit here. Now, let us dine. "

Dolly looked curiously at her host, as he stood back, and bowed thegirls out of the room, before he followed them, but Dotty was sointerested in the surroundings that she gave no second thought to Mr. Forbes, as she passed him. 

The dining-room was a marvel of old time grandeur. Nothing was modern, but the heavy black walnut sideboard and chairs spoke of long usageand old time ways. 

Mrs. Berry did not appear at the table, and evidently was notexpected, as no place was set for her. 

Mr. Forbes sat at the head, and two girls at either side. A grave-faced, important looking butler directed the service, and two footmenassisted. Everything was of the best, and wonderfully cooked andserved, but Dolly and Dotty could scarcely eat for the novelty andinterest of the scene. 

"Come, come, Miss Fayre, eat your terrapin, " counselled Mr. Forbes, "it is not so good cold. "

"Oh, gracious, Uncle Jeff, " exclaimed the volatile Alicia, "don't callthose kids Miss! Call 'em Dotty and Dolly, do. "

"Can't remember which is which, " declared her uncle, looking at thetwo D's. "I can remember the last names, because the Fayre girl isfair, and the Rose girl is rosy. I shall call them Rosy and Fairy, Ithink. "

"All right, Mr. Forbes, " and Dolly smiled and dimpled at the prettyconceit. 

"And you two must call me something less formal, " he said. "Supposeyou call me Uncle Forbes, as you are not really my nieces. "

This seemed a fine plan and was readily adopted. 

"And now, " Mr. Forbes went on, "I don't mind confessing that I've noidea what to do with you girls. By way of entertainment, I mean. "

"Oh, Uncle Jeff, " said Bernice, "it's enough entertainment just to behere in New York for a week. Why, we will have all we can do to seethe shops and the sights--I suppose we can go around sight-seeing?"

"Bless my soul, yes. Of course you can. Go where you like. Order themotors whenever you choose. Mrs. Berry will do all you want her to;just tell her your plans. All I ask is that I shan't be troubled withyou during the day. "

"Why, uncle, " cried Alicia, "won't we see you at all in the daytime?"

"No. I am a very busy man. I cannot have my work interrupted by a packof foolish chatterers. "

"Whatever did you ask us for?" Alicia's round face wore a look ofsurprised inquiry. 

"Never you mind, miss. I had a very good reason for asking you, butone doesn't always tell his reasons. However, I expect to see youevery night at the dinner table, and for an hour or so afterward inthe drawing room. The rest of the time you must amuse yourselves. Haveyou any friends in New York, any of you?"

"I have a few, " said Dotty, as the inquiring glance turned in herdirection. 

"Invite them to the house when you choose, " said Mr. Forbes, hospitably, if curtly. 

"Oh, no, sir, " said Dotty, quickly. "They wouldn't fit in. "

Mr. Forbes chuckled. "You have a sense of the fitness of things, MissRosy. Why wouldn't they fit in?"

"Why, they're plain people. Not grand and elegant like you. "

"Oho! So I'm grand and elegant, am I? And are you grand and elegant, too?"

Dotty considered. "Yes, " she said, finally, "I am, while I'm here. I'mvery adaptable, and while I'm in New York, I mean to be just as grandand elegant as the house itself. "

Mr. Forbes burst into hearty laughter. "Good for you!" he cried. "Whenyou're in Rome do as the Romans do. And you, Fairy of the goldencurls. Are you going to be grand, also?"

"I can't, " returned Dolly, simply. "I can only be myself, wherever Iam. But I shall enjoy all the beautiful things as much as Dotty. "

Again Mr. Forbes laughed. "You're a great pair, " he said. "I'm glad Idiscovered you. And now, Bernice and Alicia, haven't you any youngfriends in town you'd like to invite to see you here? Remember thehouse is yours. "

"Oh, Uncle Jeff, " cried Alicia, "you are too good! Do you mean it? Canwe do just as we like? Invite parties, and all that?"

"Yes, indeed. Why not? Have the best time possible, and see to it thatthose two little friends of yours have a good time, too. "

"But won't you go with us anywhere?" asked Bernice; "I thought you'dtake us to see places where we can't go alone. "

"Bless my soul! Take a lot of chattering magpies sightseeing! No, notif I know it! Mrs. Berry will take you; and on a pinch, I might let mysecretary accompany you, say to see the downtown big buildings or thebright lights at night. "

"Oh, do you have a secretary?" asked Alicia. "What's he like?"

"Fenn? Oh, he's a good sort. Very dependable and really accommodating. He'll be of great help to you, I'm sure. "

"What is your business, Mr. Forbes?" asked Dolly, who was muchinterested in this strange type of man. She had never seen any onelike him, and he seemed to her a sort of fairy godfather, who wavedhis wand and gave them all sorts of wonderful gifts. 

"I haven't any business, my dear. My occupation and amusement iscollecting specimens for my collection. I am an entomologist andornithologist, if you know what those big words mean. "

"Yes, sir, I do. " And Dolly smiled back at him. "Mayn't we see yourcollection?"

"I'm not sure about that, I don't show it to everybody. It is up onthe fourth floor of this house, and no one is allowed up there unlessaccompanied by myself or Mr. Fenn. By the way, remember that, all ofyou. On no account go up to the fourth floor. Not that you'd be likelyto, for you have no call above the second floor, where your rooms are. But this is a special command. The house is yours, as I said, but thatmeans only this first floor and the one above it. "

"Goodness me, Uncle Jeff!" said Alicia, "you needn't lay down the lawso hard! We're not absolute babes, to be so strictly cautioned andforbidden! If you desire us not to go up the second flight of stairs, of course we won't. "

"That's right, my dear, don't. But I do lay it down as a law, and itis the only law I shall impose on you. Except for that you can followout your own sweet wills. "

"But, " said Dotty, her dark eyes brilliant with the excitement of theoccasion, "I'm not always sure as to what is proper. I want to do justwhat is right. Is it correct for us to go about alone, in your bigmotor, with your chauffeur? Can we go to the art galleries and theshops alone?"

"Bless my soul! I don't know. " The big man looked absolutely helpless. "Surely you must know such things yourselves. What do your mothers letyou do at home? Oh, well, if you're uncertain, ask Mrs. Berry, she'llknow. She's an all-round capable person, and she'll know all theunwritten laws about chaperonage and such things. Do as she bids you. "

This was satisfactory, and Dotty began at once to make plans for thenext day. 

"Let's go to the Metropolitan Museum first, " she said. 

"All right, " chimed in Alicia, "we'll go there in the morning, then. But to-morrow is Wednesday, and I want to go to a matinee in theafternoon. Can't we, Uncle Jeff?"

"Of course you can. Tell Fenn, he'll see about tickets for you. Justtell Mrs. Berry to see Fenn about it. "

"Oh, " sighed the outspoken Dotty, "it is just like Fairyland! TellFenn! Just as if Fenn were a magician!"

"He is, " said Mr. Forbes, smiling at her enthusiasm. "I couldn't keephouse without Fenn. He's my right hand man for everything. You girlsmustn't claim too much of his time and attention, for I keep him onthe jump most of the time myself. "

"Does your collection keep you so busy?" asked Dolly, whose secretlonging was to see that same collection, which greatly interested her. 

"Yes, indeed. There's always work to be done in connection with it. I've a lot of new specimens just arrived to-day, awaitingclassification and tabulation. "

After dinner they all returned to the drawing-room. Mr. Forbes seemeddesirous of keeping up a general conversation, but it was hard to finda subject to interest him. He would talk a few moments, and then lapseinto absent-mindedness and almost forget the girls' presence. 

At times, he would get up from his chair, and stalk up and down theroom, perhaps suddenly pausing in front of one of them, and asking adirect question. 

"How old are you?" he asked abruptly of Alicia. 

"Sixteen, " she replied. "I was sixteen last October. "

"You look like your mother at that age. She was my only sister. Shehas now been dead--"

"Ten years, " prompted Alicia. "I was a little child when she died. "

"And who looks after you now? Your father's sister, isn't it?"

"Yes, Uncle Jeff. My Aunt Nellie. But I'm at school, you know. I shallbe there the next four years, I suppose. "

"Yes, yes, to be sure. Yes, yes, of course. And you, Bernice? You haveno mother, either. But who looks after you?"

"I look after myself, Uncle. Father thinks there's no necessity for meto have a chaperon in our little home town. "

"Not a chaperon, child, but you ought to have some one to guide andteach you. "

"Dad doesn't think so. He says an American girl can take care ofherself. "

"Maybe so, maybe so. It might be a good thing for you to go to schoolwith Alicia. "

"It might be. But I like our High School at home, and we learn a lotthere. "

"But not the same kind of learning. Do they teach you manners andgeneral society instruction?"

"No, " said Bernice, smiling at thought of such things in connectionwith the Berwick school. "But my father thinks those things comenaturally to girls of good families. "

"Maybe so, maybe so. " And then Mr. Forbes again walked up and down thelong room, seemingly lost in his own thoughts. 

Dolly and Dotty felt a little uncomfortable. They wanted to makethemselves agreeable and entertaining, but their host seemedinterested exclusively in his young relatives, and they hesitated lestthey intrude. 

As it neared ten o'clock, Mr. Forbes paused in his pacing of the room, bowed to each of the four in turn, and then saying, courteously, "Ibid you goodnight, " he vanished into the hall. 

Immediately Mrs. Berry entered. It seemed a relief to see her kind, smiling face after the uncertain phases of their eccentric host. 

"Now you young people must go to bed, " the housekeeper said; "you'retired, --or ought to be. Come along. "

Not at all unwillingly they followed her upstairs, and she lookedafter their comfort in most solicitous fashion. 

After she had shown them how to ring the various bells to call themaids or to call her, in emergency, and had drawn their attention tothe ice water in thermos bottles, and told them how to adjust theventilators, she bade them good-night and went away. 

The rooms had a communicating door, and this Alicia promptly threwopen and came through into the two D's room. 

"Oh, isn't it all the greatest fun! And did you EVER see anything socrazy as Uncle Jeff? What he wants us here for, _I_ don't know! Butit's something, --and something especial. He never asked us here toamuse him! Of that I'm certain. "

"Not much he didn't!" and Bernice followed Alicia, and perched on theedge of Dolly's bed. "Isn't he queer? I didn't know he was so funny ashe is. Did you, Alicia?"

"No; I haven't seen him since I was a tiny mite. But he's all right. He knows what he's about and I don't wonder he doesn't want usbothering around if he's busy. "

"I'd love to see his collection, " said Dolly. "I'm awfully interestedin such things. "

"Oh, well, you'll probably have a chance to see it while we're here, "and Alicia began taking down her hair. "Now, girls, let's get to bed, for I'm jolly well tired out. But I foresee these poky evenings rightalong, don't you? We'll have to cram a lot of fun into our days, ifthe evenings are to be spent watching an elderly gentleman stalkingaround thus. " And then Alicia gave a very good imitation of the wayMr. Forbes walked around. She didn't ridicule him; she merelyburlesqued his manner as he paused to speak to them in his funny, abrupt way. 

"What are you, my dear?" she said, looking at Dolly. "Are you aspecimen I can use in my collection? No? Are you a fashionablebutterfly? I say, Bernice, " she suddenly broke off, "why was he socurious about the way we live at home, and who brings us up?"

"I don't know; and anyway, he knew how long our mothers have been deadand who takes care of us. Why did he ask those things over and over?"

"I think he's a bit absent-minded. Half the time he was thinking ofmatters far removed from this charming quartette of bewitchingbeauties. Well, it's up to us to make our own good time. I move wecorral the big limousine for to-morrow morning and go in search ofadventure. "

"To the Metropolitan?" suggested Dolly. 

"Yes, if you like, though I'd rather go to the shops, " and Aliciagathered up her hairpins to depart. Her long light hair hung round hershoulders, and she pushed it back as she affectionately kissed Dollyand Dotty good-night. "You are sure two darlings!" she saidemphatically. 

CHAPTER V

GOING ABOUT

Four smiling, eager girls trooped down to breakfast the next morning, and found Mrs. Berry awaiting them. She presided at the table, andthey learned that she would always do so at breakfast and luncheon, though she did not dine with them. 

"Uncle Jeff says we may go to a matinee to-day, " said Alicia, delightedly. "Will you see about the tickets, Mrs. Berry? Uncle saidMr. Fenn would get them if you asked him to. "

"Yes, my dear. And what are your plans for the morning? Do you wantthe car?"

"Yes, indeed, " said Bernice. " We're going to the Museum and I don'tknow where else. "

"To the Library, if we have time, " suggested Dolly. "I want to see allthe places of interest. "

"Places of interest never interest me, " declared Alicia. "I thinkthey're poky. "

"All right, " returned Dolly, good-naturedly, "I'll go wherever youlike. "

"Now, don't be so ready to give in, Doll, " cautioned Bernice. "Youhave as much right to your way as Alicia has to hers. "

"No, I haven't, " and Dolly smiled brightly; this is the house ofAlicia's uncle, and not mine. "

"Well, he's my uncle, too, and what I say goes, as much as Alicia'scommands. "

"There, there, girls, don't quarrel, " said Mrs. Berry, in her amiableway. "Surely you can all be suited. There are two cars, you know, andif you each want to go in a different direction, I'll call taxi-cabsfor you. "

Dolly and Dotty stared at this new lavishness, and Dotty said, quickly, "Oh, no, don't do that! We all want to be together, whereverwe go. And I think, as Dolly does, that Bernice and Alicia mustchoose, for they belong here and we're guests. "

"You're two mighty well-behaved little guests, " and Mrs. Berry beamedat them. "Well, settle it among yourselves. Now, what matinee do youwant to go to? I'll order tickets for you. "

"Will you go with us, Mrs. Berry?" asked Dolly. 

"No, child. I hope you'll let me off. You girls are old enough to goalone in the daytime, and Kirke will take you and come to fetch youhome. Now, what play?"

"I want to see 'The Lass and the Lascar'; that's a jolly thing, Ihear, " said Alicia, as no one else suggested anything. 

"Musical?" asked Bernice. 

"Yes, " said Mrs. Berry, "it's a comic opera, and a very good one. I'veseen it, and I'm sure you girls will enjoy it. I'll order seats forthat. Be sure to be home for luncheon promptly at one, so you can getready for the theatre. "

"I can't believe it all, " whispered Dotty, pinching Dolly's arm, asthey ran upstairs to prepare for their morning's trip. "Think of ourgoing to all these places in one day!"

"And six days more to come!" added Dolly. "Oh, it is too gorgeous!"

Arrayed in warm coats and furs, the laughing quartette got into thebig car, and George, the polite footman, adjusted the robes, and askedtheir destination. 

"To the Metropolitan Museum, first, " said Alicia, unselfishly. 

"Oh, " cried Dolly, with sparkling eyes, "are we really going therefirst! How good of you, Alicia!"

And from the moment they entered the vestibule of the great museum, Dolly was enthralled with what she saw. Like one in a trance, shewalked from room to room, drinking in the beauty or strangeness of theexhibits. She ignored the catalogues, merely gazing at the pictures orcurios with an absorbed attention that made her oblivious to all else. 

"Watch her, " said Alicia, nudging Dotty. "She doesn't even know whereshe is! Just now, she's back in Assyria with the people that wore thatold jewellery!"

Sure enough Dolly was staring into a case of antique bracelets andearrings of gold and jewels. She moved along the length of the case, noting each piece, and fairly sighing with admiration and wonder. 

"My gracious! isn't she the antiquarian!" exclaimed Alicia. "Lookhere, old Professor Wiseacre, what dynasty does this junk belong to?"

Dolly looked up with a vacant stare. 

"Come back to earth!" cried Alicia, shaking with laughter. "Come backto the twentieth century! We mourn our loss!"

"Yes, come back, Dollums, " said Dotty. "There are other rooms full ofstuff awaiting your approval. "

Dolly laughed. "Oh, you girls don't appreciate What you're seeing. Just think! Women wore these very things! Real, live women!"

"Well, they're not alive now, " said Bernice, "and we are. So give usthe pleasure of your company. Say, Dolly, some day you come up hereall alone by yourself, and prowl around--"

"Oh, I'd love to! I'll do just that. And then I won't feel that I'mdelaying you girls. Where do you want to go now?"

"Anywhere out of this old museum, " said Alicia, a little pettishly. "You've had your way, Dotty, now it's only fair I should have mine. We've about an hour left; let's go to the shops. "

"Yes, indeed, " and Dolly spoke emphatically. "I didn't realise that Iwas being a selfish old piggy-wig!"

"And you're not, " defended Bernice. "We all wanted to come here, but, well, you see, Dolly, you do dawdle. "

"But it's such a wonder-place!" and Dolly gazed longingly backward asthey left the antiquities. "And there are rooms we haven't even lookedinto yet. "

"Dozens of 'em, " assented Alicia. "But not this morning, mychickabiddy! I must flee to the busy marts and see what's doing in theway of tempting bargains. "

"All right, " and Dolly put her arm through Alicia's. "What are yougoing to buy?"

"Dunno, till I see something that strikes my fancy. But in the paperthis morning, I noticed a special sale of 'Pastime Toggery' atFollansbee's. Let's go there. "

"Never heard of the place, " said Dolly. "But let's go. "

"Never heard of Follansbee's! Why, it's the smartest shop in New Yorkfor sport clothes. "

"Is it? We never get sport clothes. Unless you mean middies andsweaters. My mother buys those at the department stores. "

"Oh, you can't get exclusive models there!" and Alicia's face wore areproving expression. 

"No, " said outspoken Dolly, "but we don't wear exclusive models. We'rerather inclusive, I expect. "

"You're a duck!" cried Alicia, who, though ultra-fashionable herself, liked the honesty and frankness of the two D's. 

They reached the shop in question, and the four girls went in. 

The Berwick girls were a little awed at the atmosphere of the place, but Alicia was entirely mistress of the situation. She had manycostumes and accessories shown to her, and soon became as deeplyabsorbed in their contemplation as Dolly had been in the Museumexhibits. 

"Why, for goodness' sake!" cried Bernice, at last. "Are you going tobuy out the whole shop, Alicia?"

"Why, I'm not going to buy any, " returned Alicia, looking surprised;"I'm just shopping, you know. "

"Oh, is that it? Well, let me tell you it isn't any particular fun forus to look on while you 'shop'! And, anyway, it's time to be goinghome, or we'll be late for the luncheon and for the matinee. "

"All right, I'll go now. But wait. I want to buy some little thing foryou girls, --sort of a souvenir, you know. "

"Good for you !" said Bernice, but Dolly demurred. 

"I don't think you ought to, Alicia, " she said. "I don't believe mymother would like me to take it. "

"Nonsense, Towhead! I'm just going to get trifles. Nobody could objectto my giving you a tiny token of my regard and esteem. Let me see, --how about silk sweaters? They're always handy to have in the house. "

Unheeding the girls' protestations, Alicia selected four lovelycolours, and asked the saleswoman to get the right sizes. 

Dolly's was robin's egg blue; Dotty's salmon pink; Bernice's, a deeporange, and Alicia's own was white, as she declared she already hadevery colour of the rainbow. 

Then she selected an old rose one for Mrs. Berry, getting permissionto exchange it if it should be a misfit. 

Alicia ordered the sweaters sent to her uncle's house, and the billsent to her father. This arrangement seemed perfectly satisfactory tothe shop people, and the girls set off for home. 

"I feel uncomfortable about that sweater, " announced Dolly, as theywere on their way. 

"That doesn't matter, " laughed Alicia, "so long as you don't feeluncomfortable in it! Remove that anxious scowl, my little Towhead; Ilove to give things to my friends, and you must learn to accepttrifles gracefully. "

"But it isn't a trifle, Alicia. I know mother won't like it. "

"Won't like that blue sweater! Why, it's a beauty!"

"I don't mean that. I mean she won't like for me to take it, --toaccept it from you. "

"All right; tell her you bought it yourself. "

"Tell a story about it! No, thank you. " Dolly's blue eyes fairlyflashed at the thought. 

"Well, my stars! Dolly, don't make such a fuss about it! Throw itaway, or give it to the scullery maid! You don't have to keep it!"

Clearly, Alicia was annoyed. Dolly was far from ungrateful, and shedidn't know quite what to do. 

"Of course, she'll keep it, " Dotty broke in, anxious to straightenmatters out. "She adores it, Alicia; but we girls aren't accustomed tomaking each other gifts, --at least, not expensive ones. "

"Well, you needn't make a habit of it. One sweater doesn't make asummer! I hope Mrs. Berry won't be so squeamish! If I thought shewould, I'd throw hers in the ash barrel before I'd give it to her!"

"I s'pose I was horrid about it, Alicia, " said Dolly, contritely; "Ido love it, really, you know I do; but, as Dotty says, we never givesuch gifts. Why, I can't give you anything to make up for it--"

"And I don't want you to! You little goose! But like as not, you cansometime do something for me worth more than a dozen sweaters. "

"I hope so, I'm sure. Will you tell me if I can?"

"Yes, baby-face! I declare, Dolly, it's hard to realise you're fifteenyears old! You act about twelve, --and look ten!"

"Oh, not so bad as that!" and Dolly laughed gaily. "I s'pose I do seemyounger than I am, because I've always lived in a small town. We don'tdo things like city girls. "

"'Deed we don't!" exclaimed Dotty. "I used to live in the city, andwhen I went to Berwick it was like a different world. But I've come tolike it now. "

"I like it, " said Bernice, decidedly. "I think we have a lot more funin Berwick than we could in New York. To live, I mean. Of course, thisvisit here is lovely, but it's the novelty and the strange sights thatmake it so. I wouldn't want to live in New York. "

"Neither would I, " and Dolly shook her head very positively. 

"I would, " said Alicia. "I'd just love to live here, in a house likeUncle Jeff's, and have all these cars and servants and everythingfine. "

"No, thank you, " Dolly rejoined. "It's beautiful for a week, but itmakes my head go round to think of living like this always. "

"Your head is not very securely fastened on, anyway, " and Aliciagrinned at her. "You'll lose it some day!"

"Maybe so, " smiled Dolly, affably, and then they suddenly found theywere back home. 

"Good time, girlies?" called out Mrs. Berry, as they entered. "Lunchis all ready; sit down and eat it, and get dressed for the matineeafterward, Mr. Fenn got fine seats for you, --near the front. You'lllike the play, I know. "

And like the play they did. It was a light opera, of the prettiesttype, full of lovely scenery, gay costumes and bright, catchy music. "The Lass and the Lascar" was its name, and the lass in question was acharming little girl who seemed no older than the quartettethemselves. The Lascar was a tall, handsome man, whose swarthy EastIndian effects were picturesque and attractive. He had a magnificentbaritone voice, and the girls sat breathless when he sang his splendidnumbers. All four were fond of music and even more than the gaysplendour of the show they enjoyed the voices and orchestra. 

"Isn't he wonderful!" exclaimed Alicia, as the curtain fell on thefirst act. "Oh, girls, isn't he SUPERB! I'm MADLY in love with him!"

"He has a beautiful voice, " agreed Dolly, "but I couldn't be in lovewith him! He's too, --too ferocious!"

"But that's his charm, " declared Alicia, rolling her eyes in ecstasy. "Oh, he is ideal! He's fascinating!"

The curtain rose again, and the Lascar proved even more fascinating. He was a daredevil type, as Lascars have the reputation of being, buthe was gentle and affectionate toward the Lass, who, for someinexplicable reason, scorned his advances. 

"What a FOOL she is! WHAT a fool!" Alicia whispered, as the coquettishheroine laughed at the impassioned love songs of her suitor. "I shouldfall into his arms at once!"

"Then there wouldn't be any more opera, " laughed Bernice. "That fallinto his arms is always the last episode on the stage. "

"That's so, " agreed Alicia, "but how can she flout him so? Oh, girls, isn't he the grandest man? I never saw such a handsome chap! What alovely name he has, too: Bayne Coriell! A beautiful name. "

"Good gracious, Alicia! don't rave over him like that! Somebody willhear you!"

"I don't care. I never saw any one so wonderful! I'm going to get hispicture when we go out. I suppose it's for sale in the lobby. Theyusually are. "

"Are they?" asked Dolly. "Then I want to get one of the Lass. MarieDesmond, her name is. Can I, do you think?"

"Yes, of course, Dollykins. You get that and I'll get my hero, myidol, Bayne Coriell!"

As it chanced the photographs were not on sale at the theatre, but anusher told Alicia where they could be bought, and she directed Kirketo stop there on the way home. 

She bought several different portraits of the man who had soinfatuated her and Dolly bought two photographs of Miss Desmond. Theother girls said they didn't care for any pictures, and laughed at theenthusiasm of Alicia and Dolly. 

"I want this, " Dolly defended herself, "because sometime I'm going tobe an opera singer. I did mean to sing in Grand Opera, and maybe Iwill, but if I can't do that, I'll sing in light opera, and I like tohave this picture to remind me how sweet Miss Desmond looks in thisplay. "

"Pooh, " said Alicia, "that's all very well. But I want these picturesof Bayne Coriell because he's such a glorious man! Why, he's ashandsome as Apollo. And, girls, I don't believe he's hardly any olderthan we are. "

"Oh, he must be, " returned Dotty. "Why, he's twenty-two or more, I'msure. "

"Maybe he is twenty, but not more than that. Oh, how I wish I couldmeet him! Think of the joy of talking to a man like that!"

"Well, it's not likely you'll ever meet Bayne Coriell, " said Bernice, laughing at the idea; "so you needn't hope for that!"

CHAPTER VI

A MATINEE IDOL

"Oh, Uncle Jeff, " Alicia cried, as they gathered round the dinner-table that same night, "we went to the splendidest play! It was alight opera, 'The Lass and the Lascar. ' Have you seen it?"

"No, my dear, I rarely go to the theatre; never to foolish pieces likethat! But it's all right for you young people. So you enjoyed it, didyou? How did you like--"

But Alicia's babble interrupted him. "Oh, Uncle, it was simply out ofsight! And the hero! Ah-h-h!"

Alicia leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes as if the memoryof the hero was overwhelming. 

"Took your fancy, did he?" asked her uncle, with a twinkle in his eye. "Good-looking chap?"

"Good-looking faintly expresses it!" and Alicia returned toconsciousness. "He was like a Greek god! And his CHARM! Oh, UncleJeff, he is just indescribable! I wish you could SEE him. "

"Must be a paragon! What did the rest of you girls think! Were you hitso hard?"

Dotty laughed. "He was splendid, Uncle Forbes, "she said, " but wedidn't fall so head over heels in love with him as Alicia did. He hasa stunning voice and he's a fine actor. "

"Oh, more than that!" raved Alicia. "He's a DARLING! a man of aTHOUSAND!"

"A young man?" asked Mr. Forbes. 

"Yes, " replied Bernice. "Alicia thinks he isn't twenty, but he can'tbe much more. He looked a mere boy. "

"Wasn't that because he was made up as a young character in the play?"

"Partly, " admitted Alicia. "But he's a very young man, anyway. Oh, Uncle Jeff, I'm just CRAZY over him! I think I shall go to see thatplay every chance I can possibly get. Could we go to an eveningperformance?"

"Speak for yourself, John!" cried Bernice. "I don't want to see thatplay again! I enjoyed it heaps, and I think Mr. Coriell was fine, butnext time we go I'd rather see something else. "

"So would I, " said the two D's together. 

"How can you say so!" and Alicia looked at the others in scorn. "You'll never find any actor who can hold a candle to Coriell! I havehis picture, Uncle, " and, excusing herself, she left the table to getthem. 

"H'm, yes, a good-looking man, " agreed Mr. Forbes, as he scrutinisedthe photographs. "But, Alicia, you mustn't fall in love with everyoperatic tenor you see. I believe this Coriell is a 'matinee idol, 'but don't allow him to engage your young affections. "

"Too late with your advice, Uncle Jeff!" and Alicia gazed raptly atthe pictures. "I ADORE him! and the fact that my adoration is hopelessmakes it all the more interesting. Oh, isn't he a WONDER!"

Gaily she set the pictures up in front of her, propping them onglasses or salt cellars, and continued to make mock worship at hisshrine. 

"Don't be silly, Alicia, " commented her uncle, but she only shook herhead at him, and gave a mournful sigh. 

The girls spent the evening much the same as they had done the nightbefore. They all sat in the stately drawing-room, and endeavoured tomake conversation. But Uncle Jeff was hard to talk to, for he rarelystuck to one subject for more than five minutes at a time, andabruptly interrupted the girls when they were trying their best to beentertaining. 

Alicia continued to chatter about her new-found enthusiasm, until heruncle commanded her to desist. 

"May I beg of you, Alicia, " he said, sternly, "to cease raving overthat man? He's doubtless old enough to be your father, and would bebored to death could he hear your nonsense about him!"

Alicia looked put out, but a glance at her uncle's face proved hisseriousness, and she said no more about the actor. 

The evening wore away, but it seemed to the girls as if it never wouldbe ten o'clock. And it was greatly to their relief, when, at abouthalf-past nine, Mr. Forbes bade them good-night and went off upstairs. 

"It is all the queerest performance, " said Bernice. "What in the worlddoes Uncle Jeff want of us, --I can't make out. The outlook seems to bethat we can have all the fun we want daytimes, and pay for it by theseghastly evening sessions. "

"There's something back of it all, " said Alicia, astutely. "Thisrevered uncle of ours, Bernie, has something up his sleeve. "

"I think so, too, " said Dotty. "He scrutinises us all so closely, whenhe thinks we're not looking. But I, for one, am quite willing to putup with these evenings for the sake of the fun we have in thedaytime. "

"I should say so!" agreed Dolly. "We never can thank you enough, Bern, for bringing us. "

"And I'm glad to have you here, " said Mrs. Berry, entering the room. "You're like a ray of sunshine in this dull house, --like four rays ofsunshine. "

"But WHY are we here?" insisted Alicia. "You must know why, Mrs. Berry. Do tell us. "

"You're here, my dears, because Mr. Forbes invited you. There is noother reason, --no other explanation. And now, tell me, did you likethe play?"

"Did we LIKE it!" exclaimed the volatile Alicia, "we're just crazyover it. Why, the chief actor--"

"Now, 'Licia, " protested Dolly, "if you're going to begin raving overthat man again!"

"Well, I am!" declared Alicia. "I just can't help it!"

Nor did she seem able to curb her enthusiasm, for after the girls wentto their rooms, she kept on extolling Mr. Coriell until the otherswere tired of the subject. 

And even when the D's were nearly ready for bed, and, in kimonos, werebrushing their hair, Alicia burst into their room, exclaiming, "I'vethe grandest plan! I'm going to invite Mr. Coriell to come here andcall on me!"

"Alicia Steele!" Dotty cried, "you're not going to do any such thing!"

"Yes, I am. Uncle Jeff said we could invite anybody we wanted to, --that's permission enough for me. "

"But he didn't mean some one you don't know at all, --and an actor atthat!"

"I don't care. He didn't make any exceptions, and I'm going to do it. I'm going to write the note. "

She went back to her own room, and sat down at the pretty littleescritoire that was there. 

"How shall I address him?" she asked, but more of herself than theothers. 

"Not at all!" said Dolly, and she took the pen from Alicia's fingers. "You must be crazy to think of such a thing!"

"Don't do it, Alicia, " begged Dotty; "tell her not to, Bernice. "

"I don't care what she does, " and Bernice laughed. "It's none of myaffair. I think it would be rather good fun, only I know he wouldn'tcome. "

"I think he would, " said Alicia. "Anyway, I'm going to tell him how Iadored his acting and his singing, and I guess he'll be glad to cometo call at Jefferson Forbes' house! I think I'll ask him to afternoontea. Why, it isn't such a terrible thing, as you seem to think, Dolly. Anybody has a right to write to an actor, --they expect it. He probablygets hundreds of notes every day. "

"Then he won't notice yours. He can't possibly accept a hundredinvitations. "

"Oh, they don't all invite him. Any way, I'm going to write. "

Alicia found another pen, and soon produced this effusion:

"My dear Mr. Coriell. 

"I'm just simply crazy over your performance in 'The Lass and theLascar' and I feel that I MUST meet you. I shall DIE if I don't!Please, oh, PLEASE give me an opportunity. Will you come to see me atmy uncle's house, Mr. Jefferson Forbes? Can you come to-morrow orFriday? I can't EXIST if you say No! So grant the plea of

"Your devoted admirer, "ALICIA STEELE. "

"It's perfectly horrid!" and Dolly's fair face grew flushed withanger. "You ought to be ashamed of yourself, Alicia. "

"Now, look here, Dolly Fayre, " and Alicia's eyes flashed, "I won't bedictated to by a little country ignoramus! I've had experience in theways of the world, and you haven't. Now suppose you let me alone. It'snone of your business, as you very well know. "

"Dolly was only advising you for your own good!" Dotty flashed out, indignant at the rebuff to her chum; "but, truly, Doll, it isn't up toyou to tell Alicia what to do. This is her uncle's house, not yours, and you're in no way responsible for her doings. "

"I know it, " and Dolly looked serious, "but I know, too, Alicia willbe sorry and ashamed if she sends that silly letter!"

"Let her be, then, " counselled Bernice. "If Uncle Jeff doesn't likeit, that's Alicia's affair, not ours. Leave her alone, Dolly. "

But Dolly made one more effort. 

"Listen, Alicia, " she said, pleadingly; "at least, ask Mrs. Berry'sadvice. She's awfully indulgent, you know, and if she says all right, --then go ahead. "

Alicia looked at Dolly. To tell the truth, she had misgivings herselfabout the plan, but she was too proud to be advised. 

"I'll tell you what, " she decided, at last; "you said, only to-day, Dolly, that you'd be glad to do something for me. Now, prove that youmeant it. You go and ask Mrs. Berry if we can do this. She's awfullyfond of you, and she'd say yes to you quicker'n she would to me. So, if you're so anxious for her consent, go and ask her. She's in herroom, --I just heard her go in. "

"But, Alicia, " and Dolly looked dismayed, "_I_ don't want to do thisthing! Why should I ask Mrs. Berry for what YOU want?"

"Because you said you'd be glad to do me a favour. I knew you didn'tmean it! I knew you'd fizzle out when the time came!"

"She hasn't fizzled out!" exclaimed Dotty. "Doll never breaks apromise. But, say, Alicia, I'll go and ask Mrs. Berry. How's that?"

"No, Dolly's got to go, if any one does. She said she'd love to do mea favour, now let her do it. "

It was evidently a test case with Alicia, and one glance at herdetermined face convinced Dolly, that she would never be forgiven ifshe failed to do this thing. 

"All right, " she said, slowly, "I'll go and ask Mrs. Berry. But Ishall tell her it's for you, Alicia. I shan't let her think I want toask that man here!"

"Hold on, Dolly. Don't you think it would be nice if he should come, with Mrs. Berry's permission?"

"Yes, I think that would be lots of fun; but she won't givepermission, Alicia. I know that as well as I know my own name!"

"Of course, she won't, if you go about it that way! I depend on you tocoax her or get around her some way to MAKE her say yes. See? Don'tthink that you can go in there and say 'May we?' and have her say'No, ' and let that end it! I tell you you've got to get her consent. You've got to do this for me, because you said you'd do whatever Iasked you. "

"Oh, Alicia!" and Dotty shook her head vigorously, "Doll never saidTHAT!"

"Well, she meant that. And what's the use of her doing anything I cando for myself? But you all know she's Mrs. Berry's pet of the four ofus--"

"No, I'm not, " and Dolly looked deeply troubled. 

"Yes, you are, and it's just because you're so mild and meek. Now, will you go and ask her? You'll have to be quick or she'll have goneto bed. "

"Yes, I'll go, " and Dolly showed sudden determination. 

"And will you promise to do all you can to make her say yes--"

"I'll do that, Alicia, but I can't promise to make her say yes. "

"You can if you coax her. And don't let her think it's all for mybenefit. Because it isn't. You girls will have just as much fun as Iwill, if he comes. "

Dolly twisted up her golden curls in a loose knot, and still in hertrailing dressing-gown, she went down the hall to Mrs. Berry's roomand tapped gently at the door. 

It was opened at once, and Dolly was glad to see Mrs. Berry had notyet begun her preparations for the night, so she was not disturbingher. 

"What is it, dearie?" asked the kind-hearted lady; "come in. Sitdown. "

Dolly sat down in a little rocker, and was suddenly seized with a fitof shyness. The request she had come to make seemed so impossible, that she couldn't put it into words. Mrs. Berry saw her embarrassment, and kindly strove to put her at ease. 

"How do you like my room?" she said, cordially; "you've never been inhere before. "

"It's lovely, " said Dolly, looking about at the pretty furnishings;"it's in a sort of back extension, isn't it?"

"Yes, this a narrower part of the house, and gives me an outlook onour tiny yard as well as on the side street. It's a very satisfactoryroom, except for my neighbour, " and she laughed. 

"Who is the unsatisfactory neighbour?" asked Dolly, smiling inresponse. 

"Not the people next door, they're quiet enough; but they have aparrot, and he's in the room just across from this, and he chatters sooften that it is sometimes very annoying. Look over, you can see himnow. "

Sure enough, as Dolly looked from the window, she saw a big Polly in acage at the opposite casement. Only thin lace curtains were between, and Dolly could clearly see the beautiful bird. 

"It's a lovely parrot, " she said, "but I suppose his chatter is justas bothersome as if he were a homelier bird. Well, Mrs. Berry, " andshe turned from the window, "I've come to ask you something. "

"And something that you hesitate to ask, --I can see that. But don't beafraid, dear. Tell me what it is, and if I have to refuse you, atleast I won't do it harshly. "

"I know you won't!" and Dolly felt ashamed of her fears. "Well, it'sjust this. Alicia, --that is, we're all of us just crazy over the heroin the play we saw this afternoon, and we--that is, we think it wouldbe nice if we could--if we could ask him to--to call here, on us. "

The dreaded speech was made, and though Mrs. Berry looked surprised, she didn't exclaim in horror at the idea. 

"Whose plan is this?" she asked, quietly. 

"Why, --well, --we all want it. "

"Yes, but who first thought of it?"

"Alicia spoke of it, and--the others agreed, --we all agreed, --that itwould be lots of fun, --if you approved of it. " Now Mrs. Berry couldsee a hole through a millstone, and she knew as well as if she hadbeen told, that the others had planned this thing, --probably Alicia orBernice, --and had made Dolly their spokesman, because of her good-natured acquiescence, "What do YOU think of the idea?" she said smiling. 

"At first it seemed to me a very forward thing to do, " Dolly replied, looking very sober; "but if you think it's all right, I'd like to meetMr. Coriell. You see, I'm going to be an opera singer myself, someday, and there are a few questions I'd like to ask him. "

Mrs. Berry gasped. "You do beat the dickens!" she exclaimed. "Soyou're going on the stage, are you?"

"Yes, I think so. "

"Then of course you ought to meet an actor. Tell Alicia to go aheadand ask this man. Tell her to invite him to tea on Friday. I'llarrange a pretty tea-party for you. "

"Oh, I'll tell her! She'll be SO glad!" and Dolly departed, quiteunconscious that she had unwittingly betrayed Alicia's principal partin the scheme. 

CHAPTER VII

GREAT PREPARATIONS

Demurely Dolly went back to her room. The other girls werebreathlessly awaiting her return, and pounced on her for the news. 

"At least you got back alive!" cried Dotty as she grabbed Dolly by thearms and danced her up and down the room. 

"But what did she say?" demanded Alicia, in fiery impatience. 

"Don't you wish you knew!" and Dolly fell into a teasing mood, andwhen Dolly Fayre felt like teasing, she was adept at it!

"Tell us! Tell us!" cried Bernice. "Oh, Dolly, tell us!"

"Tell you what?" asked Dolly, with an innocent stare. 

"Tell us what Mrs. Berry said. "

"Oh, she asked me how I liked her room, and she showed me the parrotnext door. It's a beautiful bird--"

"Never mind a bird! What did she say about Mr. Coriell?"

"Why, we talked about the parrot first. You see, his cage hangs in awindow right across from hers, not ten feet away--"

"Nonsense!" cried Alicia, "who cares about the parrot! Tell us aboutmy hero!"

"She says he has a dreadful voice, and squawks like fury--"

"Oh, he HASN'T! He's a wonderful singer!"

"I mean the parrot, " said Dolly, mischievously enjoying Alicia'sdisgusted look. "And she says we can ask him to tea. "

"Who? the parrot?" This from Dotty. 

"No, you silly! Mr. Coriell. But, of course, if you'd rather have theparrot--"

"Oh, Dolly, do be sensible!" and Bernice looked exasperated; "are yougoing to tell us all about it or not?"

"Not if you're so rude to me! Certainly not! You are dismissed, youtwo. Dot and I are going to bed. "

"Not much you're not!" declared Alicia. "Not till you tell us whatMrs. Berry said. "

"Then you must ask me with due politeness and proper courtesy. I can'treport to a lot of cackling geese! You're worse than parrots!"

"Please, dear, sweet Dollyrinda, what DID the lady say?" begged Dotty, in wheedling tones. 

"Ah, yes, tell us, " and Alicia took the cue. "Angel child! Beautifulblonde Towhead! what, --oh, vouchsafe to deign to tell us, WHAT did shesay?"

"Whoop it up, Dollums, " said Bernice, laughing, "out with it, youlittle rascal. Did she hold up her hands in horror?"

"She did NOT, " said Dolly, with dignity. "She said, that if Aliciachose, she might invite the gentleman to tea on Friday, and that shewould see to it that there was a nice tea-party prepared for hisbenefit. There, WHO'S a good ambassador?"

"You are! you blessed angel!" cried Alicia, warmly; "you're a wonder!a marvel! a peach! a pippin! Oh, you're just all there is of it! Didshe REALLY say that?"

"Oh, you want to know what she REALLY said, " and Dolly's head went onone side, as she began to tease again. 

"Of course, that's what she really said, " interposed Dotty, who didn'twant any more high words. "'Licia, be satisfied with that, and scootto bed. "

"Nothing of the sort. We're going to make fudge to celebrate! I toldyou I had my chafing-dish; don't you girls feel fudgy?"

"I could nibble a morsel, " Bernice said, "and not half try. How aboutyou, Dot?"

"I'm right there--with bells on!"

"Isn't it too late?" objected Dolly. 

"Now, look here, priggy-wig, " and Alicia shook a finger at her, "ifyou don't quit that spoilsporting of yours, there'll be trouble incamp! The truth is, there's not much fun in making fudge, just 'causethere's nobody to forbid it! At school, we have to do it on the sly. Here, if Mrs. Berry or Uncle Jeff knew we thought of it, they'd sendforty 'leven footmen and maids to help us!" "That's so, " laughedDolly; "I wasn't thinking of them. But isn't it time we all went tobed?"

"Of course it is, young hayseed. That's why we're staying up. Also, itmakes you so delightfully sleepy next morning! Now, do you come tothis fudge party or do you go to bed?"

"Do I come to it!" cried Dolly, in disdain. "Well, I like that! Why, your old fudge party is FOR me! I'm the heroine of the hour! Who wenton your desperate and dangerous errand, I'd like to know! Who gotpermission to invite your old Coriell man to tea? Come, now, declarethe fudge party a feast in my honour, or call it off!"

"It is! it is!" laughed Alicia. "To the victor belong the spoils. Theparty is ALL for you, and if you will accept our humble invitationcome right into our room and make yourself at home. "

So the two D's went into the other girls' room, and Alicia got out herchafing-dish set and prepared for the feast. 

"How are you going to make fudge with nothing but chocolate?" laughedDotty. 

"That's so, " said Alicia, looking blank. "I forgot I had to have milkand butter and sugar and a lot of things. Guess we can't do it. "

"Guess we can!" retorted Bernice, and she pushed a bell button. 

"Oh, Bernie!" exclaimed Dotty, "you oughtn't to call the maid so late!She'll be in bed. "

"Then she won't answer, " said Bernice, calmly. 

But in a moment a maid did come, and smilingly listened to theirrequests. 

"Some milk, please, " said Alicia, "and sugar, and butter, --"

"All the things for fudge, miss?" asked the girl, her eyes taking inthe chafing-dish. "Certainly. In a moment. "

She disappeared and the girls burst into peals of laughter. 

"It's impossible to do anything frisky here, " said Alicia, "becauseeverything we want to do, is looked on as all right!"

"Well, it isn't a dreadful thing to make fudge of an evening, " put inBernice. 

"No, " agreed Dolly, "but I wouldn't think of doing it at my house. After I'd gone to my room for the night, I mean. "

"It's a funny thing, " said Alicia, "but all the fun of it's gone now. I don't care two cents for the fudge, it's the excitement of doing itsecretly, that appeals to me. We do it at school, and we have to be sofearfully careful lest the teachers hear us. "

"I know what you mean, " said Dolly, "but I don't believe I feel thatway. I love fudge, but I'd a whole lot rather have people know we'remaking it than to do it on the sly. "

"You're a little puritan, " and Alicia flew over and kissed her. "Nowonder Mrs. Berry said yes to you, you probably made her think it wasa duty to humanity!"

When the maid returned with the trayful of things they had asked for, there was also a goodly plate of frosted cakes and a dish of fruit. 

"In case you might feel hungry, " she explained. "Mrs. Berry was sayingthe other day, how hungry young folks do be gettin'. Shall I returnfor the tray, miss?"

"No, " said Dolly, kindly. "You go to bed. We'll set the things out inthe hall, when we're finished, and you can take them away in themorning. "

"Thank you, miss, " and the maid went away, leaving the girls to theirspread. 

"I'm not going to make fudge, " said Alicia, "there's enough here toeat, without it. "

"I'll do it, then, " said Dolly. "I'm not going to make all thistrouble and then not seem to appreciate it. "

She began to cut the chocolate, and Dotty helped her. 

Alicia made the chafing-dish ready, and Bernice set out a table forthem. 

"This is splendid fudge, " Alicia remarked, as at last they satenjoying the feast. "You must give me your recipe. "

"Probably just like yours, " smiled Dolly; "but it always tastes betterif somebody else makes it. "

"Not always! It depends on WHO makes it. This is fine!"

"Even if we are not doing it on the sly? I declare, Alicia, I can'tunderstand that feeling of yours. I s'pose you don't care so muchabout Mr. Coriell, since Mrs. Berry is willing. "

"It does take the snap out of it, " Alicia admitted. "But I couldn't dothat on the sly, anyway. I mean if I had him HERE. I wish I could meethim somewhere else, --at some tearoom, or somewhere. "

"Oh, Alicia, I think you're horrid! Nice girls don't do things likethat!" Dolly's big blue eyes expressed such amazement that Alicialaughed outright. 

"You little innocent!" she cried. 

"I'd rather be innocent than ill-bred, " Dolly flashed back. 

"Well, wait till you go to boarding-school and you'll get some ofthose strait-laced notions knocked out of you. "

"I don't ever expect to go. I wouldn't like to leave home. And thatreminds me, girls, I must skip. I've got to write up my diary before Igo to bed. You do my share of the clearing up, won't you, Dot?"

"'Course I will, " and Dolly ran off to the other room while the threecleared away the party and set the tray out in the hall. 

"Is Dolly always so goody-goody?" asked Alicia. 

Dotty took the question seriously. "I shouldn't call her that, " shesaid; "but she isn't very mischievous, and she's as honest as the dayis long. She positively abhors deceit. And, somehow, Alicia, all thethings that you think are fun, are the sort of things she doesn'tstand for. That's all. Doll isn't a prig, --is she, Bernice?"

"No; she's as fond of fun as anybody. But Alicia rubs her the wrongway. "

"I don't mean to. Only I don't see any harm in pranks that SHE thinksare fearful. "

"Well, you ought to bless her for getting the Coriell matter fixed up. I don't believe Mrs. Berry would have done it for any of us. But whenDolly asked her, I s'pose she made it seem all right. "

"It IS all right, " defended Alicia. 

"Oh, I don't know, " and Bernice looked doubtful, "I don't think theFayres or Roses would like it much; I doubt if my dad would approve. But what Mrs. Berry says, goes. " "It does SO!" assented Alicia, andthen they all said good-night. 

Alicia's letter was mailed next morning and to her surprise a replyarrived about noon, brought by a messenger. It said:

My dear Miss Steele:

Your welcome invitation is here. I cannot accept for to-morrow as Ihave an important engagement then, but I will do myself the pleasureof calling upon you TO-DAY at four o'clock, and trust I may find youat home. 

 Sincerely yours, BAYNE CORIELL. 

"Oh, isn't it wonderful!" sighed Alicia. "A letter from HIM! Oh, girls, I'm so happy! How CAN I wait for four o'clock!"

She ran away to tell Mrs. Berry of the letter. 

"Very well, " said the kind-hearted woman, "it's just as well to havehim come to-day. Suppose we have tea in the small reception room, it'scosier than the drawing-room. "

"All right, " said Alicia. "Will Uncle Jeff come down, do you think?"

"I doubt it. However, I'll tell him you expect Mr. Coriell, and he cando as he likes. " Mrs. Berry had a peculiar twinkle in her eye, andAlicia noted it, and wondered what it meant. The whole affair seemedmysterious, for she had not supposed Mrs. Berry would be so ready toreceive this strange young man. 

"You think it's all right for us to receive him, don't you, Mrs. Berry?" she asked, for she began to fear lest she had been toounconventional. 

"I daresay it's all right, my dear. Of course, such things weren'tdone in my day, but young folks are different now. And Mr. Forbes saidyou girls were to do pretty much as you like. "

"Were you surprised at our asking for this?" Alicia persisted. 

"Well, yes, since you ask me, I must say I was surprised. Especiallywhen I found Dolly Fayre was the ringleader. "

"Oh, --well, --she DID ask you, didn't she? Maybe Dolly isn't such aquiet little mouse as she seems. "

"Dolly's all right, " and Mrs. Berry spoke with some asperity. "Now, I'll send tea in at quarter past four, is that your idea?"

"Oh, Mrs. Berry, won't you be present?"

"No; I have my duties, and I observe them properly, but to preside attea is not one of them. Your uncle expressly ordered that. "

"Do you mean Uncle Jeff ordered that we should receive Mr. Coriellalone?"

"Well, he didn't direct that _I_ should be there. If he wants to comedown, he will. "

"Very well, " and Alicia suddenly became dignified, "we can manage. Isuppose it will be proper to dress up a good deal?"

Again that amused smile flitted over Mrs. Berry's face. 

"As you like, " she said, indifferently. "All your frocks are pretty. "

Alicia returned to the others, and told them all the conversation. 

"I hope Uncle Forbes does come down, " said Dolly, "I think it would benicer to have him there. "

"Come, now, old mother Prim, don't throw cold water on our littleparty, " said Alicia. "You know how the conversation would run, withuncle at the helm!"

"It wouldn't run at all, " laughed Bernice, "it would stagnate!"

When the girls began to dress for the tea, there was a wide diversityof opinion as to appropriate costumes. 

"Our very best, " said Alicia decidedly. "Nothing's too good forBayne!"

"You'd better be careful, " warned Dotty, "you'll call him Bayne to hisface! You use it so much!"

"Don't care if I do!" returned Alicia, pertly. "I say, Doll, is THATyour best frock?"

"Yes, except an evening one. "

"Let's see your evening one. I'll bet it's just about right for thisafternoon. "

Dolly produced a pretty light blue affair of chiffon, and Aliciaexclaimed, "Wear that, of course. It's really no evening dress at all, but it's a very nice afternoon thing. "

Dolly looked dubious. "What are you going to wear, Dots?" she said. 

"Oh, I s'pose we might as well wear our best ones. As Alicia says, they're all right for afternoon here, though they wouldn't be inBerwick. "

"All right, " and Dolly put on her pretty fluffy dress. Very lovely shelooked, her golden curls twisted up high on her head, and held by abandeau of blue ribbon. 

Dotty's dress was yellow, and very becoming. She wore a black velvetheadband, and Alicia cried out in approval when she saw the two D'sready for inspection. 

"My!" she said, "you look better than I do! Now, I am mad!"

But her rage was only simulated, and she didn't really think what shesaid. 

She herself wore a most elaborate embroidered dress of rich pink silk. It was trimmed, too, with pearl bead fringe, and to Dolly's simpletaste it was too fussy. But Dotty admired it, and Bernice thought itwonderful. 

"It IS a good thing, " said Alicia, carelessly. "It's imported. I'venever had it on before. "

Bernice had a lovely dress of white tulle, with white satin ribbons;--lovely, that is, for evening, but too dressy for daytime. However, asthe winter dusk fell early, the lights were on, and it seemed almostlike evening. 

CHAPTER VIII

THE CALLER

The four girls, in the reception room, waited the coming of theirguest. To their surprise, Mr. Forbes came in, and looked them overwith a chuckle. 

"Well, you ARE ready for the fray, aren't you?" he said, taking intheir dressy finery and their important, self-conscious airs. 

"Yes, Uncle Jeff, " responded Alicia; "will you stay and see our youngman?"

For some unexplained reason, Uncle Jeff laughed heartily. But hechecked his merriment, and said, "No, Alicia, I fear I might intrude;I know you want to flirt with this young actor, and I'd be aspoilsport. But let me warn you to be very gentle with him. You see, he may be so overcome by this galaxy of youth and beauty that he'll beembarrassed and run away!"

"Nonsense, uncle, " said Bernice, "actors are not easily embarrassed. More likely we girls will be struck dumb at his splendour andimportance. "

"Well, tell me all about it afterward, " and still chuckling, Mr. Forbes went off. 

"What ails Uncle?" said Alicia, pettishly. "Anybody'd think he had ajoke on us. "

"No, " Dotty rejoined, "only he's sort of old, you know, and he doesn'tsee the fun in this, as we do. "

"Well, I wish the fun would hurry up! It's after four now. "

"Such people are never on time, " said Alicia, with a great air ofexperience. "He's sure to be late. Oh, there's the bell now!"

The girls, with hearts beating high, grouped themselves in apicturesque pose, which they had practised beforehand, andbreathlessly watched the doorway. 

Through it came, in a moment, a jolly-faced man, with an informalmanner and pleasant smile. 

"Hullo, girlies, " he said, "what's up? Expecting a party? Well, Iwon't keep you a minute. Where's Mr. Forbes?"

"Why, you're the party, Mr. Coriell, " said Alicia, stepping forward togreet him, and looking very coquettish as she smiled up into his face. 

"Oh, am I! all right, have it your own way, kiddies. But I can't giveyou more than ten minutes of my valuable time. What do you want?Autographs? Or tickets for a box? Speak up, now. "

"Oh, no!" exclaimed Bernice, for Alicia was speechless withdisappointment at this prosaic attitude on the part of the visitor. "We just want to--to talk to you. "

"You see, " said Dolly, frankly, "we thought you'd be--different. "

"Oh, of course you did! They always do! You wanted to see the Lascar, not plain James Brown!"

"What!" cried Alicia, hope rising in her breast that this was not thegreat actor after all, "aren't you Bayne Coriell?"

"Sure! That's my stage name, but in private life I'm James Brown, atyour service. "

"You don't even look like the Lascar!" wailed Dotty, dismayed at theturn things had taken. 

"Of course, I don't, little one. Actors on and off, are two differentpersons. Oh, I begin to see through this performance. Your uncledidn't tell you anything about me! Eh?"

"No, sir, " said Dolly, as the others were silent. "We saw you in yourplay, and we admired your work so much, that we--we--"

"Oh, the matinee idol business! Well, well! I didn't expect that. Why, kiddies, outside the theatre, I'm just a plain United States citizen. I have a daughter about the age of you girls. My Muriel is fourteen, nearly fifteen, but she's taller than any of you. Your uncle is agreat friend of mine. He was my father's chum, and he has been morethan kind to me all my life. I supposed he knew all about the letterfrom Miss Alicia, and ran around here expecting to see you and himboth. "

"That's why he chuckled at us!" and Dolly's eyes twinkled at the joke. Somehow, she seemed more at ease with the actor than the other girls. "You see, Mr. Brown, we thought you'd be more like you are on thestage. Of course we didn't expect you'd be dressed like the Lascar, or--or--made up, --isn't that what you call it? but we thought you'd bestagy and actory--"

James Brown laughed. "Everybody thinks that, or something like it, " hesaid. "Few people realise that an actor's profession is MERELY aprofession, --a business; and that we discard it out of businesshours. "

"But don't you get lots of notes from--from your audiences?" askedDotty. 

"Indeed I do. My wife looks after 'em, and most of 'em go into thetrash basket. But of course a note from Jefferson Forbes' home waswelcome, and I was glad to call on his nieces. Are you all hisnieces?"

"No, " said Alicia, who had recovered her poise, and she introduced theother girls by name. "I wrote the note, because I thought you were--"

"Because you thought I was a gay young sport, " laughed James Brown;"well, I'm sorry, for your sake, that I'm merely an uninteresting, middle-aged man, but, I doubt if your uncle would have let you sendthat note, if I had been a stranger to him. Take my advice, girls, forI know what I'm talking about, never write to an actor with whom youare not acquainted. It can never lead to any good result and mightlead to great harm. "

"Are they all bad?" asked Dolly, innocently. 

"No, indeed, far from it. But many of them are thoughtless; and, too, if a girl so far forgets the conventions as to write to a stranger, anactor often thinks he is justified in meeting her half way. And nicegirls don't write to men they don't know. The fact that a man is anactor, is no more reason to treat him informally than if he were abroker or a merchant. It is the glamour of the stage that blinds youto the proprieties. That's only natural, I know, and that's why I'mpresuming to give you this little talk for your own good. If ever youfeel moved to make advances to a matinee idol, --don't do it!"

Alicia looked decidedly chagrined and a little angry, but Mr. Brownproceeded to talk of other matters, and though it was plain to be seenhe meant the advice he had given them, all unpleasant effect wasforgotten as he began to tell them some funny anecdotes. 

And then tea was brought in, and they all grouped round the teatable, still listening to his entertaining chat. 

The actor was a good-looking man, but far from being as handsome as heappeared on the stage. His fascination and charm were evidently asmuch put on as his swarthy complexion and long black hair, which sobecame him as an East Indian. Really, his hair was ash-coloured, andhe was rather bald. 

"I expect to go on the stage, " observed Dolly, as they ate the cakesand bon-bons that accompanied the elaborate tea service. 

"You do!" exclaimed the guest. "Why?"

"Because I feel I have talent for it. Not so much as an actress, perhaps, but as a singer. What shall I do first, Mr. Brown, to preparefor the light opera stage?"

James Brown looked at her kindly. "I see you are in earnest, " he said, in a serious tone, "and so, I will treat your question practically. The first thing to do, is to finish your education, and then start ona course of voice training. By the time you have done these things, come to me again, and I will advise you further. Do you think meflippant?" he continued, as Dolly looked decidedly disappointed. "I amtelling you just the line to follow that I expect my own daughter topursue. Muriel has promise of a good singing voice. I assume you havethat hope also, otherwise you wouldn't think of a stage career. Tellyour parents what I have told you, and if they care to consult me onthe subject I shall be more than glad to meet them. "

"Good gracious! What a come down!" cried Dotty. "We thought of courseDoll could start in in the chorus at most any time, and work up. "

"That has been done successfully, " and Mr. Brown smiled, "about onetime in ten thousand. My plan is surer and better in every way. "

"Is that the way Miss Marie Desmond learned?" asked Dolly, wistfully. 

"Yes, my child. Miss Desmond worked long and faithfully before sheattained her present position. If you'd care to meet her and have alittle talk with her, I can arrange it. Suppose you all come to myhouse some afternoon, and Muriel will make a little party for you, andI'm sure I can persuade Miss Desmond to meet you for a few minutes atleast. She is not a lady easy of access, I can tell you, but she willmeet friends of mine. "

"Well, well, Jim, hobnobbing with young people, are you?" sang out ahearty voice from the hall, and Uncle Jeff came stalking into theroom. "Glad to see you, my boy. You seem to be getting on famously. "

"Yes, indeed. Your nieces and their friends are the most charmingbunch of young people I've seen in a long time. We're discussing allsorts of matters of interest. Join us in a cup of tea, won't you?"

"That's what I'm here for, " and Uncle Jeff took a seat among thegroup. "Yes, thank you, Alicia, fix me up a cup. Sugar, please, but nolemon. How's your wife, Jim? Muriel all right?"

"Yes, thank you. I'm just asking these girls to come round, say to-morrow, for a little party. Or would you rather have a box party atthe theatre?"

The girls decided in favour of the afternoon party at Mr. Brown'shome, and the matter was settled. And then, somehow, the two men fellinto conversation, which in no way interested the girls, being aboutpolitical matters and business affairs. Indeed, their very presenceseemed to be forgotten by the gentlemen. Absent-mindedly Uncle Jeffaccepted a second cup of tea, and then a third, still arguing a pointof finance with his guest. 

Alicia, in high dudgeon, made a motion to the others that they leavethe room, and Dolly nodded assent. 

So, noiselessly, the four rose from their seats, and stole out intothe hall. Mr. Brown looked up, saw them go, and waved his hand with asmile of farewell, but Uncle Jeff paid no attention, if indeed, henoticed their departure. 

"Well! of all things!" exclaimed Alicia, as they sought refuge in thelibrary, which was in the rear of the house. "I call that positivelyinsulting!"

"Now, 'Licia, " and Dotty laughed, "you know the man said he could onlygive us ten minutes of his time, and he gave us more than a half hour. I don't think we've any reason to complain. "

"Well, I do! It was a perfect fizzle, the whole thing! I'm utterlydisgusted! Matinee idol! Pooh, he's just an every-day man!"

"Well, that's just what he said he was, " rejoined Bernice, who wasalmost as much disappointed as Alicia. "But he was very kind andpleasant, I think. "

"Oh, kind enough, " and Alicia still pouted; "but I thought he would beyoung and--and sporty, you know. "

"He certainly isn't sporty! whatever he is, " said Dolly. "I think he'sawfully nice. I'm glad we're going to his daughter's party. It's fineto go to a place like that. "

"She's just a little girl, " complained Alicia. "Fourteen years old! Idon't want to go to an infant class!"

"All right, " put in Bernice, "you can stay home, then. I'm delightedto go. To think of telling the girls at home that we went to BayneCoriell's daughter's party! My, won't they think we're grand!"

"That's so, " agreed Alicia. "Not everybody could get such aninvitation. We couldn't, only that he's Uncle Jeff's friend. But I cantell you, girls, if I hadn't got up this whole scheme we wouldn't havebeen asked there. You can thank me for it. "

"Dolly, too, " said Dotty. "If she hadn't asked Mrs. Berry, he wouldn'thave come at all. "

"Yes, he would; why wouldn't he?"

"Oh, pshaw! It was all made up by Uncle Jeff. You could see that. Mrs. Berry told him, and he let us go ahead, just to have a joke on us. Mr. Brown came mostly to see Mr. Forbes, --not us. "

"You're right, you little smarty-cat, " and Alicia smiled at the astuteDotty. "And I do believe Uncle Jeff meant to give us a lesson aboutwriting to actors. I thought it was queer he took it so easily, --andMrs. Berry too. They played right into our hands. They wouldn't havedone that if the actor person had been a stranger. "

"Of course they wouldn't, " and Dotty wagged her head. "I felt surethere was some reason why Mrs. Berry said yes to Doll so easily. But Ididn't think Coriell Bayne, or whatever his name is, was old enough tobe Uncle Forbes' chum. "

"He isn't exactly, " said Dolly; "that is, he said his father and Mr. Forbes were friends. I suppose the son carried on the friendship. "

"He looks as old as my father, --off the stage, " said Bernice; "but onit, he might be my father's son!"

"You can't tell a thing about actors!" declared Alicia. "If ever Ithink another one is handsome and fascinating, I'll remember JamesBayne, and know he's nothing but an old fogy!"

"Oh, I don't call Mr. Brown an old fogy, " defended Dotty. "I thinkhe's interesting and pleasant; just about like my father, or yours, Doll. "

"He's not a bit like our fathers, though he doesn't look much younger. Anyway, I'm glad I've met him, but he did give me a setback about mycareer. "

"Is that a real stunt, Dolly?" and Alicia looked at her curiously. "Doyou really want to go on the stage? It doesn't seem like you. "

"Yes, I do, or at least, I did, until Mr. Brown said what he did. Idon't know as I want to devote my whole life to getting ready for astage career. I'm going to think it over and see about it. "

"You funny little thing! I hope you'll decide to do it, and in aboutten or twenty years, when I'm an old married woman, I'll come to yourfirst performance. "

"Whose performance? Who's stage struck?" asked Uncle Jeff, walking inat the door. He had a way of appearing unexpectedly. 

"Dolly, " answered Alicia. "She wants to be a prima donna. "

"Bless my soul!" exclaimed the old man, "why, one reason I had JimBrown here to-day, was to knock such foolishness out of your heads. "

"And he did his part all right, Uncle Forbes, " said Dolly, lookingserious, "but I don't quite take the knocking. At least, I haven'tdecided what I'll do about it. "

"Oho, you haven't, haven't you?" and the old man raised his shaggyeyebrows. "Well, Alicia, how did you like your handsome, fascinating, young man?"

Alicia had quite recovered her good humour, and she replied, laughingly, "Oh, except that he isn't very young or handsome orfascinating, I liked him pretty well. "

"You're a good girl, " pronounced her uncle. "I thought maybe you'dresent the little trick I played on you. But when you raved over thehandsome hero, and the Greek god effects of him, I couldn't refrainfrom showing you how deceitful appearances may be. Jim's a fine chap, not at all a silly flirt, and his daughter is a lovely young girl, alittle older than you girls--"

"Why, Uncle Jeff, Mr. Brown says she's younger, he said Muriel is notyet fifteen. "

"Bless me! is that so? Well, he must know. But I can tell you, sheseems as old or older than any of you. I suppose because she's beenbrought up among stage people. But a mighty nice girl, all the same. And Mrs. Brown is a delightful woman. All nice people. I'm glad heasked you to his home. It'll be a rare treat for you. "

"When is it to be, to-morrow?" asked Dotty. 

"We don't know yet. When Brown went away he said he'd consult his wifeand daughter and telephone us about it. I fancy they'll make quite anaffair of it. See here, have you all proper frocks to wear? I don'twant my girls less well dressed than the others there. And I have asneaking notion these are your best clothes. " Uncle Jeff's eyestwinkled as he glanced at their dresses. "Anyway, I'd like to giveeach of you a new frock. Go to-morrow morning and get them. "

And having given the order, Uncle Jeff stalked away. 

CHAPTER IX

FINE FEATHERS

Isn't he the funniest and the very dearest old thing in the world!"said Alicia, in a whisper, as Mr. Forbes disappeared. "I've got loadsof clothes, but I'm glad to have him give me a dress, for I'll warrantit'll be about the best money can buy. "

"Let's get the best New York can show us, " chimed in Bernice. 

"I can't do it, " said Dolly, decidedly. "My mother wouldn't like me toaccept a dress from Mr. Forbes. "

"Oh, fiddlesticks, Dollyrinda!" said Dotty, "it's not charity. Mymother wouldn't let me either, ordinarily speaking, but this isdifferent. "

"How is it different?"

"Why, Mr. Forbes doesn't look on it as giving as clothes because we'repoor--"

"He does so, Dot! You can't fool me! He knows that Alicia and Berniecan afford grand clothes and we can't, and so he gives us each a dressto make it easy for us to take them. "

Now, Alicia privately thought this was just about the truth, butBernice thought differently; "Rubbish!" she cried. "Uncle Jeff doesn'tthink anything of the sort! He's so kind-hearted, he wants us all tohave things nice, and he doesn't even think about whether it wouldhurt our feelings or not. Why, Dolly, the price of a dress is no moreto him, than a glass of soda water would be to us. "

"I know that's so, " and Dolly's blue eyes looked very troubled, "butit isn't nice to take clothing from anybody but your own people. "

"But Dolly, " argued Alicia, "if you kick up a bobbery, and refuse totake this kind offer, then we'll all have to do the same, and youdeprive us all of the pretty presents. "

"Oh, Alicia, I'd be sorry to do that!"

"Well, that's what it would amount to. Now, be sensible, and go withus to-morrow, and we'll all get lovely dresses, and it will pleaseUncle Jeff. I know he'd be hurt and offended, if you refused, Dolly. "

"I'll see about it; I'll think it over, " and that was all Dolly wouldsay about it then. 

But next morning, Mrs. Berry informed them that they were asked to anAt Home at Mrs. Brown's that afternoon, from four till seven, and shefurther said that of her knowledge, it would be an occasion where thenicest possible apparel would be required. 

"Gorgeous!" cried Alicia; "Uncle Jeff told us yesterday, we could getnew frocks as presents from him. We can get them at Follansbee's, andif they need alteration, they'll do it for us at once, as the case isso especial. "

Dolly's objections were overruled, even Mrs. Berry siding with theother girls. 

"Yes, indeed, Dolly, " she said; "you will spoil the pleasure of theothers if you refuse to do as they do. And it would grieve Mr. Forbesif he thought you didn't appreciate or accept his kind offer. Runalong, girls, all of you, and get your hats and coats, the car will behere in a few minutes. "

"Won't you go with us, Mrs. Berry, " asked Dolly, "to help pick themout? We don't know about these things as well as some one who lives inthe city. "

"No, dearies. But you won't have any trouble Just ask for Mrs. Baxterat Follansbee's and her judgment will be the right thing. Be sure totake what she advises. She'll know. "

In gay spirits the quartette started off, Dolly joining in the generalenthusiasm, for having decided to do as the others did, she had nowish to hesitate further. 

Mrs. Baxter was more than pleased to advise and suggest to JeffersonForbes' relatives, and she had her assistants bring out dozens offrocks for inspection. 

At last, after much discussion and trying on, the four were selectedand were promised for two o'clock that afternoon. What slightalterations were necessary could be done in that time, and there wouldbe no doubt of prompt delivery. 

The dresses were absolutely unlike any the girls had ever ownedbefore. They were all imported models, and though of finest materials, were simple in fabric and design. Yet they had an air and an effectnever achieved by a village dressmaker or a department store. 

Dolly's was of fine white net, frilled with delicate lace, and adornedwith tiny rosebud garlands, and knots of pale blue velvet. 

Dotty's, of apricot pink crepe, with hints of silver lace peepingthrough its chiffon draperies. Alicia's was corn-coloured crepe dechine with cherry velvet decorations, and Bernice rejoiced in a whiteembroidered net, made up over green silk. 

All had that indefinable charm which betokens the genius of a greatmodiste, and the girls were enchanted with the wonderful robes. 

"But what awful prices!" said Dolly, as they drove away from the shop. "I'm sure mother will be displeased. I feel awfully about it. "

"Now, Doll, " said Dotty, sensibly, "you can't help it now. So don'tlet it spoil your pleasure and ours too. When we get home you can tellyour mother just how it was. I'll tell her too, and I'm sure she'llsee that you couldn't do anything else than get the frock, or kick upa terrible bobbery!"

This was common sense, as Dotty's remarks often were, so Dollyaccepted the situation, and made the best of it. 

And that afternoon, when they were all arrayed in the new frocks, andpresented themselves to Uncle Jeff for inspection, his approval was sohearty, that Dolly was very glad she hadn't put a damper on the wholething by remaining obstinate. 

"You are visions of beauty, " he declared, as he looked at each inturn. "Madame Who-ever-it-was, turned you out remarkably well. I don'tknow much about feminine millinery, but I've a general idea of thefitness of things. And I'll bet a thousand dollars that these affairsare in better taste than the rigs you had on yesterday, though thosewere far gayer. "

"You do know a lot about it, Uncle, " said Bernice. "These are wayahead of our best dresses, but it's because they came from a highclass shop. And when you get the bill you'll open your eyes!"

"That's all right, Bernie. I'm an old bachelor, you know, and neverbefore have I had the privilege of buying dresses for anybody. I'mdownright glad if you girls are pleased with these, and I'm downrightproud of the little cavalcade setting forth from my house. "

The courteous old gentleman made a profound bow and the girlscurtseyed in response. Then off they went to the party. 

As Mrs. Berry had foretold, fine clothes were the order of the day atthe Brown house. Everything was as formal as a grown-up affair. Thegirls were ushered to a dressing-room to take off their wraps, andthen at the drawing-room door, their names were announced by animposing-looking personage in livery, and they were swept along intothe room, by the crush of others behind them. 

Mrs. Brown and her daughter were receiving, and they greeted eacharrival with gay banter and smiles. 

"Ah, my dears, how do you do?" said Mrs. Brown to our girls. "I am soglad to welcome Mr. Forbes' young people. Muriel, dear, these are thegirls daddy told you about last night. 'Member?"

"'Course I do. Aw'fly jolly to have you here. Sweet of you to come. Wish I could chin-chin more, but I'll see you after the rush is over. "

They passed in line, saying scarce a word beyond a mere greeting, andfollowing the example of their predecessors they took seats in whatseemed to be a large auditorium. A curtained stage faced them, andthey looked about at the fast gathering audience. It was a merry crowdof young people all laughing and chattering, and all arrayed inbeautiful clothes after the order of those the girls wore themselves. There were many boys present, too, and they moved easily about, jokingwith their friends here and there. Presently two boys drifted towardour quartette, and one of them said, "What'll be the show, do youknow?"

"No, " said Dotty, her black eyes dancing with the excitement of thescene; "what do you guess?"

"Dunno. Last time they had minstrels, and the time before, amagicker. "

"Legerdemain?"

"Yes; rabbits out of hats, and that sort. Can't we sit here? Engaged?"

"No, " and Dotty smiled as she looked toward the other girls for theirconsent. 

"Oh, let us stay, " said the other boy, in a wheedling voice. "We'll beawfully good, --so good you won't know us. "

"We don't know you, anyway, " laughed Alicia, and the first boyresponded, "Sure enough. Roof's the introduction, you know, but I'lladd that this marvellously handsome companion of mine is one GeordieKnapp, and I'm Ted Hosmer, very much at your service. "

"Well, " said Alicia, "we're Miss Forbes, Miss Fayre, Miss Rose andMiss Steele. Shall I tell you which is which, or let you guess?"

"Let us Sherlock it out!" exclaimed Geordie Knapp. "I know you're MissSteele because you mentioned yourself last. '"

"Right!" and Dotty clapped her hands in admiration of his quickness. "Now, which am I?"

"Rosy Posy!" declared Ted Hosmer, little thinking he had guessedcorrectly, but saying so because of Dotty's pink cheeks. 

"Yes, sir! you ARE a Sherlock Holmes. Now which is Miss Forbes?"

"I'm not going to guess any more, I'll spoil my record, " and Tedlooked uncertainly from Dolly to Bernice. "But as you two are namedForbes and Fayre, I'll call you both Miss F. , and so be sure of you. "

And then the curtain began to rise, and the young people becamesilent. 

The entertainment was very amusing, being entirely in pantomime, andperformed by exceedingly clever actors. 

The story depicted was funny, and the antics of the performers werenovel and humorous, and the room resounded with laughter from theappreciative audience. There were about a hundred young people presentyet the large room was only partly filled. Dolly concluded, as shelooked about, that it was a sort of small theatre where Mr. Brownrehearsed his own plays. In this she was partly right, although it hadbeen built more for entertainment of the actor's guests. James Brown, or Bayne Coriell, as he was more often called, stood very high in hisprofession, and had hosts of friends and acquaintances. His wife waspopular, too, and Muriel was just beginning to take her place insociety. 

After the pantomime was over, two celebrated dancers gave anexhibition of their skill, and then Miss Marie Desmond appeared andsang two of her songs from "The Lass and the Lascar. "

Dolly was enthralled. She sat, listening to every note, and admiringthe graceful manner and deportment of Miss Desmond as well as enjoyingher music. 

"Well, you seemed to care for that, Miss F. , " said Ted Hosmer. "Youdidn't move an eyelash while Marie was on!"

"Oh, I did enjoy it!" and Dolly's eyes shone with delight. "Isn't shea splendid singer!"

"Top notch! I like her lots. Hello, here's our charming hostess. "

The programme was over now, and Muriel Brown sought out the Forbesparty to invite them to the refreshment room. 

"I feel that I know you, " she laughed, "from Dad's description. Hesays the fair girl is Miss Fayre, and the rosy girl, Miss Rose. "

"Oh, that's it, is it?" cried Ted; "then this is Miss Forbes, and nowall the problems are solved!" He looked at Bernice, who acknowledgedthe fact, and then Muriel was pounced upon by a rush of young people, and literally carried away. 

"Great girl, Muriel, " said young Hosmer. "Never saw such a favourite. I say, mayn't we take you girls to the supper room? Or don't you eat?"

"Indeed we do, " said Alicia, laughing, "but I may as well own up I'mso interested in looking about me, I'm not conscious of hunger. "

"Well, come ahead to the dining-room, and you can eat and look aboutat the same time. I'll corral a couple more henchmen to help in yourservices and we'll flock by ourselves. "

Geordie whistled to a couple of his chums, whom he presented as MarlyTurner and Sam Graves. 

"Now, " went on Geordie, who was a born manager, "we're eight of us, --that's enough for a table to our own selves. Nail one, Samivel. "

The way to the dining-room lay through a crush of guests, every one, it seemed, headed in a different direction. 

"Why don't they all go one way?" asked Dotty, "Few of 'em eat, " replied Ted. "Most of 'em going on. But the food'salways fine here, and anyway you girls want to see the dining-room ifyou've never been here before. It's a whole show. "

It was. The splendid great room, with vaulted ceiling, represented anold English hall. There was a raised platform across the end and agallery on either side. Fine paintings and tapestries adorned thewalls, and a multitude of small tables offered places for all whochose to sit at them. 

"Here we are, " and the boys decided on a table in a desirableposition, from which the girls could see the gay scene. "Now for somesupper. "

Obsequious waiters appeared and soon the party was served with viandsfit for a king. 

"Told you so, " said Ted. "Trust the Coriell bunch to give you eatsworth-while. Oh, I guess yes!"

"But it's getting so late, " sighed Dolly, as she caught sight of anold English clock that hung near by. "And Mr. Brown promised me Icould speak to Miss Desmond. I'm afraid she'll be gone. "

"'Fraid she's gone now, " said Ted. "But I'll flee and discover. "

He left them and threaded his way among the crowd. 

"Here we are!" he cried gaily, as he returned, bringing the lady inquestion. "Just caught her on the fly. Trust little Teddums to get youwhat you want, Miss Fair Dolly. "

Marie Desmond greeted the girls as Ted named them. 

"You lovely kiddies!" she cried. "What a delectable bunch! I could eatyou all up. And your frocks! Paris! I know; you needn't tell ME! Areyou all sisters? Oh, no, I remember now; you have variegated names. Which one of you wanted to talk to me? I've a whole minute to spare!Never say I'M not a lady of leisure!"

"I'm the one, " said Dolly, her eyes fixed on the lovely, laughing faceof the actress. "But a minute is no good, thank you. I want to talk toyou about a whole day!"

"Oh, I DO wish we could manage it, " and Miss Desmond appeared to thinkthat was the one thing on earth she desired. But Dolly noted herwandering attention, and was not surprised when she left them assuddenly as she had come, and with a fleeting, smiling good-bye. 

"Oh, isn't she exquisite!" breathed Dolly, her eyes on thedisappearing figure. 

"You bet she is!" assented Marly Turner. "And it's a wonder she took astep out of her way to speak to us kids. But friends of Coriell, --ofcourse. "

"Is she so very busy?" asked Dolly her eyes wide with interest. 

"Well, she's a society belle as well as a popular actress. So, Is'pose, she has more or less on all the time. There's no time for muchof anything in New York. I say, can't us fellows come to see yougirls? When? Where?"

"I don't know, " said Dolly, mindful of the Coriell episode. "I'm notgoing to say yes till I know what's right. I'll ask Uncle Forbes. "

"Do. Here's a telephone call that'll reach us. Let us come soon. " Andthen Mrs. Brown appeared, spoke a few words to the girls, and the hoyswith them, and in a moment everybody was going home. Our girlsfollowed the example set them, said their good-byes, went to thecloak-room for their wraps, and bade the footman at the door call theForbes car. 

CHAPTER X

A SKATING PARTY

That evening, in the drawing-room, Mr. Forbes questioned the girlsrather closely as to their enjoyment of the party at the Browns'. 

"I liked it, " said Dolly, "but it was queer, --that's what it was, --queer. The idea of just seeing a performance on the stage, and thenrushing through a very fancy supper, and then scooting for home as ifthe house was on fire!--that's not my idea of a party!"

Uncle Jeff laughed. "And you, Dotty, " he said, "how did it strikeyou?"

"I adored it! Everybody was so gay and smartly dressed and quick-spoken, --I do like to hear people say things fast. "

"How queer you are!" exclaimed Bernice; "why do you like to hearpeople talk fast?"

"Not talk fast exactly, but say things suddenly, funny things, Imean. "

"I understand, " said Mr. Forbes; "you mean bright at repartee andquick-witted. "

"Yes, sir, that's just what I do mean. And everything was so wellplanned and well arranged, --oh, I enjoyed every minute of it. "

"Well, I didn't, " said Bernice. "I'd rather go to a regular party, where they play games and dance and act sociable. "

"Why, the people were sociable enough, " put in Alicia. "I'm like Dot, I thought it was lovely! Muriel is as pretty as a picture--"

"She scarcely said three words to us!" complained Bernice. 

"She couldn't help that. There were so many guests, that she hadn'ttime to more than speak a minute or two with each one of them. "

"I like Berwick parties better, " persisted Bernice. "There we all knoweach other--"

"But, Bernie, " said Dolly, laughing, "all the people at this partyknew each other, --nearly. We were strangers, of course, but the restseemed to be well acquainted with Muriel. "

"And I thought the party was to be for us, " went on Bernice, "and Ithought we'd be introduced to everybody, and be--well, be SOMEBODY, you know. "

"Oho! you wanted to be honoured and lionised!" and Uncle Jeff's eyestwinkled. 

"Not exactly. But I understood from Mr. Brown that the whole affairwas gotten up for us, and so I think we ought to have been noticedmore. Why, the boys just scraped acquaintance with us, and even had toask our names!"

"That's the way they do at large parties, Bernie, " said her uncle. "You are supposed to talk to any of the other guests withoutintroduction. "

"Well, it's no sort of a way! They were awfully nice boys, but I don'tsuppose we'll ever see them again. "

"Oh, yes, we will, " said Dolly. "They asked to call on us, and I saidI'd ask you, Uncle Forbes. Would it be all right?"

"Bless my soul, Dolly! I don't know. I've so little knowledge ofetiquette for young people. Ask Mrs. Berry, whatever she says, you maydo. Who are the boys? Hosmer? Knapp? Oh, they're all right. I know thefamilies. But as to their calling, put it up to Mrs. Berry. And, bythe way, how'd you girls like to have a party, a real one?"

"Like the one we went to to-day?" asked Bernice, doubtfully. "I don'tcare much about it. "

"Well, have some other kind. There must be other ways of entertaining. What would you like, Bernice?"

"I'd like a little party, --but I suppose that would have to be formal, too. "

"Oh, gracious, you old hayseed!" exclaimed Alicia. "You go back to thecountry! I'd love to have a party, Uncle, the biggest and grandestthere is! Muriel Brown would invite the people for us, I'm sure. Oh, it would be just heavenly! We'd have an orchestra, and a midnightsupper, and--oh, and everything!"

"Hold on, my child, don't go too fast! We'll only have what you allagree on. Come, two D's, what do you say?"

"We oughtn't to say, " laughed Dolly. "It's for your nieces to choose. And anyway, Dot and I like everything, and we'd enjoy any kind of aparty--or no party at all. "

"You've a nice disposition, " said Mr. Forbes, looking at her. "Don'tyou ever lose your temper?"

"She hasn't any to lose!" Dotty answered for her. "In fact, she's tooawfully good-natured for any use! But she has other faults. She's asstubborn as a perfectly good mule! Aren't you, Dollums?"

"I s'pect I am, " and the golden head nodded. "But only when I careenough to be stubborn. As to this party, I don't care what sort it is, 'cause I know it will be lovely, anyway. That is, if we have it. Butseems to me invitations for a big affair ought to be sent out severaldays in advance, and we'll be going home the middle of next week. "

"Why, you've only just got here!" said Mr. Forbes. 

"Well, it's Friday night now, and we came last Wednesday for a week. So, if we go home next Wednesday, that party would have to be in threeor four days, and that's a short time. "

"Of course, " agreed Alicia. "We couldn't give a big party on suchshort notice. "

"That's easily arranged, " and Mr. Forbes laughed; "stay another week. "

"Oh, I couldn't, " cried Dolly. "My mother wouldn't hear of such athing. The other girls can, though. "

"I wouldn't if Doll didn't, " declared Dotty. "But Bernie and Aliciacould stay. "

"So we could, " said Bernice. "My father will let me stay as long asUncle Jeff wants me. "

"I can stay, too, " said Alicia, "But it's lots more fun to have youother girls with us. "

"We'll see about all that, " and Mr. Forbes dismissed the subject. 

A footman came in to say that Miss Fayre was wanted on the telephone. 

"Oh!" cried Dolly, her face turning white, "do you suppose any thing'swrong at home? Mother had a cold; maybe it's developed intopneumonia!"

"Nonsense, child; don't borrow trouble. Probably it's nothing of thesort, "

"Isn't that Dolly all over?" said Alicia, after Dolly had left theroom. "She always thinks the worst there is to think!"

"Maybe she's right, " said Dotty. "Mrs. Fayre does have awful colds, --hark, I hear Dolly laughing! It's all right!"

They all listened, and they heard Dolly say, "Oh, perfectly splendid!I'd just love it!--Thank you!--Yes, indeed!--I'm 'most sure--oh, delightful!--Well, I'll ask her--Fine!--Yes, yes, --just wait aminute, --I'll ask her now--hold the wire. "

Followed a whispered conversation, and the girls caught the sound ofMrs. Berry's voice. 

Unable to restrain their curiosity longer, the three rushed out to thehall and saw Dolly, her hand over the transmitter, talking to Mrs. Berry. 

"What is it? Tell us all!" cried Bernice, and Alicia crowded close tolisten. 

"Oh, girls, " and Dolly beamed at them, "it's the loveliest invitation!Marly Turner wants us to go, to a skating party to-morrow afternoon atSt. Valentine's rink! And Mrs. Berry says it will be all right for usto go. Yes, " she continued, speaking into the telephone. "Yes, we cango. And we're all most happy to accept. What time?"

"Four o'clock, " came the answer. "Meet our crowd at the rink. So gladyou can come. "

"So are we, " returned Dolly, "and thank you, ever so much. Good-bye. "

"Good-bye, " said Turner, and Dolly hung up the receiver. 

"Tell us more, " cried Alicia. "What did you hang up so soon for? Whydidn't you let US talk to him? What an old selfish you are!"

"I couldn't, Alicia, " and Dolly looked hurt. "I knew from his mannerand speech that he only; wanted a reply to his invitation, and Iwasn't expected to say more. "

"But why did he ask for you?" grumbled Alicia; "why not for me?"

"I don't know, I'm sure, " and Dolly laughed; "he did, that's all. Let's go and tell Uncle Forbes about it. "

"All right, girls; all right. Glad you're going. Have a good time. Marly Turner? Yes, yes, son of the Bayard Turners. Nice boy. His crowdwill be all right. Can you all skate? Did you bring your skates? Ifnot, get some. Get whatever you want. Look as good as the rest. Good-night now. Good-night, all. "

Abruptly, as usual, Mr. Forbes left the room, and as the girls weregetting accustomed to his eccentricities they nodded their good-nights, and then began to plan for the skating party. 

Mrs. Berry appeared and helped them decide on certain details ofcostume and accessories. 

The two D's had brought the pretty skating costumes they had worn atthe Berwick carnival, but as Bernice had been the queen that night, her white velvet gown was out of the question. Alicia, too, had noappropriate garb, so these two bought new dresses. 

The final result was four very becomingly attired girls who startedmerrily off on Saturday afternoon for the party at the rink. 

Four bunches of violets, with Marly Turner's card, had come to thehouse, and each fair damsel wore one at her corsage. 

Dolly's suit was of light blue cloth trimmed with silver fox, andDotty's was red cloth with dark fur. 

Bernice looked very handsome in white cloth, and Alicia had chosenemerald green. 

They were met at the rink by Marly and his chums, and at onceintroduced to the chaperon of the affair, who was Marly's marriedsister. She didn't look much older than the boy himself, but shegreeted the girls with a charming hospitality and declared herselfdelighted to take them in charge. 

The other boys whom they had met at Muriel's party were there, andMuriel was, too. She welcomed the four warmly, but as she wasconstantly in demand by other gay young friends, they had no chancefor connected conversation with her. 

Indeed, connected conversation was not thought of, unless with one'sskating partner. 

"You're all right on runners, " commented Geordie Knapp, as he skatedwith Dotty. "You must be fond of it. "

"Oh, I am. I skate a lot at home; that is, when there's ice. We'redependent on that, you see, as we haven't an ice rink in Berwick. "

"Berwick? Small town?"

"Yes. 'Bout as big as a minute, " and Dotty laughed good-naturedly. 

"That's why you're so up to the minute, then, " Geordie laughed back. "Want to sit down and rest a bit?"

"All right. Let's, " and they sat down for a few moments. 

"There goes your chum, --with Ted Hosmer. She is your chum, isn't she?The Fair Dolly?"

"Dolly Fayre? Yes, indeed; we're super-inseparable. "

"That's the way with Ted and me. We're always together. Funny, isn'tit, how you like one person better'n anybody else?"

"Yes; I couldn't keep house without Dolly. And we do keep house!" andDotty told her companion all about Treasure House and its delights. 

"Wow! That's some stunt! A house like that I I'd like to see it. "

"Do. Some day next summer come out to Berwick and I'll show it to you. We've great little old brothers, too. One apiece. "

"Have you? I s'pose you can cut up larks in the country that youcouldn't here?"

"It's awfully different. " Dotty sighed. "I like the city better inlots of ways, but, altogether, I guess I'd rather live in Berwick. "

"What are you two confabbing about?" sang out a voice, and Dolly, withTed Hosmer, came gliding up and stopped in front of Dot and youngKnapp. 

"Settling the affairs of the nation, " said Geordie; "also, it's a caseof 'change partners. '" He jumped up, took Dolly's hands in his, andthey swayed off across the ice, leaving Dotty and Ted together. 

"Don't mind him; he's crazy" said Ted, as he dropped onto the seatbeside Dotty. "And anyway, we're such chums we share our best friendswith each other!"

"Glad you do! I like to talk to different people--"

"I'm a different people; oh, I assure you I am. Please like to talk tome!"

"I do. Or, at least, I'm sure I shall. What shall we talk about?"

"Sports in general. What do you like best, next to skating?"

"Tennis, don't you?"

"Sure, if you do. But that's mostly for summer. Come on, let's skateround a couple of times, and then go for the tea place. "

It was good fun skating with Ted, and, as Dolly told him, he remindedher a little of her friend, Tad Brown. 

"Any kin of Muriel's?"

"No, a boy in Berwick. He has a twin brother, Tod. "

"Great names! Tadpole and Toddlekins, in full, I suppose. "

"They are called those sometimes. Oh, Mrs. Graham is beckoning to us. We must go. "

They joined Mrs. Graham, who was their chaperon, and she marshalledher crowd of young people to the tea room. 

At last Muriel Brown found a chance to talk to our girls. 

"We seem like old friends, " she said, gaily. "Isn't the ice fine to-day? Are you going to the dance to-night? What? Not invited? That caneasily be remedied. I say, Sam, don't you want these four angelchildren at your party?"

"'Deed I do!" and Sam Graves beamed broadly, "I didn't dare ask themmyself, --meant to get you to do it. Coax 'em, Muriel. Make 'em sayyes. "

Alicia took it upon herself to accept this invitation, though Dollyinsisted it would depend on Mrs. Berry's sanction. 

"Who's Mrs. Berry?" asked Muriel. "Is she a dragon?"

"No, indeed, " smiled Dotty; "she's the dearest old yes-sayer in theworld!"

"Oh, she'll let you come then. Tell the girls all about it, Sam, " andMuriel moved away. 

"She went off and left her ice cream untouched!" exclaimed Dotty. 

"She's always on the hop, --Muriel is, " said Sam. "Now you girls cometo-night, won't you? It's a small and early at my house. Mr. Forbesknows me, and I know your Mrs. Berry, too. Just tell her it's littleSammy's party, and she'll send you flying over. "

"Tell us something about it, " said Dolly. "Is it to be very grand?We're hazy on the subject of New York dances. "

"Can you dance?"

"Yes, though maybe not the very latest steps. "

"That's all right, then. Put on a clean sash and come along. You won'tbe wall flowers!"

"What time shall we come?" asked Bernice. "Tell me about the details;I'm Mr. Forbe's niece. "

Bernice was always a little jealous if the D's seemed to be consultedrather than herself or Alicia. 

"Oh, no details specially. All informal, you know. Come when youlike, --nine, maybe, or half past. If you're feeling conventional aboutit, my mother will call on you--by telephone--and ask you proper. "

"Oh, no, she needn't do that, " and Bernice laughed at the idea. "We'reonly little girls. If Mrs. Berry says we can go, your invitation isenough. "

"Good work! Be sure to come. Crazy to have you. 'Scuse me a minute, --there's a girl I want to speak to. "

Sam darted off, and another boy dropped into his vacated seat. It wasthis touch and go effect that Dotty liked, but to Dolly it seemed awhirling maze. 

And, indeed, almost before they knew it they were all whirled offhome. 

CHAPTER XI

THE COLLECTIONS

On Sunday, dinner was in the middle of the day, and directly after itwas over Mr. Forbes led the four to the drawing-room, as was usual inthe evening, and asked an account of the dance. 

"It was lovely!" vouchsafed Dotty. 

"Gorgeous!" agreed Bernice. 

"Perfectly all right, " Alicia averred. 

"Nice enough, but very grown uppish, " was Dolly's verdict. 

"You stick to your taste for simpler parties?" said Mr. Forbes, looking kindly at Dolly. 

"Yes, sir; I guess I'm a country girl. "

"Well, I'm not, " and Dotty's black eyes flashed. "I'd just as lieflive in Berwick, to be sure; but I do love to visit in New York andsee all the grand doings. "

"And was the party grand?"

"Oh, it was, uncle, " said Alicia. "It was small and it was early. "

"Pooh!" cried Dolly. "We came home at half past eleven. I don't callthat early!"

"Early for a city party, " insisted Alicia, "but it was an elaborateaffair, after all, and what do you s'pose, Uncle Jeff? We hadinvitations to a lot of things, next week and the week after, too. "

"Well, you girls are real belles!"

"They do seem to like us, " and Alicia looked very well self-satisfied. 

"Which one of you do they like the best?" teased Uncle Jeff. 

"Dotty, " said Alicia and Bernice together. 

"Nothing of the sort!" declared Dotty, blushing rosy red. 

"Who, then?" and Mr. Forbes turned to her. 

"Why, I don't know, " said Dotty, still embarrassed. "Dolly, I guess. "

"You know better, Dot, " and Dolly laughed at her. "I think, UncleForbes, the most citified boys and girls like Bernie and Alicia best, and some of the others take to Dot and me. "

Her honest blue eyes proved this was her true opinion, whatever thefacts might be. 

"Well, look here, " and Mr. Forbes' eyes twinkled "I ask you two, Dottyand Dolly, which of my two nieces is a greater favourite?"

"Why, how can we tell that, right before them both?" cried Dolly, taking it as a joke. 

"Yes, I want you to tell me, --right before them. "

"I don't think there's a bit of difference, " Dotty said, speakingseriously, and looking at the two girls. "You see, everybody likesBernie--and--they all like Alicia. "

"You're a diplomat!" laughed the old man, "Now, Dolly, see if you canbeat that?"

Dolly liked being put on her mettle, and after a moment's thought, when she pretended to study the girls, she said, "They are both likedtremendously for themselves, --but more, because they are your nieces. "

"Capital!" and Mr. Forbes rubbed his hands in glee. "You're a tactfulyoung person, I do avow. Now, just for that you may ask anything of meyou like, to the half of my kingdom. "

"I'll ask, " said Dolly, quickly, "before you have a chance to repentof that offer. This is what I want: Let us go up and see yourcollections. May we?"

"I s'pose so. Will you be good little girls, and not finger theexhibits, except such as I say you may?"

"Of course we will. We're not mischievous little kiddies! Oh, are youreally going to let us see it! When?"

"Now. May as well get it over, I suppose. March!"

He led the way, and the girls trooped after him, up to the fourthfloor of the house. 

The rooms corresponded to those below stairs, but all were arranged asa museum. There were enormous cases filled with specimens of everysort of bird, butterfly or insect. Or, if not every kind wasrepresented, surely they were nearly all there, so multitudinous werethe exhibits. 

"What a lot!" exclaimed Dolly, "I had no idea it was such an enormouscollection. "

"Yes, " said Mr. Forbes, with justifiable pride, "it Is the largestprivate collection that I know of. Come, let me show you the birdsfirst. "

Obediently the girls followed his directions, and with ever growinginterest they saw the rows and rows of stuffed birds, of all sizes andof all varieties of plumage. 

Then came great cabinets filled with shallow drawers, each of which, when opened, displayed tiny moths, queer flies, and microscopicinsects, each daintily mounted on its own pin and all standing in trimrows. 

The butterflies were the prettiest exhibit of all. These showed rarevarieties and well-known ones; specimens from far distant countriesand from their own state. 

All the girls were interested, but Dolly was absorbed. She walked fromcase to case, asking intelligent questions, that Mr. Forbes was gladto answer. 

"You ought to make natural history a special study, " he said to her. "You seem so fond of it. "

"Oh, I am!" responded Dolly. "I shall try to get mother to let me takeit up specially next year. And here are the beetles! How wonderfullythey are arranged, and what beautiful colours!"

"Yes, see the iridescent wings of this chap, " and Uncle Jeff pointedto a fine specimen. "I don't wonder the old Egyptians loved thiscreature and carved their scarabs in its likeness, do you?"

"No indeed, " responded Dolly. "And do you like old Egyptian things, too? So do I. I saw wonders in the Museum. "

"I have quite an antique collection, if you're interested. "

"If I'm interested! Well, I just guess I AM!"

The other girls enjoyed the exhibition, too, but not so much as Dolly, who was enthusiastic over it all. They had so far seen only the frontrooms, but now Uncle Jeff conducted them to the room in the rearextension of the house, and as he unlocked the door he said, "Here aremy greatest treasures of all. "

The girls went in, and Mr. Forbes rolled up the shades and let in thesunlight. 

"My, but it's close and stuffy!" exclaimed Bernice; "mayn't we have awindow open, uncle?"

"Yes, indeed; I believe in fresh air, but I keep this room closed somuch of the time it does get stale. "

Mr. Forbes threw open a window that faced the south, and as there wasno wind blowing, the fresh winter air was balmy and pleasant. 

"That's better, " said Bernice, and she began to look at the treasuresall about her. 

There were many tall cases, like book-cases, and on their shelves wereranged curios and valuables of all sorts. These proved moreinteresting to Dotty than the birds and butterflies. 

"Oh, look at the old jewellery!" she cried. "Just like what we saw inthe museum, Doll. "

"Yes, here are old Egyptian trinkets, --aren't they, Uncle Forbes?"

"Yes, those are Egyptian and Abyssinian. This nose ring was worn by alady in India some centuries before you girls were born. "

"What is the oldest thing you have, Uncle?" asked Alicia. "Thisjewellery?"

"No; this is my oldest piece, " and Mr. Forbes took from a shelf animage of a cat. It was of dark brown material, and was dingy androughened, as if by fire. 

"This came from an old Egyptian tomb, " he said. "You know they put allsorts of idols and charms in the tombs of their dead. Then once in awhile these things are exhumed, and in some instances sold by theEgyptian Museum authorities. I buy only what is guaranteed by them tobe genuine. I have an agent, who has travelled in many countries tocollect authentic antiquities for me. This cat dates from about 2000B. C. "

"Gracious!" cried Dotty, "and there's been nearly two thousand yearssince B. C. That makes Mr. Cat about four thousand years old! Somecat!"

"Well, a cat has nine lives anyway, " laughed Alicia, "so it ought tobe a long time dead. "

"That never was a live cat, was it?" asked Dolly. 

"Oh, no. This was a bronze image, but fire and age have turned it to amere brittle shell. If it were dropped to the floor it would breakinto a thousand pieces. "

"Oh, my! take it!" exclaimed Dolly, who was holding the preciousrelic. "I didn't know it was so fragile. "

Mr. Forbes took it carefully. "That's why I don't often bring youngpeople up here. They're too heedless to appreciate the value of theseold things. Yes, two centuries before the Christian Era, this piece ofbric-a-brac, as we would call it, adorned the tomb of some Egyptiancitizen. I have the guarantee, signed by the Egyptian Museum. And hereis a fine specimen. This is in a better state of preservation. See, you can read the date on it clearly, 537 B. C. "

Mr. Forbes took from a cabinet a small image of a mummy. It was ofblue stone, somewhat chipped and worn, but preserving its shape andcolour. On the back, in rude figures, but clearly discernible was thedate to which he called their attention. 

"Wonderful!" said Alicia. "Their figures are much like ours, aren'tthey?"

"Yes, my child, the Arabic numerals are of ancient usage. Think of theold hand that carved that date! Long since mouldered to dust!"

"It gives me the creeps!" declared Bernice, "and yet it fascinates me, too. Was this found in a tomb?"

"Yes, or in a temple. Excavations in Egypt, latterly, produce so manyof these things that it is not difficult to get them. But that'spretty old, you see, --half a century before Christ. "

"I wonder who was King of Egypt then, " said Dotty. "I wish I couldremember my history better. I learned about the Ptolemies and theother dynasties, but I get 'em all mixed up. "

Although the others were eagerly examining the old mummy relic, Dollystood looking at it thoughtfully. 

"May I take it?" she said, after the others had scrutinised it. 

Dolly handled it carefully, as she minutely observed it on every side. It was about six inches long and was a perfect little model of anEgyptian mummy. She gazed at the date deeply graven on the back, andthen with a slight smile she handed it back to Mr. Forbes, saying, "Very good, Eddie!"

"What! What do you mean?" cried the old gentleman, glaring at her, andAlicia exclaimed, "Why, Dolly Fayre! You rude little thing!"

"But what do you mean?" persisted Mr. Forbes. Why do you call meEddie?"

"Oh, " and Dolly laughed, "that's a slang phrase that people say whenthey see through a joke. "

"Joke, miss! Are you making fun of my antiques? Explain yourself!"

"Yes, what DO you mean, Dolly?" said Dotty, anxiously; "you can't meanto insult Mr. Forbes. "

"You goosies!" cried Dolly, "he's fooling you. It's a joke on us. "

"What is? What's a joke?"

"This mummy, " and now Mr. Forbes had joined in Dolly's laughter. 

"You're a cute one!" he said. "Not one person in a dozen catches on tothat. Tell 'em, my dear. Oh, you are a smart one!"

Mr. Forbes shook with glee, and Dolly held up the image to themystified girls. 

"Don't you see, you blindies, the date 537 B. C. Couldn't have beenput on in the year 537 B. C. ?"

"Why not?" asked Alicia, looking blank. 

"Why, at that time they didn't know how many years it would be beforeChrist's birth. Nobody dated anything B. C. Until after the ChristianEra had begun. "

"But why didn't they?" and Bernice also looked bewildered. 

"Think a minute, you sillies. Nobody knew the exact date of the yearone until after the year one was here. In fact, I don't think theybegan to count right away, anyhow. But certainly they didn't know fivehundred and thirty-seven years before!"

"Oh, I see!" cried Bernice. "All the B. C. Years have been computed ordated since the A. D. Years began. "

"Of course they have, and Mr. Forbes had the date carved on this mummyon purpose to fool people. Didn't you?"

"Yes, " chuckled Mr. Forbes, "and it has fooled lots of people olderand wiser than you, little Dolly Fayre! I think you're pretty smart tonotice the fraud!"

"Oh, no. But it just happened to occur to me that I'd never seen a B. C. Date marked before, and then I thought at once that it couldn'tbe. "

"Pretty cute, all the same. You other girls didn't see it. "

"No, we didn't, " admitted Dotty. "I own up I was fooled. I neverthought of the absurdity of the thing. Did you make up the joke?"

"No, I bought the mummy from a dealer who sold a few of them for thepurpose of fun-making. It's a pretty good joke. "

It was, and though the girls felt a little chagrined at being takenin, they were generous enough to appreciate Dolly's cleverness and beglad of it. 

A case of antique jewellery proved interesting to all. The queerornaments worn by the ancients were admired and studied by the girls, and Mr. Forbes enjoyed telling of their histories. 

"This earring, " he said, "is perhaps the gem of the whole collection. It is Byzantine, and is of wonderfully delicate workmanship. " Thefiligree gold ornament, was a long and slender pendant, of intricategold work and studded with tiny jewels. It was one of a pair ofearrings, and they wondered where its mate might be, if indeed, it wasyet in existence. 

"It would make a fine lavalliere, " said Dolly, holding it up againsther chest, and glancing in a nearby mirror. "See!" and she hooked thetrinket into the lace at her throat, "isn't it becoming?"

"Very, " laughed Bernice, and turned to see what Dotty was nowexclaiming over. 

It proved to be a bracelet, that legend said had been worn byCleopatra, though Mr. Forbes frankly acknowledged he didn't believethis. 

"Let me take it by the light, " said Alicia, "it's getting dusk inhere. "

She took the bracelet to the open window, and admired the beauty ofits wrought gold. 

"Here, take it, Uncle Jeff, " she said; "I declare I'm almost afraid tohandle these valuable things for fear I should suddenly become a klep-what-do-you-call-it?"

"Kleptomaniac?" said her uncle, laughing, "I'm not afraid, or Ishouldn't have brought you girls up here. I don't mind admitting Ihave one friend, a wise old octogenarian, rich as Croesus, whom Iwouldn't trust up here alone! He'd steal a gem as quickly as a highwayrobber would!"

"How awful!" said Bernice. "Just because of his craze for antiques?"

"Yes. You know some people are carried quite out of themselves by apet hobby. Well, girls, it is getting dusk. Let's go downstairs, andhave a little chat over what you've seen. I'd like to see how much youremember of what I've told you. "

"Shall I shut the window, Uncle Jeff?" asked Bernice. 

"No, leave it open. A little air will do the room good. I'll see to itlater. "

The girls left the room, Mr. Forbes followed, and locking the door, pocketed the key, and they all went downstairs. 

CHAPTER XII

THE LOST JEWEL

A pleasant hour was spent in the library as Mr. Forbes told the girlsanecdotes connected with his treasures, and also catechised them onwhat they had learned from their afternoon in his museum. 

Dolly had taken the greatest interest in it, though Bernice soonproved that she had the best memory of them all, for she could telldates and data that her uncle had informed them, and which the othersmore often forgot. 

"I haven't any memory, " sighed Dolly. "But I do love to see thesethings and hear about them. It's lots of work, isn't it, to get themall properly catalogued and labelled?"

"Yes, it keeps Fenn pretty busy, and often I bring in an assistant forhim. But Fenn is a clever chap, and a quick worker. "

Their chat was interrupted by Geordie Knapp and Ted Hosmer, who cameover to call on the girls. 

"Come right in, boys, glad to see you, " was Mr. Forbes' heartygreeting. "I shouldn't wonder if our young friends here would be gladtoo. They've spent the whole afternoon with my old fogy talk and I'llwarrant they'll be glad of a change. "

"You, stay with us, Uncle, and enjoy the change, too, " laughed Alicia, as Mr. Forbes was leaving the room. 

"No, no; it doesn't seem to occur to you that I'd like a rest from acrowd of chatter-boxes!" His merry smile belied his words, and he wentoff leaving the young people together. 

Mrs. Berry looked in, and hospitably invited the boys to stay tosupper, which they willingly agreed to do. 

Also, they stayed an hour or more after supper, and when at last theydeparted, the four girls remained in the library talking things over. 

To their surprise, Mr. Forbes came to the room, and without a word satdown facing the group. Something in his expression caused the girls tostop their laughter and chatter, for the old gentleman lookeddecidedly serious. 

"Well, my dears, " and he looked from one to another, "have you had apleasant day?"

"Yes, indeed, " spoke up Alicia, and they all added words of assent. 

"Well, I haven't, " said Mr. Forbes, and they looked up at him with astartled air. "That is, I have just made a discovery that makes to-dayone of the most unfortunate of my life. "

"What is it, Uncle? What is the matter?"

Alicia spoke solicitously, as if she feared her uncle had becomesuddenly ill. 

"I have met with a loss. "

"A loss?" queried Bernice. "What have you lost?"

"One of my dearest possessions. I went to my museum just now, to thatrear room which we were in last, and I discovered that one of myvaluable pieces of jewellery is gone. "

The girls stared at him blankly, and at last, Bernice said, "Whichone?"

"The Byzantine earring, the gold filigree piece. "

"Oh, " cried Alicia, "that lovely piece! Why, where can it be?"

"I don't know, " replied her uncle, slowly. "I searched everywhere, andas I couldn't find it, I came down here to ask if you girls had takenit as--as a joke on me. "

"No, indeed!" exclaimed Alicia. "I'd scorn to do such a mean trick!None of us would think of such a thing, would we, girls?"

"No, indeed, " said they all, and then a silence fell. Where could thejewel be? As always, in moments of excitement, Dolly turned very palewhile Dotty flushed furiously red. Alicia, sat, her big eyes staringwith dismay and Bernice nervously picked at her handkerchief. 

"Come now, " said Mr. Forbes, "if any of you girls did take it, injest, give it up, for it isn't a funny joke at all. "

"Oh, we didn't! I'm sure none of us did!" and Dolly almost wailed inher earnest denial. 

"Of course, we didn't!" declared Dotty, angrily. "You ought to knowwe're not that sort of girls! It must have been mislaid, or pushedbehind something that conceals it from view. "

"Probably you're right, " and Mr. Forbes looked at her intently. "That's probably the solution of its disappearance. I'll have Fennmake search to-morrow. I'm sorry I bothered you about it. Good-night. "

With his funny abruptness he left the room, and the girls sat lookingat each other in amazement. 

"Did you ever hear anything like that!" demanded Dotty, furiously. "The idea of thinking we would do such a thing! I hate practicaljokes, unless among a lot of school chums. I wouldn't think of playinga joke on a grown-up!"

"Uncle Jeff hasn't had much experience with young folks, " put inAlicia, by way of excuse for their host. "You know he always livesalone, and he doesn't know what girls would or wouldn't do. "

"But how awful for that thing to be lost, " mused Bernice. "Suppose itfell down behind a case, or somewhere, and he NEVER finds it!"

"Oh, his secretary will find it, " said Dolly, hopefully. "It MUST besomewhere around. Don't let's talk about it. If we do, I shan't sleepa wink all night! I never do, if I worry. "

"I think it's something to worry about, " said Alicia. "It's the worstblow Uncle Jeff could have. You know how he adores his treasures. Why, he'd rather lose everything from these downstairs than one specimenout of those fourth story rooms. And that gold earring, of allthings!"

"I tell you stop talking about it!" and Dolly clapped her hands overher ears. "Please, humour me in this, " she added, smiling a little, "truly, it will keep me awake, if I get to worrying over it. "

"All right, girls, let's drop the subject. Also, let's go to bed. " Itwas Alicia who spoke, and she seemed under great excitement. Her eyeswere unnaturally bright, and her cheeks were pink, and she movedjerkily, as if nervous. 

So the four went up to their rooms, and saying good-night, they closedthe door of communication between. 

"What's the matter, Dollums?" asked Dotty, as she saw tears in theblue eyes. 

"Nothing, Dot, only don't talk about that gold thing, will you? I justsimply can't stand it if you do!"

"'Course I won't if you don't want me to, only what DO you s'pose DIDbecome of it?"

"There you go! I think you're too mean for anything!"

"Oh, pshaw, I didn't mean to. I forgot. All right, no more talk 'boutthat old rubbish. What shall us talk about?"

"Don't talk at all. I'd rather go to sleep. "

"Go, then, old crossy! But I s'pose you don't mean to sleep in yourclothes!"

"No, " and Dolly laughed a little. "I know I'm an old bear, and acrosspatch, and everything horrid, --but I'm nervous, Dotty, I AM. "

"I know it, old girl, but you'll get over it. I believe this city lifeis wearing you out! I believe it's time you went home. "

"Oh, I think so, too. I wish we could go tomorrow!"

"Well, we can't. What has got into you, Dollyrinda? I believe you'rehomesick!"

"I am, Dotty! I'd give anything to see mother now. --I wish I was homein my own room. "

"You'll be there soon enough. I s'pose we'll go Wednesday. "

"Wednesday! that seems ages off!"

"Why, Dollums, to-morrow, you can say Wednesday is day after to-morrow! That's what I always do if I want to hurry up the days. But Idon't want to hurry up our days in New York! No sir-ee! I love everyone of 'em! _I_ wish we could stay a month!"

"I don't!" and then there were few more words said between the twothat night. Soon they were in bed, and if Dolly lay awake, Dottydidn't know it, for she fell asleep almost as soon as her dark curlyhead touched its pillow. 

Meantime in the next room, the other two were talking. 

"I do hope Uncle Jeff will find his old jewel, " Bernice said, pettishly. "We won't have a bit more fun, if he doesn't. " "That's so, "agreed Alicia, "but he won't find it. "

"How do you know?"

"Oh, 'cause. It's very likely fallen down some crack or somewhere thatnobody'd think of looking. Why, once, a photograph was on our mantel, and it disappeared most mysteriously. And we never could find it. Andafter years, there was a new mantelpiece put in, and there was thepicture! It had slipped down a narrow mite of a crack between themantel-shelf and the wall back of it. "

"Tell Uncle Jeff that to-morrow. Maybe it will help him to find thething. "

"All right, I will. But of course, Mr. Fenn will look everywherepossible. I don't believe anybody'll ever find it. "

"Then Uncle will be cast down and upset all the rest of the time we'rehere. "

"Well, I can't help that. What do you suppose, Bernice, he asked ushere for, anyway?"

"You ask me that a hundred dozen times a day, 'Licia! I tell you Idon't know, but I think it was only a whim. You know how queer he is. He forgets we're in this house from one evening to the next. If to-dayhadn't been Sunday, we wouldn't have seen him this afternoon. I wishwe were going to stay another week. "

"So do I. But I don't like to ask him outright, and he hasn't saidanything about it lately. The others couldn't stay, anyway. "

"Oh, I don't know. I think if they were invited their mothers wouldlet them. And anyway, I'd rather stay without them, than to go home. "

"Yes, I would, too. Dot likes it better than Dolly. "

"Yes, Dolly's homesick. Anybody can see that. But they like it when wego to places, and see sights. "

"Who wouldn't? We're really having fairy-tale times, you know. "

"I know it. I shall hate to go back to school. "

"Well, I don't hate to go home. I have good enough times in Berwick;but I'd like to stay here one week more. I think I'll ask Uncle Jeffto let us, if he doesn't ask us himself. "

"Wait till he finds his lost treasure. He'll be pretty blue if hedoesn't get that back. "

"Yes, indeed he will. Let's hope the Fenn man will spy it out. It mustbe in that room somewhere, you know. "

"Of course it must. The secretary will find it. That's whatsecretaries are for. "

And then silence and sleep descended on that room also. 

Next morning, Mr. Forbes appeared at the breakfast table. This was thefirst time they had ever seen him in the morning and the girls greetedhim cheerily. 

"Very nice, " he said, affably, "to come down and breakfast with aflock of fresh young rosebuds like you, " and he seemed so good-natured, that Alicia decided he had taken his loss more easily thanshe had feared. 

But toward the end of the meal, Mr. Forbes made known the reason ofhis early appearance. 

"We can't find that earring, " he said, suddenly. "Mr. Fenn and I havebeen looking since six o'clock this morning. Now I'm going to ask yougirls to help me. Will you all come up to the museum and hunt? Youryoung eyes may discern it, where we older seekers have failed. At anyrate, I'd like you to try. "

The four expressed ready willingness, and they rose from the table andfollowed Uncle Jeff up the stairs to the rear room where the loss hadoccurred. 

The sun shone in at the southern windows, and flooded the room withbrightness. It seemed impossible to overlook the treasure, and surelyit must be found at once. 

A youngish man was there before them, and he was introduced as thesecretary. Lewis Fenn was a grave looking, solemn-faced chap, who, itwas evident took seriously the responsibility of his position astabulator and in part, custodian of valuable treasures. He bowed tothe girls, but said nothing beyond a word of greeting to each. 

"You see, " said Mr. Forbes, "I locked this room myself, after yougirls last evening, and nobody could get in to take the earring. Consequently, it would seem that a close search MUST be efficacious. So, let us all set to, and see what we can do in the way ofdiscovery. "

"Let's divide the room in four, " suggested Mr. Fenn, "and one of youyoung ladies take each quarter. "

"Good idea!" commented Uncle Jeff, "and we'll do just that. Alicia, you take this west end, next the door; Bernice, the east end, opposite; Dotty, the north side, and Dolly, the south side. There, that fixes it. Now, to work, all of you. I've exhausted my powers ofsearch, and so has Fenn. "

The two men sat down in the middle of the room, while the girlseagerly began to search. They were told not to look in the cases, butmerely on tables or any place around the room where the jewel mighthave fallen or been laid. 

"Who had it last?" asked Mr. Fenn, as the girls searched here andthere. 

Nobody seemed to know, exactly, and then Alicia said, suddenly, "Why, don't you know, Dolly hooked it onto the front of her dress, and saidit would make a lovely pendant. "

"But I took it off, " said Dolly, turning white. 

"Where did you put it then?" asked Mr. Fenn, not unkindly, butcuriously. 

"Let me see, " faltered Dolly, "I don't quite remember. I guess I laidit on this table. "

"If so, it must be there now, my dear, " said Mr. Forbes, suavely. "Look thoroughly. "

Dolly did look thoroughly, and Dotty came over to help her, but theearring was not on the table. 

Nor was it on other tables that were about the room; nor on any chairor shelf or settee or window-sill. 

"Where CAN it be?" said Dotty, greatly alarmed, lest Dolly's havingfastened it to her dress should have been the means of losing it. 

"Are you sure you removed it from your frock, Miss Fayre?" asked Fenn, and at that moment Dolly took a dislike to the man. His voice was lowand pleasant, but the inflection was meaning, and he seemed to implythat Dolly might have worn it from the room. 

"Of course, I am, " Dolly replied, in a scared, low voice, whichtrembled as she spoke. 

"There's an idea, " said Mr. Forbes. "Mightn't you have left it hookedinto your lace, Dolly, and it's there still? Run and look, my dear. "

"I'll go with you, " said Dotty, but Fenn said, "No, Miss Rose, you'dbetter stay here. "

Dotty was so astonished at his dictum that she stood still and staredat him. Dolly ran off to her room on the second floor and carefullyexamined the dress she had worn the day before. 

"No, " she said, on her return, "it isn't on my dress. I knew itcouldn't be, --I should have seen it when I undressed. Besides, I knowI took it off here, only a moment after I tried it on. I merely lookedat it an instant, and then I unhooked it and laid it on this table. "

"But at first, you weren't sure that you did place it on that table, Miss Fayre, " came the insinuating voice of Fenn once more. 

"Yes, I did, I'm sure of it now, " and Dolly's white face was drawnwith anxiety. 

"Think again. " counselled the secretary. 

"Maybe you took it off, and absent-mindedly slipped it in yourpocket. "

CHAPTER XIII

SUSPICIONS

Dotty turned on Fenn like a little fury. "What do you mean?" shecried. "Are you accusing Dolly of stealing that thing?"

"There, there, " said Mr. Forbes, placatingly, "Of course, Fenn didn'tmean that. Not intentionally, that is. But without thinking, couldn't--"

"No, she couldn't!" stormed Dotty. "Dolly Fayre doesn't go aroundpocketing people's jewels unconsciously! She isn't a kleptomaniac, orwhatever you call it! She did exactly as she says she did. She laidthat earring on that table. "

"Then why isn't it there now?" asked Fenn. 

"Because somebody else moved it. Oh, don't ask me who. I don't KNOWwho! And I don't CARE who! But Dolly put it there, and whoever took itaway from there can find it! Perhaps YOU, can, Mr. Fenn!"

The secretary looked at the angry girl with an irritating smile. 

"I wish I might, Miss Rose. But I've searched the room thoroughly, asyou all have, too. It can't be HERE, you know. "

"I'll tell you, " said Alicia, eagerly, and then she described how inher home a photograph had slipped down behind the mantel and had beenlost for years. 

"Let us see, " and Mr. Forbes went to the mantel in the room. But therewas not the least mite of a crack between the shelf and the wall. Alicia's suggestion was useless. 

"But, " she said, "there might be that sort of a hiding-place somewhereelse. Let's look all over. "

The girls tried hard to find some crack or crevice in any piece offurniture, into which the trinket might have slipped, but there wasnone. They felt down between backs and seats of chairs, looked behindcases of treasures, moved every book and paper that lay on the tables, even turned up the edges of rugs, and peeped under. 

"It doesn't make any difference how much we look, " Dotty declared, "we've just got to look more, --that's all. Why, that earring is inthis room, and that's all there is about that! Now, it's up to us tofind it. You know, after you search all the possible places, you haveto search the impossible ones. "

"I admire your perseverance, " said Mr. Forbes, "but I can't hope itwill be rewarded. It isn't as if we were hunting for a thing thatsomebody had purposely concealed, that would mean an exhaustivesearch. But we're looking for something merely mislaid or tossedaside, and if we find it, it will be in some exposed place, notcleverly hidden. "

"Oh, I don't know, Uncle Jeff, " said Bernice, "you know when Alicia'sphotograph slipped behind the mantel, that was deeply hidden, althoughnot purposely. "

"Yes, that's so, " and Uncle Jeff looked questioningly from one girl toanother. 

It was impossible to ignore the fact that he deemed one of themresponsible for the disappearance of the jewel, and until the matterwas cleared up, all felt under suspicion. Fenn, too, was studying thefour young faces, as if to detect signs of guilt in one of them. 

At last he said, "Let us get at this systematically. Who took theearring first, when Mr. Forbes handed it out from the case?"

"I did, " said Dotty, promptly. "I stood nearest to Mr. Forbes and hehanded it to me. After I looked at it, I passed it to Alicia. "

"No, you didn't, " contradicted Alicia. "I didn't touch it. "

"Why, yes, 'Licia, " Dotty persisted, "you took it and said--"

"I tell you I didn't! I never handled the things at all! It wasBernice. "

"I did have it in my hands, " said Bernice, reflectively, "but I can'tremember whether I took it from Dot or Alicia. "

"I didn't touch it, I tell you!" and Alicia frowned angrily. 

"Oh, yes, you did, " said Dolly, "it was you, Alicia, who passed it onto me. And I took it--"

"You didn't take it from me, Dolly, " and Alicia grew red with passion. "I vow I never touched it! You took it from Bernice. "

"No, " said Dolly, trying to think. "I took it from you, and I held itup and asked you how it looked. "

"No, Doll, you asked me that, " said Bernice, "and I said it was verybecoming. "

"You girls seem decidedly mixed as to what you did, " said Mr. Fenn, with a slight laugh. "I think you're not trying to remember veryclearly. "

"Hold on, Fenn, " said Mr. Forbes, reprovingly. "It's in the girls'favour that they don't remember clearly. If they tossed the thingaside carelessly, they naturally wouldn't remember. "

"But, Mr. Forbes, " and the secretary spoke earnestly, "would theseyoung ladies toss a valuable gem away carelessly? They are notignorant children. They all knew that the earring is a choicepossession. I'm sure not one of them would toss it aside, unheedingwhere it might fall!"

This was perfectly true. None of the four girls could have been soheedless as that! They had carefully handled every gem or curio shownthem, and then returned it to Mr. Forbes as a matter of course. 

Fenn's speech was rather a facer. All had to admit its truth, and thefour girls looked from one to another and then at Mr. Forbes. He wasstudying them intently. 

Bernice and Dolly were crying. Alicia and Dotty were dry-eyed andangry-faced. If one of the four had a secret sense of guilt, it wasdifficult to guess which one it might be, for all were in a state ofexcitement and were well-nigh hysterical. 

"Much as I regret it, " Mr. Forbes began, "I am forced to theconclusion that one or more of you girls knows something of thepresent whereabouts of my lost jewel. I do not say I suspect any ofyou of wilful wrong-doing, it might be you had accidentally carried itoff, and now feel embarrassed about returning it. I can't--I won'tbelieve, that any of you deliberately took it with intent to keep it. "

"We thank you for that, Mr. Forbes, " and Dotty's tone and theexpression of her face denoted deepest sarcasm. "It is a comfort toknow that you do not call us thieves! But, for my part, I think it isabout as bad to accuse us of concealing knowledge of the matter. Ithink you'd better search our trunks and suitcases! And then, if youplease, I should like to go home--"

"No doubt you would, Miss Rose!" broke in Fenn's cold voice. "A searchof your belongings would be useless. If one of you is concealing thejewel, it would not be found in any available place of search. Youwould have put it some place in the house, not easy of discovery. Thatwould not be difficult. "

"Be quiet, Fenn, " said Mr. Forbes. "Girls, I'm not prepared to say Ithink one of you has hidden the jewel, but I do think that some of youmust know something about it. How can I think otherwise? Now, tell meif it is so. I will not scold, --I will not even blame you, if you havebeen tempted, or if having accidentally carried it off, you areashamed to own up. I'm not a harsh man. I only want the truth. Youcan't be surprised at my conviction that you DO know something of it. Why, here's the case in a nutshell. I handed that earring to you, andI never received it back. What can I think but that you have it yet?It is valuable, to be sure, but the money worth of it is as nothing tothe awfulness of the feeling that we have an untrustworthy personamong us. Can it be either of my two nieces who has done this wrong?Can it be either of their two young friends? I don't want to think so, but what alternative have I? And I MUST know! For reasons which I donot care to tell you, it is imperative that I shall discover who is atfault. I could let the whole matter drop, but there is a very strongcause why I should not do so. I beg of you, my dear nieces, --my dearyoung friends, --I beseech you, tell me the truth, won't you?"

Mr. Forbes spoke persuasively, and kindly. 

Alicia burst into a storm of tears and sobbed wildly. Bernice, herface hidden in her handkerchief, was crying too. 

Dotty sat stiffly erect in her chair, her little hands clenched, herbig, black eyes staring at Mr. Forbes in a very concentration ofwrath. 

Dolly was limp and exhausted from weeping. 

With quivering lips and in a shaking voice, she said:

"Maybe one of us is a kleptomaniac, then, after all. "

"Ah, a confession!" said Mr. Fenn, with his cynical little smile. "Goon, Miss Fayre. Which one has the accumulating tendency?"

"You do make me so mad!" exclaimed Dotty, glaring at him. "UncleForbes, can't we talk with you alone?"

"Oh, no, little miss, " said Fenn, "Mr. Forbes is far too easy-going tolook after this affair by himself! He'd swallow all the stories yougirls would tell him! I'll remain, if you please. Unless you havesomething to conceal, you can't object to my presence at thisinteresting confab. "

Dolly came to Dotty's aid. She looked at the secretary with a glanceof supreme contempt. 

"It is of no consequence, Mr. Fenn, " she said, haughtily, "whether youare present or not. Uncle Forbes, I agree with Dotty. You saidyourself, you have an acquaintance who can't help taking treasuresthat are not his own. It may be that one of us has done this. But, even so, the jewel must be in the house. None of us has been out ofthe house since we were in this room yesterday afternoon. So, if it isin the house, it must be found. "

"Ha! You HAVE hidden it securely, to be willing to have a thoroughsearch of the house made!" and Fenn looked unpleasantly at her. "Ownup, Miss Fayre; it will save a lot of trouble for the rest of us. "

Dolly tried to look at the man with scorn, but her nerves gave way, and again she broke down and cried softly, but with great, convulsivesobs. 

Dotty was furious but she said nothing to Fenn for she knew she wouldonly get the worst of it. 

"Come now, Dolly, " said Mr. Forbes, in a gentle way, "stop crying, mydear, and let's talk this over. Where did you lay the earring when youtook it from your dress?"

"On--on--the t-table, " stammered Dolly, trying to stop crying. But, asevery one knows, it is not an easy thing to stem a flood of tears, andDolly couldn't speak clearly. 

"Yes; what table?"

"This one, " and Dotty spoke for her, and indicated the table by thesouth window. 

"Where, --on the table?" persisted Uncle Jeff. 

Dolly got up and walked over to the light stand in question. 

"About here, I think, " and she indicated a spot on the surface of thedull finished wood. 

"Why didn't you hand it back to me?" queried Mr. Forbes, in a kindtone. 

"I d-don't know, sir, " Dolly sobbed again. "I'm sure I don't know whyI didn't. "

"I know, " put in Dotty. "Because just then, Mr. Forbes showed us abracelet that had belonged to Cleopatra, and we all crowded round tolook at that, and Doll laid down the earring to take up the bracelet. We didn't suppose we were going to be accused of stealing!"

"Tut, tut, " said Mr. Forbes. "Nobody has used that word! I don'taccuse you of anything, --except carelessness. "

"But when it comes to valuable antiques, " interrupted Fenn, "it iswhat is called criminal carelessness. "

"It WAS careless of Dolly to lay the earring down, " said Mr. Forbes, "but that is not the real point. After she laid it down, just whereshe showed us, on that small table, somebody must have picked it up. Her carelessness in laying it there might have resulted in its beingbrushed off on the floor, but not in its utter disappearance. "

"Maybe it fell out of the window, " suggested Bernice, suddenly, "thatwindow was open then, you know. "

Mr. Forbes waited over to the table. "No, " he said, "this stand isfully a foot from the window sill. It couldn't have been unknowinglybrushed as far as that. "

"Of course, it couldn't, " said Fenn, impatiently. "You're making noprogress at all, Mr. Forbes. "

"Propose some plan, yourself, then, " said Dotty, shortly; "you're sosmart, suppose you point your finger to the thief!"

"I hope to do so, Miss Rose, " and Fenn smirked in a most aggravatingway. "But I hesitate to accuse anyone before I am quite sure. "

"A wise hesitation!" retorted Dotty. "Stick to that, Mr. Fenn!"

She turned her back on him, and putting her arm round Dolly, sat insilent sympathy. 

Suddenly Bernice spoke. She was not crying now, on the contrary, shewas composed and quiet. 

"Uncle Jeff, " she said, "this is a horrid thing that has happened. Ifeel awfully sorry about it all, but especially because it is makingso much trouble for Dolly and Dotty, the two friends that I broughthere. Alicia and I belong here, in a way, but the others are ourguests, as well as your guests. It is up to us, to free them from allsuspicion in this thing and that can only be done by finding theearring. I don't believe for one minute that any one of us four girlshad a hand, knowingly, in its disappearance, but if one of us did, shemust be shown up. I believe in fairness all round, and while I'm surethe jewel slipped into some place, or under or behind something, yetif it DIDN'T, --if somebody did, --well, --steal it! we must find outwho. I wouldn't be willing, even if you were, Uncle, to let the matterdrop. I want to know the solution of the mystery, and I'm going tofind it!"

"Bravo! Bernie, girl, " cried her uncle, "that's the talk! As I toldyou I must know the truth of this thing, --never mind why, I MUST findit out. But how?"

"First, " said Bernice, speaking very decidedly, but not looking towardthe other girls, "I think all our things ought to be searched. "

"Oh, pshaw, Bernie, " said Alicia, "that would be silly! You know ifany of us wanted to hide that earring we wouldn't put it in among ourclothes. "

"Why not?" demanded Bernice. "I can't imagine any of us having it, butif we have, it's by accident. Why, it might have caught in any of ourdresses or sashes, and be tucked away there yet. "

"That's so, " and Dotty looked hopeful. "It could be, that as one of uspassed by the table, it got caught in our clothing. Anyway, we'll alllook. "

"But don't look in your own boxes, " objected Fenn. "Every girl mustsearch another's belongings. "

"I wonder you'd trust us to do THAT!" snapped Dotty, and Fennimmediately replied:

"You're right! It wouldn't be safe! I propose that Mrs. Berry searchall your rooms. "

"Look here, Fenn, you are unduly suspicious, " Mr. Forbes remonstrated, mildly. 

"But, sir, do you want to get back your gem, or not? You asked for myadvice and help in this matter, now I must beg to be allowed to carryout my plans of procedure. "

It was plain to be seen that Mr. Forbes was under the thumb of hissecretary. And this was true. Lewis Fenn had held his position for along time, and his services were invaluable to Jefferson Forbes. Itwas necessary that the collector should have a reliable, responsibleand capable man to attend to the duties he required of a secretary, and these attributes Fenn fully possessed. But he was of a small, suspicious nature, and having decided on what course to pursueregarding the lost curio, he was not to be swerved from his path. 

"Well, well, we will see, " Mr. Forbes said, an anxious look wrinklinghis forehead as he looked at the girls. "Run away now, it's nearlyluncheon time. Don't worry over the thing. Each one of you knows herown heart. If you are innocent, you've no call to worry. If you areimplicated, even in a small degree in the loss of my property, come tome and tell me so. See me alone, if you like. I will hear yourconfession, and if it seems wise, I will keep it confidential. I can'tpromise this, for as I hinted, I have a very strong reason for probingthis affair to the very core. It is a mystery that MUST be clearedup!"

CHAPTER XIV

AT THE TEA ROOM

The girls went to their rooms to tidy up for luncheon, though therewas some time before the meal would be announced. 

By common consent the door was closed between the rooms, and on oneside of it the two D's faced each other. 

"Did you ever see such a perfectly horrid, hateful, contemptible oldthing as that Fenn person?" exclaimed Dotty, her voice fairly shakenwith wrath. "I can't see how Mr. Forbes can bear to have him around!He ought to be excommunicated, or whatever they do to terriblepeople!"

"He IS awful, Dotty, I don't wonder you gave it to him! But youmustn't do it. He's Mr. Forbes' right hand man, and whatever UncleJeff tells him to do, he'll do it. The idea of searching our trunks! Iwon't allow them to touch mine, I can tell you that!"

"Oh, Dolly, now don't be stubborn. Why, for you to refuse to let themlook over your things would be the same as saying you had the thinghidden. "

"Dorothy Rose! What a thing to say to me!"

"I'm not saying it to you! I mean, I am saying it to you, just to showyou what other people would say! You know it, Dolly. You know Fennwould say you had the earring. "

"But, Dotty, it must be somewhere. "

"Of course, it must be somewhere, --look here, Dollyrinda, you don'tknow anything about it, do you? Honest Injun?"

"How you talk, Dot. How should I know anything about it?"

"But do you?"

"Don't be silly. "

"But, DO you?"

"Dotty, I'll get mad at you, if you just sit there saying, 'But doyou?' like a talking machine! Are you going to change your dress forluncheon?"

"No, I'm not. These frocks are good enough. But, Dolly, DO you? do youknow anything, ANYTHING at all, about the earring?"

Dolly was sitting on the edge of her little white bed. At Dotty'sreiteration of her query, Dolly threw her head down on the pillow andhid her face. 

"Do you?" repeated Dotty, her voice now tinged with fear. 

Dolly sat upright and looked at her. "Don't ask me, Dotty, " she said, "I can't tell you. "

"Can't tell me, " cried Dotty, in bewilderment, "then who on earthCOULD you tell, I'd like to know!"

"I could tell mother! Oh, Dotty, I want to go home!"

"Well, you can't go home, not till day after to-morrow, anyway. What'sthe matter with you, Dolly, why can't you tell me what you know? Howcan I find the thing, and clear you from suspicion if you have secretsfrom me?"

"You can't, Dotty. Don't try. "

Dolly spoke in a tense, strained way, as if trying to preserve hercalm. She sat down at their little dressing-table and began to brushher hair. 

A tap came at the door, and in a moment, Bernice came in. 

"Let me come in and talk to you girls, " she begged. "Alicia is in atemper, and won't say anything except to snap out somethingquarrelsome. What are we going to do?"

"I don't know, Bernie, " and Dotty looked as if at her wits' end. "It'sbad enough to put up with that old Fenn's hateful talk, but nowDolly's gone queer, and you say Alicia has, --what ARE we to do?"

"Let's talk it all over with Mrs. Berry at lunch, she's real sensibleand she's very kind-hearted. "

"Yes, she is. And there's the gong now. Come on, let's go down. Comeon, Dollikins, brace up, and look pretty! Heigho! come on, Alicia!"

Alicia appeared, looking sullen rather than sad, and the quartettewent downstairs. 

Mrs. Berry listened with interest to their story. Interest thatquickly turned to deep concern as the story went on. 

"I don't like it, " she said, as the girls paused to hear her comments. "No carelessness or thoughtlessness could make that valuable earringdisappear off the face of the earth! I mean, it couldn't get LOST, itmust have been taken. "

"By us?" flared out Alicia. 

"Maybe not meaningly, maybe for a joke, maybe unconsciously; but itwas carried out of that room by some one, of that I'm certain. "

"The idea of thinking we'd do it as a joke!" cried Bernice. 

"But you told me about the joke Mr. Forbes played on you about the B. C. Image, why mightn't one of you have taken this to tease him? Oh, girls, if any of you did, --give it back, I beg of you! Mr. Forbes is akind man, but a very just one. If you give it back at once, andexplain, he will forgive you, fully and freely. But if you delay toolong he will lose patience. And, too, you must know he wants to--"

"Wants to what, Mrs. Berry?" asked Dotty, for the lady had stoppedspeaking very suddenly. 

"Never mind. I forgot myself. But Mr. Forbes has a very strong reasonfor wishing to sift this matter to the bottom. Don't, girls, --oh, DON'T deceive him!"

"What makes you think we're deceiving him?" cried Dotty. "That's theway old Fenn talks! Isn't he a disagreeable man, Mrs. Berry?"

"Mr. Fenn is peculiar, " she admitted, "but it isn't nice for you tocriticise Mr. Forbes' secretary. He is a trusted employee, and ofgreat use in his various capacities. "

"But he was very rude to us, " complained Alicia. "He was positivelyinsulting to Dolly and me. "

"Don't remember it, " counselled Mrs. Berry. "The least you have to dowith him the better. Forget anything he may have said, and keep out ofhis way all you can. "

Mr. Forbes' housekeeper was a tactful and peaceable woman, and shewell knew the temperament and disposition of the secretary. Sheherself disliked him exceedingly, but it was part of her diplomacy toavoid open encounter with him. And she deemed it best for the girls tofollow her course. 

"I think, " she said finally, "the best thing for you to do, is to gofor a nice motor ride in the park. It is a lovely day, and the ridewill do you good and make you feel a heap better. Then on your return, stop at a pretty tearoom, and have some cakes and chocolate, or ices;and while you're gone, I'll have a little talk with Mr. Forbes, and, who knows, maybe we might find the earring!"

"You're going to search our boxes!" cried Alicia. "Well, I won'tsubmit to such an insult! I shall lock mine before I go out. "

"So shall I, " declared Dolly. "I think we all ought to. Really, Mrs. Berry, it's awful for you to do a thing like that!"

"Mercy me! girls, how you do jump at conclusions! I never said a wordabout searching your rooms. I had no thought of such a thing! Youmustn't condemn me unheard! You wouldn't like that, yourselves!"

"Indeed, we wouldn't, Mrs. Berry, " cried Dolly, smiling at her. "Iapologise for my burst of temper, I'm sure. But I hate to besuspected. "

"Be careful, Dolly, not to be selfish. Others hate to be suspectedtoo--"

"Yes, but _I_'m innocent!" cried Dolly, and as soon as she had spokenshe blushed fiery red, and her sweet face was covered with confusion. 

"Meaning somebody else ISN'T innocent!" spoke up Alicia; "who, please?"

"Me, probably, " said Dotty, striving to turn the matter off with alaugh. "Dolly and I always suspect each other on principle--"

"Oh, pooh! This is no time to be funny!" and Alicia looked daggers atthe smiling Dotty. 

"You're right, Alicia, it isn't!" she flashed back, and then Mrs. Berry's calm voice interrupted again. 

"Now, girlies, don't quarrel among yourselves. There's trouble enoughafoot, without your adding to it. Take my advice. Go and put on somepretty dresses and then go for a ride, as I told you, and get your teaat the 'Queen Titania' tearoom. It's just lately been opened, and it'sa most attractive place. But promise not to squabble. Indeed, I wishyou'd promise not to discuss this matter of the earring. But I supposethat's too much to ask!"

"Yes, indeed, Mrs. Berry, " and Bernice smiled at her. "I'm sure wecouldn't keep that promise if we made it!"

"Well, don't quarrel. It can't do any good. Run along now, and dress. "

The cheery good-nature of the housekeeper helped to raise the girls'depressed spirits, and after they had changed into pretty afternooncostumes and donned their coats and furs, they had at least, partiallyforgotten their troubles of the morning. 

But not for long. As they sped along in the great, comfortable car, each found her thoughts reverting to the sad episode, and oh, withwhat varied feelings!

Suddenly, Bernice broke out with a new theory. 

"I'll tell you what!" she exclaimed; "Uncle Jeff hid that thinghimself, to see how we would act! Then he pretended to suspect us!That man is studying us! Oh, you needn't tell ME! I've noticed it eversince we came. He watches everything we do, and when he says anythingespecial, he looks closely, to see how we're going to take it. "

"I've noticed that, too, " agreed Dolly. "But it's silly, Bernie, tothink he took his own jewel. "

"Just to test us, you know. I can't make out WHY he wants to study usso, but maybe he's writing a book or something like that. Else why didhe want not only Alicia and me but two of our friends to come for thisvisit? He studies us, not only as to our own characters, but theeffect we have on each other. "

Dotty looked at Bernice with interest. 

"You clever thing!" she cried; "I do believe you're right! I've caughtUncle Forbes frequently looking at one or another of us with the mostquizzical expression and listening intently for our answers to somequestion of right or wrong or our opinions about something. "

"I've noticed it, " said Dolly, though in an indifferent tone, "but Idon't think he's studying us. I think he's so unused to young peoplethat everything we do seems strange to him. Why any of our fatherswould know what we're going to say before we say it. Mine would anyhowand so would Dot's. But Mr. Forbes is surprised at anything we say ordo because he never saw girls at close range before. I think weinterest him just like his specimens do. "

"That's it, " cried Dotty, "you've struck it, Doll. We're justspecimens to him. He's studying a new kind of creature! And, maybe hedid want to see what we'd do in given circumstances, --like an unjustaccusation, and so he arranged this tragic situation. "

"No, " said Dolly, still in that unnerved, listless way, "no, thatwon't do, Dotty. If it were true, he'd never let Mr. Fenn be so rudeto us. Why, this morning, I'm sure, --I KNOW, --Mr. Forbes was just asuncertain of what had become of that earring as--as any of us were. "

"Well, have it your own way, " and Dotty smiled good-naturedly at herchum, "but here's my decision. That thing is lost. Somehow or other, for some ridiculous reason, blame seems to be attached to myDollyrinda. I won't stand it! I hereby announce that I'm going to findthat missing gimcrack before I go back to my native heath, --if I haveto take all summer!"

"Aren't you going home on Wednesday?" cried Dolly, looking aghast atthe idea. 

"Not unless that old thing is found! I'll telephone my dear parentsnot to look for me until they see me. I'll hunt every nook and crannyof Mr. Forbes' house, and when I get through, I'll hunt over again. But find the thing, I will! So there, now!"

"Why do you say Dolly is suspected?" asked Alicia. 

"Oh, you all know she is, just because she hooked the foolish thinginto her lace. She put it on the table after that, and every one of usprobably handled it, but no, it is laid to Dolly! Just because she'sthe only one of us incapable of such a thing, --I guess!"

"Why, Dot Rose, what a speech!" and Dolly almost laughed at thebelligerent Dotty. "None of us would take it wrongly, I'm sure--but--"

"Well, but what?" demanded Alicia, as Dolly paused. 

"Oh, nothing, Alicia, but the same old arguments. Mistake, --unintentional, --caught in our dresses, --and all that. " Dolly spokewearily, as if worn out with the subject. 

"Well, I've a new theory, " said Dotty, "I believe that Fenn man stoleit!"

The other three laughed, but Dotty went on. "Yes, I do. You see, he'snever had a chance to take any of the treasures before, 'cause UncleForbes would know he was the thief. But now he has all us four to layit on, so he made the most of his chance. "

"Oh, Dotty, I can't believe it!" said Bernice. "He didn't act like athief this morning. He was more like an avenging justice. "

"That's just his smartness! Make it seem as if we did it, you know. "

"Nothing in it, " and Dolly smiled at Dotty's theory. "He wasn't hereyesterday, at all. He didn't know that I hooked the old thing on mywaist, --oh, I WISH I hadn't done that!"

"Never you mind, Dollums, " Dotty said, endearingly. "If he did do it, we'll track him down. Because, girls, I tell you I'm going to findthat earring. And what Dorothy Rose says, goes! See?"

Dotty's brightness cheered up the others, and as they drove throughthe park, there were many sights of interest, and after a time thetalk drifted from the subject that had so engrossed them. 

And when at last they stopped at the new tea room and went in, thebeauty and gaiety of the place made them almost forget their trouble. 

"I'll have cafe parfait, " said Dotty, "with heaps of little fancycakes. We can't get real FANCY cakes in Berwick, and I do love 'em!"

The others were of a like mind, and soon they were feasting on therich and delicate confections that the modern tea room delights toprovide. 

While they sat there, Muriel Brown came in, accompanied by two of hergirl friends. 

"Oh, mayn't we chum with you?" Muriel cried, and our four girls saidyes, delightedly. 

"How strange we should meet, " said Dolly, but Muriel laughed andresponded, "Not so very, as I'm here about four or five days out ofthe seven. I just simply love the waffles here, don't you?"

And then the girls all laughed and chattered and the New Yorkersinvited the other four to several parties and small affairs. 

"New York is the most hospitable place I ever saw!" declared Dotty. "We seem to be asked somewhere every day for a week. "

"Everybody's that, " laughed Muriel. "But you must come to these thingswe're asking you for, won't you?"

"I don't believe we can promise, " said Bernice, suddenly growingserious. "You see, we may go home on Wednesday. "

"Day after to-morrow? Oh, impossible! Don't say the word!" And with alaugh, Muriel dashed away the unwelcome thought. "I shall depend uponyou, " she went on, "especially for the Friday party. That's one of thebest of all! You just MUST be at it!"

"If we're here, we will, " declared Alicia, carried away by the gayinsistence. "And I'm 'most sure Bernice and I will be here, even ifthe others aren't. "

"I want you all, " laughed Muriel, "but I'll take as many as I canget. "

Then into the limousine again, and off for home. 

"Oh, " cried Dolly, "that horrid business! I had almost forgotten it!"

"We can't forget it till it's settled, " said Dotty, and her lips cametightly together with a grim expression that she showed only whendesperately in earnest. 

CHAPTER XV

DOLLY'S RIDE

It was Tuesday morning that Lewis Fenn came to Dolly and asked her togive him a few moments' chat. 

A little bewildered, Dolly followed Fenn into the reception room, andthey sat down, Fenn closing the door after them. 

"It's this way, Miss Fayre, " he began. "I know you took the goldearring. It's useless for you to deny it. It speaks for itself. Youare the only one of you girls especially interested in antiques, andmoreover, you are the one who handled the jewel last. Now, I don't fora moment hold you guilty of stealing. I know that you thought thething of no very great intrinsic value, and as Mr. Forbes has so manysuch things in his possession you thought one more or less couldn'tmatter to him. So, overcome by your desire to keep it as a souvenir, and because of its antique interest you involuntarily took it awaywith you. Of course, searching your boxes is useless, for you haveconcealed it some place in the house where no one would think oflooking. Now, I come to you as a friend, and advise you to own up. Iassure you, Mr. Forbes will forgive you and he will do so much morereadily if you go to him at once and confess. "

Dolly sat rigidly, through this long citation, her face growingwhiter, her eyes more and more frightened, as she listened. When Fennpaused, she struggled to speak but couldn't utter a sound. She wasspeechless with mingled emotions. She was angry, primarily, but otherthoughts rushed through her brain and she hesitated what attitude toassume. 

The secretary looked at her curiously. 

"Well?" he said, and there was a threatening tone in his voice. 

Dolly looked at him, looked straight into his accusing eyes, began tospeak, and then, in a burst of tears, she cried out, "Oh, how I HATEyou!"

Dotty flung open the door and walked in. 

"I've been listening, " she announced, "listening at the keyhole, tohear what you said to my friend! I heard, and I will answer you. DollyFayre no more took that earring, than you did, Mr. Fenn, and I'minclined to think from your manner, that you stole it yourself!"

"What!" shouted Fenn, surprised out of his usual calm. "What do youmean, you little minx?"

"Just what I say, " repeated Dotty, but Dolly had already fled from theroom. She went in search of Mrs. Berry, and found her in her ownbedroom. 

"Please, Mrs. Berry, " said Dolly, controlling her sob-shaken voice, "Iwant to go out, all by myself, a little while. May I?"

"Goodness, child, what do you mean? Where? I'll go with you. "

"No; I want to go alone. I have to think something out all by myself. Nobody can help me, and if I'm here, all the girls will butt in andbother me. "

"Where are you going? For a walk?"

"No, please. I want to ride on the top of a Fifth Avenue stage. I wantto go alone, and then, sitting up there, with the fresh air blowingaround me, I can think something out. I may go, mayn't I, Mrs. Berry?I know all about the stages. "

"Why, yes, child, of course, you can go, if you really want to. Youcan't come to any harm just riding on top of a bus. Run along. But I'drather you'd let me help you. Or go with you. "

"No, please; I must be alone. I don't want even Dotty. I havesomething very serious to decide. No one can help me. My mother could, but she isn't here. "

"I wish you'd try me, " and the kind lady smiled endearingly. 

"I would if I could, and you're a dear to ask me. But this is aspecial matter, and it troubles me awfully. So, I'll go off by myselffor an hour or so, and when I come back, I'll be all decided aboutit. "

Dolly got her hat and coat, without seeing the other girls at all. Shewent out at the front door of the big Fifth Avenue house, and walked afew blocks before she stopped to wait for a stage. 

"I don't care which way I go, " she thought to herself, "I'll take thefirst bus that comes along. "

The first one chanced to be going down-town, and signalling theconductor, Dolly climbed the little winding stairs to the top. 

There were only half a dozen passengers up there, and Dolly sat downnear the front. 

It was a clear, crisp morning. The air was full of ozone, and nosooner had Dolly settled herself into her seat, than she began to feelbetter. Her mind cleared and she could combat the problems that weretroubling her. But she was in a dilemma. Should she go to Mr. Forbesand tell him where the jewel was, --or, should she not?

She wanted to be honest, she wanted to do right, but it would be ahard task. The more she thought it over, the more she was perplexed, and though her spirits were cheered by the pleasant ride, her troubleswere as far as ever from a solution. 

Down she went, down the beautiful Avenue, past the Sherman statue andthe Plaza fountain. On, past the Library, down through the shoppingdistrict, and then Dolly concluded she would go on down to theWashington Arch, and stay in the same bus for the return trip. 

But, before she realised it, she found the bus she was in had turnedEast on Thirty-second Street, and was headed for the Railroad Station. She started up, to get off the stage, but sat down again. 

"What's the use?" she thought. "I can just as well go on to thestation, and come back again. I only want the ride. "

So she went on, and at the station, she was asked to take anotherstage. Down the stairs she climbed, and as she glanced at the greatcolonnade of the building she realised that from there trains wenthome! Home, --where mother was!

Unable to resist, Dolly obeyed an impulse to enter the station. 

The warm, pleasant atmosphere of the arcade, soothed her nerves, andshe walked along, thinking deeply. 

She came to the stairs that led down to the waiting rooms, and a greatwave of homesickness came over her. 

She would go home! She had money with her, she would buy a ticket, andgo straight to Berwick! She couldn't, she simply COULD NOT face UncleJeff and the girls, with her secret untold, and she would not tell it!

Anyway, she couldn't go back to the house where that horrid Fenn was!That was certain. 

She looked in her pocket-book, and tucked away in its folds was thereturn half of her Berwick ticket! She had forgotten that she had itwith her. It seemed a finger of Fate pointing the way. 

"I will, " she decided. "I will go back to Berwick. I'll ask about thetrains. "

Inquiry at the Information Department told her that there would be atrain for Berwick in half an hour, and Dolly went in and sat down inthe waiting room. 

Suddenly it struck her that the people at Mr. Forbes' would be alarmedat her non-appearance, and would be very anxious for her safety. 

That would never do. She had no wish to disturb kind Mrs. Berry or toscare Dotty half to death. 

She saw the telephone booths near by, and realised how easy it wouldbe to communicate with the house. 

She asked the operator for the number of Jefferson Forbes' residenceand in a moment was in the booth. 

The butler responded to her call, and Dolly did not ask for any oneelse. 

"That you, McPherson?" she said, speaking as casually as she could. 

"Yes, Miss Fayre. Will you speak with Mrs. Berry?"

"No; I'll give you a message. Please say to Miss Rose that I have goneto Berwick. "

"To Berwick, miss?"

"Yes; and tell Mrs. Berry the same. That's all, McPherson; no messagefor any one else. "

"Yes, Miss Fayre. When will you be back, Miss Fayre?"

"Not at all. Or, that is, --never mind that. Just say I have gone toBerwick. I'll write to Miss Rose as soon as I get there. "

"Yes, Miss Fayre, " and the butler hung up his receiver. It was not hisbusiness if the ladies came or went. 

In obedience to orders, McPherson went to Mrs. Berry and delivered themessage. 

"The dear child, " said the housekeeper, and the tears came to hereyes. Of course, she knew about the earring episode, and until now shehadn't suspected that Dolly really took it. But to run awaypractically proved her guilt. So she had meant to go when she askedpermission to go on the bus! Mrs. Berry's heart was torn, for sheloved Dolly best of the four, and it was a blow to be thus forced tobelieve her guilty. She quizzed the butler, but he had no furtherinformation to give. 

"She only said she was going, ma'am, and said for me to tell you andMiss Rose. That's all. "

"I will tell Miss Rose, " said Mrs. Berry, and dismissed the man. 

She thought deeply before going to find Dotty. She wondered if shemight yet stay Dolly's flight and persuade her to return. She lookedup a timetable, and found that the train for Berwick would leave inten minutes. Doubtless Dolly was already in the car. 

However, being a woman of energetic nature, Mrs. Berry telephoned tothe Railroad Station. She asked for a porter, and begged him to try tofind Dolly, whom she described, and ask her to come to the telephone. 

"I remember seeing that girl, " said the negro porter. "She was walkingaround sort of sad-like, and sort of uncertain. But I don't see hernow. "

"Look on the Berwick train, " commanded Mrs. Berry, "and do it quickly. If she's on the train, ask her to get off and answer my call. I thinkshe'll do it. Go quickly! I'll hold the wire. "

But it was within a few minutes of starting time; the train wascrowded, and after a short search the porter came back with the wordthat he couldn't find her. "I could of, " he said, "if I'd 'a' had aminute more. But the Train Despatcher put me off, and they started. Sorry, ma'am. "

"I'm sorry, too, " and Mrs. Berry sighed as she realised how near shehad come to success, only to fail. 

She thought a few moments longer, then she went to find Dotty. 

That young person, she discovered, to her astonishment, was up in Mr. Forbes' own study, on the fourth floor. Dotty had insisted on aninterview with her host after the stormy time she had with hissecretary. 

Mr. Forbes had received her, not at all unwillingly, for he wanted toget at the truth of the unpleasant matter. 

"Dolly never took it!" Mrs. Berry heard Dotty, declare, as sheapproached the door. "Either it's just lost, or else Mr. Fenn stoleit, --or else--"

"Or else what?" asked Mr. Forbes, as Dotty paused. 

"I don't like to say, " and Dotty twisted her finger nervously; "I dosuspect somebody, --at least, I fear maybe I do, a little bit, but Iwon't say anything about it, unless you keep on blaming Dolly. Then Iwill!"

"I have something to tell you, " said Mrs. Berry, entering. "Dolly hasgone home. "

"What!" cried Mr. Forbes and Dotty simultaneously. Lewis Fenn smiled. 

"Yes, " continued Mrs. Berry, "she has gone home to Berwick. She cameto me and asked if she might go for a ride on top of a Fifth Avenuestage, to think things out by herself, --she said. Then, a littlelater, she telephoned from the Pennsylvania Station that she was justtaking the train for Berwick. "

"I don't believe it!" cried Dotty. "Who told you?"

"McPherson. He took the message. Dolly said to tell you, Dotty, and totell me, but she sent no word to any one else. "

"Looks bad, " said Mr. Forbes, shaking his head. 

"I told you so!" said Lewis Fenn, nodding his. "I knew when I flatlyaccused Miss Fayre this morning of taking the earring, that she wasthe guilty one. Understand me, she didn't mean to steal. She didn'tlook upon it as theft. She only took a fancy to the bauble, andappropriated it without really thinking it wrong. As a child wouldtake a worthless little trinket, you know. "

Dotty looked stunned. She paid no attention to Fenn's talk; she staredat Mrs. Berry, saying, "Has she really gone?"

"Yes, dear, " answered the sympathetic lady, "she has. Perhaps it's thebest thing. She'll tell her mother all about it, and then we'll knowthe truth. "

"Yes, she'll confess to her mother, " said Fenn, and he grinned insatisfaction. 

"Shut up, Fenn, " said Mr. Forbes. "I'm not at all sure Dolly is theculprit. If I know that girl, she wouldn't run away if she wereguilty, --but she might if she were unjustly accused. "

"That's generous of you, sir, " said the secretary, "but you knowyourself that when I taxed Miss Fayre definitely with the deed, sheimmediately went off, pretending that she was just going for a ride, and would return. That piece of deception doesn't look like innocence, I think you must admit!"

"No, no, it doesn't. Dotty, did you say you had some other suspicion?What is it?"

"I can't tell it now. I can't understand Dolly. I know, oh, I KNOW shenever took the earring, but I can't understand her going off likethat. She never pretends. She's never deceitful--"

"She surely was this time, " and Fenn seemed to exult in the fact. 

"Maybe she changed her plan after she started, " suggested Dottydelorously. 

"Not likely, " mused Mr. Forbes. "It was unprecedented for her to goalone for a bus ride, but if it was because she wanted to get off homesecretly, it is, of course, very plausible. She didn't want any of yougirls to know she was going, lest you persuade her not to. She didn'twant to go in my car alone, as that would seem strange. But to take abus, that was really a clever way to escape unnoticed!"

"I'm surprised that she telephoned back at all, " said Mr. Fenn. 

"Of course, she would!" said Dotty, indignantly. "She didn't want usto think she was lost or worry about her safety. "

"She was most considerate, " said Fenn, sarcastically. 

"Oh, stop!" cried Dotty, at the very end of her patience with the man. "You're enough to drive any one distracted!"

"Let the child alone, Fenn, " said Mr. Forbes; "your manner ISirritating. "

"The whole affair is irritating, " returned the secretary, "but it isnow in a way to be cleared up, I think. We shall hear from MissFayre's parents, I'm sure. "

"What IS going on?" spoke up Alicia from the doorway, and she andBernice came into the room. "I know we're forbidden up here, butDotty's here, so we came, too. What's the matter?"

"Dolly's gone home, " said Mr. Forbes, looking at his nieces. 

"Dolly has!" exclaimed Bernice. "What for?"

"Because she was persecuted!" Dotty replied, "and unjustly accused, and suspected, and her life made generally miserable! I don't blameher for going home! I'm going, too. "

"When did she go? Who took her?" Alicia asked. 

"She went alone, " said Mrs. Berry, and she gave them the details ofDolly's departure. 

"Well, I am surprised, " said Bernice, but Alicia began to cry softly. 

"Yes, cry, Alicia!" said Dotty, turning on her. 

"I should think you WOULD! YOU made Dolly go! YOU know where thatearring thing is!"

"I do not!" and Alicia stared at Dotty. 

"Well, you know something more than you've told!"

CHAPTER XVI

WAS IT ALICIA?

"What do you mean by that speech Dotty?" asked Bernice, as Alicia kepton crying. 

"I mean just what I say. Alicia knows where the earring is, or, if shedoesn't know that, she knows something about it that she won't tellus. "

"What is it, Alicia?" said her uncle, kindly. "If you know anything atall, tell us, won't you?"

"I don't, Uncle. I don't know ANYTHING about it!" and Alicia wept morethan ever. 

"Well, the thing to do is to find it, " said Fenn gazing closely atAlicia. "Where we find it will disclose who took it. "

"I agree with you, Mr. Fenn, " said a voice from the doorway, and therestood Dolly Fayre!

"Oh, " cried Dotty, "I knew you wouldn't run away!"

"I did, " returned Dolly, looking very sober. "I couldn't stand thingshere, and I was tempted to go home. "

"Did you start out with that idea?" asked Dotty. 

"No; never thought of such a thing when I went out. But I took a busthat turned around and went to the station, so that made me think ofBerwick and I got homesick for mother, and I just couldn't helpwanting to go to her. And I telephoned back here that I was going. Then, I had no sooner done that, than it seemed to me a cowardly thingto do, after all, and I changed my mind quick and came right backhere. I rode up on top of a stage, and the trip in this lovely brightair made me feel a heap better. Now then, I want to say, once for all, that I didn't take that earring, but I'm going to find out who DID, and also I'm going to find the jewel. I don't know which I'll findfirst, but one means the other. "

"Just what I said, Miss Fayre, " exclaimed Fenn. "I'll join forces withyou, and we'll see about this thing. We'll find the missing jewel andwe'll find out who took it, but we'll have to put up a search. "

"All my things are at your disposal, " said Dolly; "look through all mycupboards and bureau drawers as you like. I'm not afraid. "

"Of course not, " said Fenn, "after your absence this morning! You hada fine opportunity to dispose of the jewel!"

"How dare you!" cried Dolly, turning white with rage. "I have told youtruthfully where I went and why. "

"Let her alone, Fenn, " said Mr. Forbes, sharply. "You talk too much. Run along now, girls; we'll let the matter rest for to-day. I'llconsult with Mr. Fenn, and I don't think we'll search your belongings. I can't think any one of you has intentionally concealed the jewel. It's lost but not stolen, that's what I think. "

"You dear old thing!" and Bernice impulsively threw her arms aroundher uncle's neck. "I think you're right. But it must be found!"

"It must be found!" repeated Dolly. "Otherwise suspicion will alwaysrest on me. "

"Not on you any more than the rest of us, " declared Dotty, "butthere's no use in hunting any more in this room. It simply isn'there. "

They had searched the room in which the jewel had been kept, thoroughly and repeatedly. So the girls went off to their own rooms totalk it all over again. 

"You're too hard on them, Fenn, " said Mr. Forbes to his secretary, when they were alone. 

"But it's a clear case, sir. That Fayre girl took it. She got scaredand tried to run home, then decided it would be better to face themusic, so she returned. She's the one, of course. She adores those oldtrinkets; the others don't care two cents for them. She put it on herdress, --probably she took it off again, but after that the temptationto possess the thing was too strong for her. She thought you'd notmiss it, and she carried it off. Then, when she was out this morning, she either threw it away, or secreted it somewhere. Perhaps she tookit to some friend for safe keeping. "

"I don't believe it, Fenn. I've studied the four girls pretty closelyand Dolly Fayre is, I think, the most frank and honest andconscientious of them all. Why, I'd suspect either of my own niecesbefore I Would Dolly. "

"You're generous, sir. But you're mistaken. Miss Fayre is the culprit, and we'll fasten the theft on her yet. "

"I hope not, --I sincerely hope not. But it's a queer business, Fenn, avery queer business. "

"It's all of that, Mr. Forbes, but we'll get at the truth of it yet. "

Meantime the four girls were talking over the matter. But not alltogether. The two D's, in their own room, and the other two girls intheirs were having separate confabs. 

"Now, Dolly Fayre, " Dotty was saying, "you tell me EVERYTHING you knowabout this thing! I don't want any holding back or concealing of anysuspicions or doubts you may have. "

"It isn't really a suspicion, Dotty, but I--will tell you. It's onlythat just as we left the room, the museum room I call it, yesterdayafternoon, we were all out, and Alicia ran back. She said she had lefther handkerchief on the table. And she went straight to that verytable where I had laid the earring. Now, I can't suspect Alicia, butthat's what she did. "

"Well, Dolly, " and Dotty looked thoughtful, "that's enough to castsuspicion on her. She went to that very table?"

"Yes. Of course, I didn't think anything about it at the time, but nowI remember it distinctly. That's why I wanted to go home and tellMother all about it, and ask her if I ought to tell Mr. Forbes aboutAlicia. "

"I see. I don't know myself what you ought to do. I've been thinkingit might be Alicia all the time. I hate to suspect her, as much as youdo. But if she ran back, and went to that table, and then the jewelthat laid there was gone, it certainly looks queer. Decidedly queer. "

"Well, what shall I do?"

"I suppose you'll have to keep still, unless you're actually accusedof taking it. You can't very well tell on Alicia. "

"That's what I think. "

"But if they really accuse you, --and Mr. Fenn has already done so. "

"Oh, Fenn! I don't care what he says. If Mr. Forbes doesn't think Itook it, I don't want to say anything about Alicia. "

"Well, let's wait and see. After what you've just told me, I think shedid take it. But I don't WANT to think that. "

Now, in the next room, Alicia and Bernice were talking confidentiallyand in low tones. 

"Of course, Dolly must have taken it, " Alicia said, slowly. 

"I can't believe that, " said Bernice. "I know Dolly Fayre awfullywell, and I just about 'most KNOW she couldn't do such a thing. "

"I daresay she never was tempted before. You can't tell what you maydo until there's a sudden temptation. She might have thought it was noharm, when Uncle Jeff has so many of such trinkets. She might havethought he'd never miss it--"

"No, " dissented Bernice. "Dolly never thought out those things. If shedid take it, it was just on the spur of the moment, and, as you say, because of a sudden irresistible temptation. And the minute after shewas doubtless sorry, but then she was ashamed to confess or returnit. "

 It was luncheon time then, and the girls went downstairs together, with no disclosures of their suspicions of each other. 

At the luncheon table the subject was freely discussed. 

Dolly explained to Mrs. Berry that, after she had telephoned she wasgoing home, she felt that it was a cowardly thing to do, and that sheought to remain and see the matter through. 

"You see, " Dolly said, smiling, "it was a sudden temptation, when Igot to the station, to go home. Just the sight of the ticket office, and the train gates, gave me a wave of homesickness and I wanted tosee Mother so terribly, that I thought I'd just go. But as soon as I'dtelephoned, I realised that I oughtn't to do it, so I came right backhere. I didn't telephone I'd changed my mind, for I thought I'd behere so soon. Mrs. Berry, what do you think became of the earring?"

"I don't know, I'm sure, my dear. I don't think I could ever believethat any one of you girls took it with any wrong intent. Did one ofyou just borrow it? To study it as a curio or anything like that?"

"No!" cried Bernice. "That's absurd. If I'd wanted to do that I shouldhave asked Uncle's permission. "

"Of course you would, " and good Mrs. Berry sighed at the undoubtedfallacy of her theory. 

It was during luncheon that the telephone bell rang, and Geordie Knappinvited the girls to a matinee at the Hippodrome. 

"They must come, " he said to Mrs. Berry, who had answered his call. "Please let them. It's a big party. We've three boxes; my mother isgoing with us, and all the rest are young people. I know your girlswill like it. "

"Of course they will, " Mrs. Berry replied. "I'll be glad to have themgo. Wait; I'll ask them. "

The invitation was heard with delight, and Bernice answered Geordiefor the others that they'd all be glad to go. 

"Good!" cried Geordie. "We'll call for you in our big car. Be ready ontime. "

They promised and hastened through luncheon to go to dress. 

"I'm glad you're going, " kind Mrs. Berry said; "it'll take your mindsoff this old earring business. Have a real good time, and don't eventhink of anything unpleasant. "

So the girls started off in gay spirits, resolved not to worry overthe lost jewel. 

During the intermission at the matinee Dotty chanced to be talking toGeordie alone, and she told him about the mystery, and asked him whathe thought. The boy was greatly interested, and asked for all thedetails. So Dotty told him all, even of Dolly's seeing Alicia returnto the room and go to the table by the window. 

"Jiminy crickets!" said Geordie, "that looks bad! But I can't believeAlicia would take it, nor any of you others. Let me talk to Alicia; Iwon't accuse her, you know, but maybe I can gather something from theway she talks. "

So by changing of seats Geordie found opportunity to talk to Aliciaabout the matter. To his surprise, she willingly discussed it, and, moreover, she made no secret of the fact that she suspected Dolly oftaking it. She said she felt sure that Dolly did it, meaning no greatharm, but probably being over-tempted. "Why, " said Alicia, "she saidonly at luncheon that when she was at the Railroad Station she was sotempted to go home to her mother that she very nearly went. So, yousee, she is given to sudden temptations and I suppose she can't alwaysresist them. "

Geordie considered. "I don't believe she took it, Alicia, " he said;"either it's slipped behind something, or else somebody else got inand took it. It never was one of you four girls! I'm SURE it wasn't IfI could be over there for an hour or so, I'll bet I could find it. I'mpretty good at such things. S'pose I go home with you after the show;may I?"

"Oh, I wish you would! If you could find that thing, you would be ajoy and a blessing!"

And so, after the performance was over, Geordie Knapp and Ted Hosmerboth went to Mr. Forbes' house with the four girls. 

Alicia asked her uncle's permission for them all to go up to themuseum rooms, and he gave it. He was not entirely willing, for herarely allowed visitors to his collections, but Alicia coaxed until hegave in. 

"It can't be that Alicia took it, " Dotty whispered to Dolly, "for sheis so willing to have Geordie investigate. "

Ted Hosmer was as anxious as Geordie to hunt for the earring, but whenhe reached the rooms of the collections he was so interested inlooking at the specimens that he nearly forgot what they came for. 

"Look at the birds!" he cried, as they passed through the NaturalHistory room on the way to the antiques. 

"You like birds?" asked Dolly, as she saw his eyes brighten at thesights all round him. "Yes, indeed! I've a small collection myself, but nothing like this! I study about birds every chance I get. Oh, seethe humming birds! Aren't they beautiful?"

But Dolly persuaded him to leave the birds and butterflies and go onto the antique room. 

Here the girls told their two visitors all about the earring and itsdisappearance. Mr. Fenn was not present, for which Dolly was deeplygrateful. 

Mr. Forbes watched the two boys quizzically. Then he said, "Go to it, Geordie. Do a little detective work. If any of my fourvisitors took it, make them own up. I won't scold them; I'm anxiousonly to know which one it was. "

"You don't really think it was any of them, I know, Mr. Forbes, or youwouldn't speak like that, " said Ted. "I know you think as I do, thatsome queer mischance or accident is responsible for the disappearance. But WHAT was that accident, and WHERE is the jewel?"

The two boys searched methodically. They did not look into cupboardsor drawers; they asked questions and tried to think out some theory. 

"Could any one have come in at the window?" asked Ted. 

"No chance of that, " said Mr. Forbes, "considering the window is inthe fourth story, and no balcony, or any way of reaching it from theground. "

Geordie stuck his head out of the window in question. 

"Who lives next door?" he said, looking across the narrow yard to thenext house. 

"People named Mortimer, " replied Mr. Forbes. "But they're all awayfrom home. They're somewhere down South. "

"There's somebody over there. I see a light in one of the rooms. "

"A caretaker, maybe. But don't be absurd. It's all of ten or twelvefeet across to that house from our back extension to theirs. Are youthinking somebody could spring across, take the jewel and spring backagain?"

"That ISN'T very likely, is it?" Ted laughed, "but there's someexplanation, somewhere, " and the boy shook his head. "You see, Mr. Forbes, somebody might have made entrance to this room after the girlsleft it Sunday afternoon, and before you discovered your loss. "

"Somebody might, " agreed Mr. Forbes, "but I can't quite see how. Surely no intruder came up by way of the stairs; I can't believe anyone came in by the window, and what other way is there?"

"Suppose, " said Geordie, earnestly, "suppose the caretaker, or whoeveris next door, saw you people examining the earring by the light fromthe window, --you were by the window, weren't you?"

"Yes, " said Dolly, to whom he had put the question. "Yes, it wasgrowing dusk, and I stepped to the window to look at the gold work. "

"Well, suppose this caretaker person saw you, and realised the jewelwas valuable. Then suppose after you all went out and left the earringon this little table, which is only ten or twelve inches from thewindow, suppose the caretaker leaned out of his window, and, with along pole, with a hook on the end, fished the thing over to himself. "

"Ridiculous!" cried Mr. Forbes. "Nobody could do such a thing as that!Absurd, my boy! Why, even a long fishpole would scarcely be longenough, and he couldn't get purchase enough on the end--"

"I admit it sounds difficult, sir, but they do pretty clever thingsthat way. "

"And, too, I can't suspect my neighbour's servants! Why, I've not theslightest cause for such suspicion!"

"Oh, no, I can't think it's that way, either, " said Dolly. "Why, thatcaretaker is a nice old man. I've heard Mrs. Berry tell about him. Hisroom is just opposite hers, two floors beneath this very room we're innow. He has a parrot that chatters and annoys Mrs. Berry, but the oldman is honest, I'm sure. And he's too old to be agile enough to dosuch an acrobatic thing as you suggest. "

CHAPTER XVII

A CLEVER IDEA

Ted Hosmer looked at Dolly as she spoke, and a sudden light came intohis eyes. 

"By Jiminy!" he said, and he drew a sharp little whistle. "I say, Dolly, where is your Mrs. Berry?"

"Oh, no, Ted, " Dolly laughed, "you can't connect Mrs. Berry with thismatter any more than you can the Mortimers' servants. Mrs. Berrydidn't do it. "

"I didn't say she did, " returned Ted, smiling at her. "But where isshe, that's all. "

"I don't know. Probably in her room. "

"Take me there, will you? I must see her at once. Why, I've got anidea!"

"Goodness, Ted!" exclaimed Geordie. "What a strange piece of news!"

"Don't be funny!" said Ted; "I say, Dolly, take me to speak to Mrs. Berry, won't you?"

"Why, of course, if you like, --come on. "

Dolly led the way and Ted followed. The others paid little attention, for Geordie was thinking out a new theory of how somebody could getacross from the next house, by means of scuttles to the roofs on thefront part of the houses. Of course, in front the houses wereattached, but the back extensions were only one room wide, thus givingground space for tiny back yards. 

A tap on Mrs. Berry's door was answered, and the two were admitted. 

"What is it?" and the housekeeper looked a little surprised at hervisitors. 

"May we look out of your window?" asked Ted, politely. 

"Surely, " was the reply. "But what for?"

Ted, however, already had raised the window and was looking out. Itwas dark, or nearly, and the house next door showed a dim light in theroom opposite the one they were in. 

The shade was down at the window, so they saw nothing of the room buta few indistinct shadows. 

"Tell us something about the old caretaker next door, won't you?"begged Ted, and Mrs. Berry responded: "Now, don't suspect him! Why, old Joe is the most honest man in the city! I've known him for years, and I'm sure he wouldn't steal a pin! Mr. Mortimer trusts himabsolutely. "

"But tell us a little about him. "

"There's nothing to tell, only that he stays there alone when thefamily go away. He lives, practically, in the two rooms; that roomopposite and the kitchen. He has no company but his parrot; he makes agreat pet of that. "

"A nice Polly?"

"A handsome bird, yes. But a nuisance with its continual squawking andchattering. "

"Thank you, Mrs. Berry; I believe that's all. Pardon our intrusion. We'll go now. Come along, Dolly. "

Dolly followed Ted from the room, and he said, "Don't go back upstairsyet. Come along with me. "

"Where?"

"Never mind. Come on, " and, making a gesture for her to be silent, Tedpiloted her down the main staircase and out of the front door. 

"Gracious! I won't go another step till you tell me where we'regoing!"

"Of course I'll tell you. We're going next door. Come on; you don'tneed wraps; it's just a step. "

Taking her hand, Ted led her down the Forbes' steps and up those ofthe house next door. He rang the bell and they waited. In a moment, shuffling steps were heard and an old man opened the door. 

"That you, Joe?" said Ted, pleasantly. "Let us come in for a moment, please. "

"I don't know you, young sir, but if I'm not mistaken, this is one ofthe little ladies from next door. "

"Quite right. We intend no harm, I assure you. Let us come in for aminute or two. "

The old man let them enter and closed the door behind them. 

"How's your parrot?" asked Ted, conversationally. 

Old Joe looked surprised, but he answered courteously, "Polly is well, as usual. "

"What kind of a bird is he?"

"A parrot, sir. "

"I don't mean that. Is he honest or--or gives to thievery?"

"Oh, sir, he's the thievingest beast in the world, that he is! I don'tdare leave a thing around I'm not willing for him to take if he wantsit. "

"Yes, just so. And does he ever go out of this house?"

"No, --oh, no. "

Ted's face fell. Dolly's, too, for she began to see what Ted had inmind. But if Polly never left the Mortimer house, surely he didn't flyover and steal the earring. 

"Could I go up to the room where the bird is?" said Ted, trying toconceal his disappointment at the collapse of his theory. 

"Yes, sir, if you like, or I'll bring the bird down here. "

"We'll go up, please, " and Dolly and Ted followed the old man to theroom on the second floor, which was opposite Mrs. Berry's. 

They looked in and saw the bird in his cage, hanging from a bracketnear the window. 

"Pretty Polly, " said Ted, walking toward the cage. "Nice Polly. Pollywant a cracker?"

The bird cocked his head on one side, but said nothing. 

"And you're sure he never leaves his cage?" said Ted, examining thefastening on the cage door. 

"Well, sir, he does leave his cage. I said he doesn't leave thishouse. That is, --not often. So seldom as to call it never. "

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well, a few days ago, --I'm thinking it was Sunday, --the bird lethimself out of his cage. The latch broke, do you see, and he couldpush the door open with his claw. I came into the room, and there hewas stalking up and down the floor with a knowing look. I soon foundhow he got out of the cage and I fixed the latch so he can't do itagain. I let him out often, but I'm not going to have him lettinghimself out. "

"Sunday, was it?" and Dolly's eyes brightened as Ted went on with hisquestions. "And you weren't here when he got out of his cage?"

"No, sir. But I came in soon and he was marching along the floor, winking at me. "

"And was the window open?"

Old Joe stopped to think. "No, " he said, finally, and Dolly gave asigh of despair. If the window had been open, there was a possibilitythat Polly had been the thief. 

"Can he fly?" she put in. 

"Fly? Yes, that he can. That's why I'm careful to keep him shut uphere. I wouldn't like him to fly over and annoy Mrs. Berry. He didthat once a year ago, and the lady was right down mad about it. "

"Think again, Joe. Couldn't this window have been open Sunday, whenPolly got out of his cage?"

"Well, now, I do believe it was! Wasn't Sunday that warm, pleasantday? Yes? Well, then, come to think of it, this here window WAS open!My! it was a good thing Mr. Polly didn't walk out of it!"

"But that's just what he did do, --I believe!"

"What, sir? What do you mean?"

"Well, I'll tell you. A small article has disappeared from the housenext door, from a room on this side, just above Mrs. Berry's room. It's a hard matter to find out what became of the thing, a smalltrinket of jewellery, and I'm in hopes that your bird flew over andtook it, because that will let out certain very much worried humanbeings!"

"Oh, I can't think Polly did that!"

"Can he fly as far as to go up to that window two stories higher thanthis? You say he can fly, but would he be likely to fly UP?"

"If so be that window was open he might. He's a born thief, that birdis. But in that case, what did he do with it? A jewel, you say?"

"Yes, an old, very old earring. "

"Ah!" and Joe started; "of fine work, but all broken and bent?"

"I don't know. How about that, Dolly?"

"It was old, and it was fine gold work. But it wasn't bent or broken. "

"Then it's not the same, " said Joe. "Polly has a lot of playthings, and some old imitation jewellery that Mrs. Mortimer lets him havebecause he loves such things. And it was Monday, yes, yesterday, hehad an old piece of stuff that I didn't remember seeing before, but Ipaid little attention to it. And it was that bent and twisted it can'thave been the thing you're searching for. No, that it couldn't. "

"I suppose not, " said Ted, but Dolly said, "Let us see it, anyway, can't you? Maybe Polly bent it up himself. "

Old Joe went and searched through a lot of broken bits of metaltilings in a box on the table. 

"Here it is, " he said. "You see how it's worn out!"

"That's it!" cried Dolly. "Oh, Ted, THAT'S the earring! Hooray!"

"Is it? Hooray!" shouted Ted. "REALLY, oh, it's too good to be true!Polly MUST have taken it, Joe. "

"Yes, he must have done so, if Miss, here, says it's the one. But letme figger it out. I s'pose when Polly opened his cage door, the openwindow attracted him, and he flew out. Then as the other windows inthe Forbes house were closed, he made for that one that was open. Wasnobody in the room?"

"No, " said Dolly, "not when the jewel was taken. I left it on a table, near the window, and--"

"Yes, Miss, I see! Polly was tempted by the glittering thing; he lovesglitter, and he snatched it up and flew right back home with it. Hehid it somewhere; that's his thievish nature, and when I came in herehe was walking up and down the floor as innocent appearin' as a lamb!Oh, you wicked Polly!"

"Wick-ed Polly!" screeched the bird. "Naughty Polly!"

"Yes, very naughty Polly!" said Ted. "But a good Polly, after all, toget us out of our troubles!"

"Then, you see, " continued Old Joe, "that villainous bird, he hid histreasure, and when I let him out yesterday, just to fly around theroom, he found it out again, and he hent and broke it all up. "

"Well, never mind!" Dolly cried, "as long as we have it! Oh, Ted, howclever of you to think of it! I'm so glad! Come, let's hurry home andtell about it! My, won't they all rejoice!"

"Shall I go over and make my apologies to Mr. Forbes?" asked Joe, anxiously. 

"No; at least, not now. Mr. Forbes won't hold you at all to blame. Itwas merely coincidence that the bird happened to get out of his cage, just when the jewel lay there unprotected, " said Ted. 

"And, he'd taken something else if he hadn't found that. Anythingglittering or sparkling catches his eye, and he steals it. But 'tisseldom he gets a chance outside the house. "

"Why do you keep such a bird?" asked Dolly. 

"He isn't mine. I wouldn't care to have him. He belongs to Mrs. Mortimer, and she only laughs at his thievin' traits. She thinksthey're cunning. So, I must needs take good care of him. 'Twascareless of me to leave the window open, and him here alone. But Ididn't think he could break loose from his cage. I'm thinkin' the doorwas ajar. "

"Well, we're much obliged to you and to Polly. Oh, just think if youhadn't reasoned it out, Ted, we never would have known the truth! Yousee, Joe thought the earring was one of Polly's own belongings, so, ofcourse, he never would have paid any attention to it. "

"That I wouldn't, Miss. I supposed it was some of the trinkets themissus gave him. She buys 'em for him at the five-and-ten. He breaks'em as fast as he gets 'em!"

"I hope this can be straightened out, and I think it can, " said Dolly, as she looked at the bent gold work. 

"I'm sure it can, " agreed Ted, "but anyway, it solves the mystery andclears you girls! Hooray! Hurroo!! Come on, let's go and tell themall. "

The two dashed into the Forbes house next door, and found the rest ofthem down in the drawing room, wondering what had become of Dolly andTed. 

With a beaming face and dancing eyes, Dolly went straight to Mr. Forbes and dangled the bent and twisted earring before his surprisedcountenance. 

"Bless my soul!" he cried, as he saw it. "Did you--where did you findit?"

Dolly realised that he had been about to say, "Did you decide to ownup?" or something like that, and she was glad that he changed hissentence. 

"Next door!" she exclaimed, for Ted stood back and let her have thepleasure of telling. "That old parrot came and stole it!"

"Oh! the parrot!" cried Mr. Forbes. "Why, of course! I see it all! Whydidn't _I_ think of that? Once before, I saw that bird light on mywindow sill and I shooed him off. Strange I didn't think of thatsolution!"

"Tell us more!" cried Dotty; "who thought of a parrot? Whose parrot isit? How did he get in? When?"

"Wait a minute, Dot, " said Dolly, laughing, "and I'll tell you allabout it. You tell some, Ted, I'm all out of breath!"

So Ted told the whole story of their visit to the next house. 

"And I thought it was n. G. When the old chap said the window in hisroom wasn't open. Also, when he said the bird never left that house, Ithought again we were off the track. But when we went on to discussthe matter, and he said the bird was a born thief, and also he finallyremembered that his window was open on Sunday afternoon, why I feltsure we had found the culprit. Then, the old fellow produced theearring, which he had seen, but had scarcely noticed, thinking it wassome of the bird's own junk. It seems Polly also collects antiques!"

"Well, well, Hosmer, my boy, you did well to think of such a solutionto our mystery! What put you on the track in the first place?"

"I think it was the birds of your collection, sir. I'm very fond ofbirds and bird study, and I know a lot about parrots, and their ways. Well, seeing all your stuffed birds, put birds in my head, I suppose;any way, when Dolly spoke of a parrot next door that annoyed Mrs. Berry, I thought right away of how that Polly bird would like to graba gold trinket if he had a good chance. So I looked up his chances, and I began to realise that if your window was open, the one in theother house might have been too. Sunday was such a warm, pleasant day. So, I looked into matters a little, and concluded we'd better go overthere. I didn't say what we were going for, because it might easilyhave turned out a wild goose chase--"

"Instead of a wild parrot chase!" said Alicia. "Oh, isn't it just finethat it's found!"

"I guess old Fenn will be surprised, " said Dotty, with an angry shakeof her dark head. "He tried his best to fasten it on Dolly--"

"Fasten the earring on?" asked Geordie Knapp, laughing. 

"No; I did that myself, " rejoined Dolly. "Oh, Uncle Forbes, you didn'tthink I took it, did you?"

"I didn't know what to think. No thought of that bird came into mymind. And so I had to cudgel my brain to think how it did disappear. For I HAD to know! Yes, I positively HAD to know!"

"Of course, " agreed Bernice. "You didn't want to lose that jewel. "

"It wasn't only that, there was another reason, a reason that I'lltell you some day. "

CHAPTER XVIII

FOUR CELEBRATIONS

Next morning at breakfast, each of the four girls found a note at herplate. The notes were all alike, and they read:

Mr. Jefferson Forbes, because of his great delight over the discoveryof his lost piece of property, invites you to a celebration occasion, to-morrow, Thursday evening. Mr. Forbes would say, also, that he hasobtained the consent of all interested parents, that you may stay tillSaturday. Mr. Jefferson Forbes will be glad of suggestions as to whatform said celebration shall assume. 

They all laughed at the formal style and stilted language of thenotes, and were amazed at the information that they were to make alonger visit than they had thought. 

Mrs. Berry smiled at the shower of questions that followed the readingof the notes, but she only said, "Don't ask me, my dears. Afterbreakfast, Mr. Forbes will meet you in the reception room and discussit. "

So a merry group of four awaited the coming of their host in thepretty little reception room. 

"Good morning, " he said, cheerily, as he entered, "What an attractivebunch of humanity! Four smiling faces and eight bright eyes! I greetyou all. "

With an old-fashioned bow, he took a seat near them, and asked, "Didyou receive certain important documents?"

"We did, " replied Bernice. "May we have further enlightenment?"

"You may, and first I will remove that anxious look from Dolly's face, by saying that her mother is perfectly willing that she should stayhere the rest of the week. "

"Oh, goody!" cried Dolly. "How did you ask her? By telephone?"

"Yes. So pleased was I over the developments of last evening, that Itelephoned all the powers that be, and arranged for an extension toour house party. Are you glad?"

"Indeed we are, " chorused the girls, and Uncle Jeff went on. 

"Now, our celebration is to be just whatever you want. And if youdon't all want the same thing, you can all have different things. Sojust state your preferences. "

"I know mine, " said Alicia. "it is to go to Muriel Brown's party onFriday night. She asked us, and I'd love to go. "

"That's one, " said her uncle. "Of course you can all go to the party. Now, Bernice, what do you choose?"

"I'd like to go to the opera, " said Bernice. "Grand opera, I mean. I've never been but once, and I'd love to go. "

"Good! We'll go to-night. If you all agree?"

They certainly did agree to that, and then Mr. Forbes asked the twoD's to choose. 

"I want to go to the Metropolitan Museum, --with you!" said Dolly, halfafraid to ask such a boon. But Mr. Forbes seemed pleased, and declaredhe would be delighted to go with her, and explain the exhibits and theothers could go or not, as they liked. All decided in favour of going, and then Dotty was asked to choose. 

"Don't laugh at me, " said Dotty, "but I'd like to have a party. Only, not a big one. Just us four girls, and the four boys, that we know thebest; Geordie, Ted, Marly Turner and Sam Graves. I like that sort of aparty better than the big, dressy ones. "

"Why, Dot Rose!" exclaimed Alicia, "I thought you liked the bigdances. "

"So I do, if I knew the people. But I think it would be lots of fun tohave a few, and have a less formal party. I'd like to ask MurielBrown, and two or three of those girls we met with her, the other day, and then, have a few more boys; but not a hundred, like Muriel had. "

"A good plan, " said Mr. Forbes, "because you couldn't invite a largeparty on such short notice. So, make out your list, Dotty, and invitethem by telephone at once. Mrs. Berry will help you, and will arrangeall details. Let me see, you can have that party to-morrow night; goto the opera to-night; go to Muriel's party on Friday night, and gohome on Saturday. The museum we can visit any afternoon. I thank youfor your kind attention. "

"Oh, Uncle Jeff, we thank YOU for your kindness, all of it, " criedAlicia. "You have been so very good to us, and now you are doing a lotmore for our pleasure. "

"Have you enjoyed it all, so far, Alicia?" and her uncle looked at herinquiringly. 

"Oh, yes, sir, indeed I have! I was troubled about the lost earring, but that was not your fault. "

"Nor the fault of any of you girls, " said Mr. Forbes. "As I havehinted to you, I have a reason for this visit you are making me, beside a desire to give you pleasure. I am considering a seriousmatter and this stay of yours in my house is helping me to adecision. "

"What can it be, Uncle?" cried Bernice. "Tell us, so we can help youmore, and more intelligently. "

"I will tell you Saturday morning, " he returned with a smile. "Perhapsin that time other developments may occur that will alter my finaldecision in the matter. "

"It sounds most mysterious, " laughed Dolly, "can't we guess what it'sall about?"

"You may guess, if you like, but I don't promise to tell you if youguess correctly. And I don't mind adding, that I feel pretty sure youcouldn't guess correctly, if you tried!"

"No use trying, then!" said Alicia, gaily. "Oh, I'm so glad we'regoing to stay longer. I want to do a lot of things beside thecelebrations we've just planned. I do think you're the best andkindest uncle in the whole world! I've got a secret, too, and some dayI'm going to tell it to you all. "

"Secrets seem to be the order of the day, " laughed Dolly; "we'll haveto scrape up one, Dot. "

"Well, it's no secret that we're having one grand, glorious, goodtime!" said Dotty. "What's on for this morning?"

Mr. Forbes went off to his own room then, and the girls planned outall they should do for the rest of their stay in the city. 

There was some shopping, some sight-seeing and some errands yet undonebut they at last agreed on a programme that would suit everybody. 

Dotty's party, as they called it, took place on Thursday night, andshe had her way about having it a small gathering. There were abouttwenty in all, and according to Dotty's wishes it was not only adancing party. There were games as well as dances, for Dotty lovedgames. 

Some of the city young people were at first inclined to laugh at theidea of games, but when they began to take part in these that Dottyhad planned they became exceedingly interested. 

One was an "Observation Test, " up in Mr. Forbes' museum. 

At Dotty's request, he had allowed the collection rooms to be openedto the guests, and this very special dispensation was so appreciatedby all that they were most exceedingly careful not to handle the rarespecimens or touch the exhibits. 

This state of things lent itself beautifully to the game. Each playerwas asked to walk about for half an hour and look at the curios andtreasures, and at the expiration of the time, to return to the drawingroom, and spend ten minutes writing down the names of such objects ascould be remembered. 

This game, most of them had played before, with a table full of lessinteresting exhibits. But in the wonderful museum rooms of Mr. Forbesit was quite another story. 

So eagerly did the young people observe and examine the things, thatthe half hour allotted for that purpose slipped away all too soon. 

And then they sat down to write their lists, and that too proved anabsorbing occupation. 

Our four girls wrote lists, just for fun, but did not compete for theprizes, as, knowing the exhibit so well, that would not have beenfair. 

Muriel Brown took the first prize, and the hostesses were glad of itfor it was pleasant to have Muriel so honoured. 

The prize was a gold penholder, and the boys' prize, which MarlyTurner won, was a similar gift. 

After it was over, another game was played. This was ribbon cutting. 

Girls and boys, stood at either end of the long drawing-room. To eachgirl was given the end of a piece of long, narrow ribbon, and a pairof scissors. The other end of each ribbon was held by a boy, wholikewise had a pair of scissors. 

At a signal, each player started cutting the ribbon straight throughthe middle. If the scissors slipped and cut through the selvage, theplayer was out of the game. It was not easy, for the ribbon wasnarrow, and there was a strong impulse to hurry, which made forcrooked cutting. The middle of each piece of ribbon was marked by aknot, and whoever reached the knot first, was the winner of that pair. The one who finished first of all, received a special prize. 

The game caused great laughter and sport, and the city young peopledeclared they enjoyed it quite as much as dancing. 

Then the feast was served, and very beautiful and elaborate it was. The celebration, Mr. Forbes had said, was to be especially for the twoD's, as it was Dotty's choice, and Dolly's choice of a visit to themuseum provided little opportunity for gaiety. 

The table showed two great floral D's, one at either end. Dotty's wasmade of red roses, and Dolly's of pink roses. Every guest had as asouvenir, some pretty and valuable little trinket, and at every placewas a small D made of flowers. 

Cakes, ices, jellies, and all such things as could be so shaped, werecut in the form of D's, and our two girls felt greatly honoured to seetheir initial so prominently and beautifully displayed. 

In the centre of the table was a huge French Doll, of the finest type. It was dressed in silk covered with polka dots, and its hat andparasol were of silk to match. 

Everybody laughed when Mr. Forbes pointed out that it was Dotty Dolly!And all agreed it was a most clever and appropriate symbol. 

After supper there was dancing, and a fine orchestra furnished themusic. Our girls liked dancing pretty well, but often they sat out adance talking to one or another of their guests. 

Once, as Dolly passed along the hall, chatting with Geordie Knapp, they heard rather loud voices behind the closed door of the littlereception room. 

Rather surprised that the door should be shut at all, that evening, Dolly paused involuntarily, and Geordie stood by her side. They had nointention of eavesdropping; indeed, Geordie thought perhaps some newgame was about to be announced. 

But to Dolly's amazement, she heard Alicia's voice saying, "Oh, Icannot! I dare not!"

The tones were quivering with emotion, and Dolly couldn't helplistening for the next words. She feared Alicia was troubled aboutsomething; indeed, she didn't know what she feared. 

And, next came a voice that was unmistakably; Marly Turner's, saying, "Do, dear! Oh, TRUST me, --_I_ will take care of you!"

"But it is a desperate step!" exclaimed Alicia, "if I should everregret it!"

"You will not regret it, dearest, " Marly said, "I will never LET youregret it! Your own mother eloped; it is fitting you should do so, too. "

Dolly looked at Geordie, her face white with horror. 

Alicia, planning an elopement! And with Marly Turner! She laid herhand on the knob of the door. 

"Don't!" said Geordie, "don't you get mixed up in a thing like that!Is Alicia Steele that sort of a girl?"

"I don't know, " faltered Dolly. "I heard Bernice hint once thatAlicia's mother did elope with her father, --but, Alicia! Why, sheisn't seventeen, yet!"

"Well, that's old enough to know what she's about. I advise you, Dolly, not to go in there. Tell Mr. Forbes, if you like. "

"Oh, I couldn't tell on Alicia!"

And, then, as they still stood there, too fascinated to move away, Alicia said, "Yes, to-morrow night. I will steal out after the houseis quiet, --oh, my hero! my idol!"

"My angel!" exclaimed Marly, in a deep, thrilled voice, and Dollyturned away, sick at heart. 

"I don't know what to do!" she said to Geordie, as they went on to thedrawing room, where the dancers were. 

"Don't do anything, " he advised. "It's none of your business. ThatSteele girl isn't like you, she's a different type. If she wants tocut up such didoes, don't you mix in it. Let her alone. I knew Marlyliked her, --he said so, --but I didn't suppose he'd do such a thing asthat! But I shan't say a word to him. We're good friends, but notchums. Marly's a good chap, but he's awfully anxious to act grown up, and my stars! he's doing so! Elope with the Steele girl! Jiminy!" "Ican't bear to tell on Alicia, " said Dolly, "and yet, I can't think Iought to let her go ahead and do this thing. She's so fond of romance, and excitement, she doesn't realise what she's doing. "

Later on, Dolly saw Alicia and young Turner emerge from the receptionroom, and saunter toward the drawing room. They were talkingearnestly, in whispers. Alicia's cheeks were pink, and her manner alittle excited. Marly looked important, and bore himself with a moregrown up air than usual. Dolly and Geordie looked at each other, andshook their heads. It was only too evident that the two were planningsome secret doings. They went off by themselves and sat on a davenportin a corner of the room, and continued to converse in whispers, oblivious to all about them. 

Dolly and Geordie purposely walked past the other pair, and distinctlyheard Marly say something about a rope ladder. 

"It's part of the performance, " he urged, as Alicia seemed to demur. 

Then she smiled sweetly at him, and said, "All right, then, just asyou say. "

"It's perfectly awful!" said Dolly, as they walked on. "I've simplygot to tell Dotty, anyway. "

"Oh, I wouldn't, " expostulated Geordie; "I don't believe they'll pullit off. Somebody will catch on and put a stop to it. "

"Maybe and maybe not, " said Dolly, dubiously. "Alicia is awfullyclever, and if she sets out to do a thing, she generally carries itthrough. And her head is full of crazy, romantic thoughts. She'drather elope than to go back to school, I know she would. She told meshe'd do anything to get out of going back to school. "

"That makes it look serious, " agreed Geordie. "Still I don't think youought to mix yourself up in it, unless you just tell the whole storyto Mr. Forbes. "

"I hate to be a tattle-tale, " and Dolly looked scornful. "But if it'sfor Alicia's good, maybe I ought to. "

"Look at them now! Their heads close together, and whispering likeeverything!"

"Yes, they're planning for their getaway!"

During the rest of the evening, Dolly watched Alicia, feeling mean todo it, and yet unable to keep herself from it. 

At last the guests went home, one and all exclaiming at the good timethey had had. Marly Turner bade Dolly good night, with a smiling face. "I've had the time of my life!" he declared. 

"I've not seen much of you, " said Dolly, pointedly. 

"I know it. Too bad! I wanted to dance with you oftener, but the timewas so short. "

"And you found another charmer?"

"Well, Alicia sure is a wonder, isn't she? You know she is!"

"Yes, she is, " said Dolly, and for the life of her, she couldn't frownon the happy-hearted youth. 

Marly went off, and the others followed. 

"I'm not going to talk things over to-night, " said Dolly, when thefour were alone. "I'm tired, and I'm going straight to bed. "

CHAPTER XIX

ALICIA'S SECRET

The time seemed fairly to fly. Each of the four girls had some lastfew errands to do, each wanted some little souvenirs for herself, orfor her people at home, and so busy were they that there was not somuch mutual conversation among them as usual. 

They were to go home on Saturday. And already it was Friday afternoon. They had finished luncheon, Alicia and Bernice had gone to their room, and Dolly was about to go upstairs, when she remembered that she hadplanned to run in and say good-bye to old Joe and his parrot. 

Dolly felt she owed a debt of gratitude to Polly, and she had bought alittle toy for him. 

"I'm going to run in next door a minute, " she said to Mrs. Berry. 

"Very well, my dear. Here's a cracker for Polly. "

Dolly took it laughingly, and went out to the hall. 

"Put your coat round you, " called out Mrs. Berry. "It's only a step, Iknow, but it's a very cold day. "

"Oh, Dot just took my coat upstairs, with her own. Well, here'sAlicia's hanging on the hall rack. I'll throw this round me. "

She did so, and ran out of the front door and up the steps of the nexthouse. 

Old Joe answered her ring at the bell. 

"Just ran over to say good-bye, " laughed Dolly, "and to bring acracker and a toy for Polly. "

"Thank you, Miss, " and Joe smiled at her. "I'll bring the bird down toyou, Ma'am, to save your going upstairs. "

"All right, " said Dolly, a little absent-mindedly, for she wasthinking of a lot of things at once. 

Still absentmindedly, she put her hand in her coat pocket for ahandkerchief. There was none there, and she drew out a letter instead. Then she suddenly remembered she had on Alicia's coat, and with aglance at the envelope, she thrust the letter back in the pocket. Butthat one glance sufficed to show her it was in Marly Turner'shandwriting. 

She had had a note from him a day or two ago, inviting her to someparty or other, and his striking, sprawling penmanship wasunmistakable. The letter had been opened, and Dolly remembered thatAlicia had had several letters in the mail that morning. 

It all recalled to her the talk she had overheard the night before. All that morning Alicia had seemed preoccupied, and twice she had goneoff by herself to telephone in a booth, which the girls rarely used, for they had no secrets from one another. 

Dolly thought over the situation between Alicia and young Turner. Shehad not told Dotty yet. She had two minds about doing so. It seemed toher one minute that she had no right to interfere in Alicia's affairsand then again, it seemed as if she ought to tell Mr. Forbes what wasgoing on. 

She had heard Alicia say to Marly that they would elope that verynight, and she felt sure they meant to do so. 

They were all going to Muriel Brown's party, that being Alicia's ownchoice of the "celebrations. " Would she elope from the party, orreturn home first? The latter, probably, for they had mentioned a ropeladder, and that seemed as if Alicia meant to go late at night whenall the others were asleep. If she ran away from the party there wouldbe no need of a rope ladder. 

Dolly had asked Bernice if Alicia's mother had eloped, and Bernice hadsaid she thought she had, though she had never heard any of theparticulars. 

And then Joe came down with the parrot, and Dolly forgot Alicia andher elopement for the moment. 

Polly showed great delight over his gifts, and after a few words ofgood-bye to the bird and to old Joe, Dolly ran back again. 

In the hall she took off Alicia's coat and hung it on the rack just asAlicia herself appeared on the stairs. 

"Where you been?" she called out gaily. 

"Next door, " said Dolly, "to say a fond farewell to Polly Mortimer. And as my coat was upstairs, I took the liberty of wearing yours. "

"That's all right, " laughed Alicia, "you're welcome to it, I'm sure. Oh, I say, Dolly, there's a letter in the pocket of it! I hope youdidn't read it!"

"Alicia Steele! You ought to be ashamed of yourself to hint at such athing!"

"There, there, don't flare up over nothing! I only said I hoped youdidn't. Did you?"

"I consider that question insulting!"

"Yes, people often get out of answering, that way! Now, you haven'tanswered me yet. Did you or did you NOT read that letter that's in thepocket of my coat?"

"I did NOT! But I've my opinion of a girl who could even think I'd dosuch a thing!"

"Well, you had plenty of time, and when you were in next door, wouldhave been a good opportunity. I'm not sure I believe you even yet. You're blushing like fury!"

"Who wouldn't, at being insulted like that! I don't think you can havemuch sense of honour yourself, to think anybody decent would readanother person's letter!"

"Now, don't get huffy, little goldilocks!" and Alicia laughed at her. "I had to be sure, you see, because it's a most important matter, andI wouldn't have anybody know for the world, --until I get ready totell, myself. "

"And when will you be ready to tell?" Dolly tried to speak lightly, but the words nearly choked her. 

"I dunno. Maybe you'll know about it to-morrow. "

"Oh, Alicia--" Dolly meant to speak a word of warning or of pleading, indeed she didn't quite know what she WAS going to say, but just then, Dotty and Bernice came down stairs, and proposed they all go for amotor ride, and a last visit to the pretty tearoom. 

Dolly agreed, but Alicia didn't seem quite willing. 

"I'm expecting a telephone message, " she said, at last. "You girls goon, and leave me at home. I shan't mind. "

"Oh, no, " said Dotty, "we four can't be together after to-day. Wemustn't be separated this last day of all. Come on, 'Licia. "

"But it's an important message, " and Alicia looked anxious. 

"Can I be of help?" said Mrs. Berry, coming toward them. 

"Yes, " cried Dotty, "let Mrs. Berry take the message, and tell herwhat answer to make. "

"No answer, " said Alicia, slowly, and a pink flush rose to her cheeks. "But just take the message, if you please, dear Mrs. Berry. It will beshort, I know. Jot it down, lest you forget the exact wording. "

Mrs. Berry promised and the four ran away to get ready for their lastafternoon together. 

"Dress up pretty, girls, " Alicia called from her room. "No tellingwhom we might meet at the tearoom. "

"That's so, " said Dotty; "put on your Dresden silk, Doll. "

Dolly laughingly agreed, and the four dressed-up young ladies startedoff. 

A few calls at various shops, a few stops to look once more at certainpoints of interest they admired, and then for a long drive through theparks, and finally to the tearoom. 

"How short the time has been, " said Bernice, as they flew along. 

"Yes, " assented Alicia, "it doesn't seem possible we've been here aslong as we have. Oh, I don't want to go home. I wish I could live inNew York, I just love it!"

"I like it, " said Dolly, "but I don't want to live here. I'd LIKE tocome here oftener than I do, though. "

At the tearoom they found Janet Knapp and Corinne Bell, two girls whomthey had come to know very pleasantly. 

"Sit here with us, " called out Janet, as they entered. "We haven'tordered yet, --what do you girls want?"

"Cafe frappe for me, " said Dotty, "and waffles. "

"Thick chocolate and whipped cream for mine, " said Alicia. "Oh, whenshall I ever get these lovely things again? Think of going back toboarding-school diet!"

"Don't you have good things to eat at that nice school?" asked Dolly. 

"Oh, good enough, but not lovely, fancy things like these. "

"I'd like to go to boarding-school, " said Janet, "but mother doesn'twant me away from home. She thinks girls get no home training at thosefashionable schools. "

"We don't, and that's a fact, " admitted Alicia. "We're taught mannersand, oh, well, I s'pose it's up to the girl herself, as to what shelearns. Maybe I won't go back to school, after all. "

"Oh, Alicia, " cried Bernice, "what do you mean?"

"Oh, nothing, " and Alicia smiled as she tossed her head. "I've got asecret. I can't tell you now. Maybe you'll know soon. "

Dolly looked at Alicia, in bewilderment. Could she be referring to herintended elopement with Marly Turner?

"Good gracious! What do you mean?" and Janet laughed. 

"Never mind, " returned Alicia, airily, "don't ask me any questions. You know they call me 'that awful Alicia!' So be prepared foranything. "

Dolly grew thoughtful. Only she and Geordie Knapp held the secret ofAlicia's strange remarks, and she couldn't decide whether it was herduty to tell anyone of her knowledge or not. She made up her mind totell Mrs. Berry, as soon as she went home, and then she hadcompunctions about that, for Dolly was very conscientious and shereally didn't know what was right to do. 

"I go to an awfully nice school, " Corinne Bell said. "It's quite nearmy house and I can go alone every day. We have such interestingteachers, and such a jolly lot of girls. You'd love it, Alicia. "

"Yes, I'd love it, but how could I go there? It isn't a boardingschool, is it?"

"No; but couldn't you board somewhere in New York?"

"Alone! No, I should say not! You know I live out in the westernwilds, at least the middle western wilds, and I think they're wilderthan the far west. This little New York visit is all poor Alicia willsee of the glittering metropolis for, --oh, well, it may be for yearsand it may be forever!"

"What do you do in vacation time?" asked Janet. 

"Oh, Dad and I go to summery places. Couldn't come to New York then, you know. But when I get married, I'm going to live in New York, youcan bet on that!"

"You're not thinking of marrying soon, I hope, " and Janet laughed. 

"Never can tell!" said Alicia, smiling saucily. "I have all sorts ofwonderful schemes in my noodle. Some of 'em materialise, --some don't. But trust little Alicia to do something big! Oh, girls, my secret isjust TOO splendid!"

"Is it--is it all right?" and Dolly stammered, as she looked at Aliciawith a doubtful glance. 

"Is it all right! You little sanctimonious-eyed prude! You bet it'sall right! Maybe we'll meet again, Janet. You can't 'most alwayssometimes tell. "

"I hope you'll come to Berwick to visit me, Alicia, " said Bernice; "Ithink as we're cousins we ought to see more of each other. "

"I'd love to, Bernie. Maybe I'll come this summer. "

"We could have a sort of reunion at our house, " went on Bernice;"Muriel and you girls could come for a few days, and the two D's and Iwould be there, and we'd scare up a lot of fun. "

"'Deed we would! I'll surely come if it can be arranged. But I neverknow Dad's plans from one day to the next, " Alicia said. 

"Hello, girls, " sang out a boyish voice, and in came Geordie Knappwith half a dozen comrades. "We just sorter, kinder thought we'd see abunch of peaches here about this time o' day! Hello, everybody!"

Marly Turner was not among the group, and Dolly looked anxiously atGeordie, as if to ask him what he knew concerning him. 

"What is it, Dolly?" asked Geordie, with a blank look. 

"Secret!" laughed Dolly, "come over here and whisper to me. "

"Oh, how rude!" cried Alicia; "even out West we don't whisper inpolite society!"

"But this is a special case, " and Dolly smiled and dimpled, as ifabout to discuss the most trivial subject with Geordie. 

The boy looked surprised when Dolly spoke to him about what they hadoverheard the night before. 

"Why, " he said, "I never gave it another thought! I don't believe theyreally meant what we thought they did. "

"Yes, they did, " asserted Dolly. "All day, Alicia has been keyed up tosome great excitement. She had a letter from Marly this morning, andshe expects a telephone from him. Also, she said things that couldonly mean that they really are going to elope to-night. "

"Such as what?"

"She said maybe she'd live in New York soon, and said she had a big, wonderful secret and we'd know it to-morrow, --why, she even said sheexpects to live in New York after she's married!"

"Whew! that's going some! Still, Dolly, I don't just see what we cando. "

"I think I ought to tell Mr. Forbes, don't you?"

"I don't know. I do hate tell other people's secrets. "

"Yes; so do I. Perhaps I'll just tell Mrs. Berry. "

"I say, I've an idea! Suppose I get hold of Turner, and get him to gohome and spend the evening with me. I'll insist upon it, you know, andif he objects, I'll ask him what's up. "

"Oh, yes, Geordie, that will be fine! You do that, will you?"

"Yes; suppose I telephone him now, and ask him. "

"Go ahead, and then tell me what he says. "

Geordie excused himself and went off to the telephone booth. 

"You seem to have a lot of secrets, too, Dolly, " said Alicia. 

"Yes, I have, " and Dolly looked demure. "Can't let you have all thefun, 'Licia. "

"Nothing doing, " Geordie reported to Dolly, as he came back, and hisface looked more serious. He made an opportunity to speak to her aloneagain, and he said, "I got him all right, and he said he couldn't seeme this evening, for he's awful busy. Said he was busy with hisfather. "

"His father! Why, Mr. Turner is an actor, isn't he?"

"Sure he is, one of the best. "

"Then how can Marly be with him? Isn't Mr. Turner acting?"

"Not just now. He's rehearsing, I think. "

"Well, I believe Marly made that up. He's planning the elopement. "

"I'm afraid he is. He was sort of queer and didn't answer asstraightforwardly as he usually does. Oh, what a silly performance tocut up! Why, they're just a couple of kids!"

"I know it. I never was mixed up in a thing like this before. "

"You're not mixed up in this. "

"No; not unless I mix in purposely. And I believe I shall have to. Yousee, I'm only a country girl, and I don't know what's right to do inthis case. But I'm going to follow my instinct, and tell either Mr. Forbes or Mrs. Berry. I don't think I'll tell Dot or Bernice, forthey'd have no more knowledge of what's right to do, than I havemyself. "

"You're a good deal of a trump, Dolly Fayre. But I think you're in ahard place. I wish I could help you, and I'll do anything you say. "

"Couldn't you go to Mr. Turner?"

"I'd hate to. Yer see, us fellows don't tell on each other, --it isn'tdone--" "I know. Well, let's hope we're mistaken. "

"But I don't see how we can be, ---after what we heard. "

"Neither do I. I've a mind to speak straight out to Alicia about it. "

"Do, if you think best. "

"Well, I'll see. "

CHAPTER XX

UNCLE JEFF'S FOUR FRIENDS

Still uncertain what she'd do, Dolly went home with the rest of thequartette. 

Alicia was in high spirits, constantly exclaiming, "Oh, if you onlyknew what I know!" or "I'm terribly excited over my secret! Just youwait till to-morrow!" or some such speech. 

And as they entered the Forbes house she flew to Mrs. Berry demandingto know if a telephone message had arrived for her. 

"Yes, " replied the good-natured housekeeper. "Marly Turner called up, and he asked me to tell you that everything was all right, and he'dpull it off to-night, sure. "

"Oh, goody!" cried Alicia, "are you sure that's just what he said?"

"Yes, " asseverated Mrs. Berry, "see, I wrote it down, so I shouldn'tforget. "

Dolly had to eavesdrop a little to overhear this conversation, asAlicia had drawn Mrs. Berry aside, to make her inquiries. And it waswith a heavy heart that Dolly went upstairs to lay off her wraps. 

"Oh, girls, I'm so happy!" cried Alicia, as she flung herself into achair. "But don't ask me why, for I refuse to tell you. Now, do wedress for to-night's party before dinner or after?"

"Before, please, " said Mrs. Berry, who had followed the girls to theirrooms. "Mr. Forbes asked me to tell you that he wants an interview inthe drawing-room before you go to Muriel's, and so you'd better bedressed. "

"Ah, those drawing-room interviews!" exclaimed Bernice. "How theyfrightened me at first; then they rather bored me; but in the last fewdays I've come to like them!"

"So have I, " said Dotty. "I like Mr. Forbes himself a whole lot betterthan I did at first. He's so much more get-at-able. "

"He ought to be, " laughed Alicia, "with four girls to train him up inthe way he should go! What frocks, ladies? Our very bestest?"

"Yes, indeed, " said Bernice. "This is our last night, and we must 'goout in a blaze of glory'! And scoot, you two D's. We've none too muchtime to dress. "

Dolly and Dotty went to their room, and it was rather a silent Dollywho sat down to the dressing-table to brush her golden locks. 

"Whatamatter, Dollums?" said her chum. "Sad at thoughts of goinghome?"

"Oh, no; really, Dot, I'm glad to go home. We've had a magnificenttime here, but I'm--well, I s'pect I'm homesick. "

"So'm I, a little, now that you mention it. But we've enough toremember and think over for a long time, haven't we?"

"Of course. My but I'm glad that earring was found! Oh, Dot, wouldn'tit have been awful if we had gone home with that doubt hanging overus?"

"It would, indeed, old girl. And, now if you'll proceed to do up thattaffy-coloured mass on top of your head, I'll accept the dressingmirror for a while. "

Dolly twisted up her golden mop, and decorated it with a ribbon band, and then gave over her place to Dotty. 

And, shortly, four very much dressed-up girls went down to the extraelaborate dinner that was served in honour of the last night of theirvisit. 

The chat at table was far more gay and spontaneous than it had been onthe night of their arrival, for all had become used to each other'sways, and had grown to like each other very much. Mr. Forbes, too, hadchanged from a stiff, somewhat embarrassed host to a genial, even gaycomrade. He asked all about their doings of the day, and they toldhim, with gay stories of funny episodes. 

Dolly watched Alicia, but except that her eyes were unusually brightand her laughter very frequent, the Western girl showed no especialexcitement. 

After dinner they all went to the drawing-room, and it was with afeeling of real sadness that Dolly realised it was for the last time. 

Mr. Forbes walked up and down the room as he often did, and thenpaused in front of the group of girls who were standing by the piano. 

"Sit down, girlies, " he said; "Alicia and Bernice, sit on that sofa, please, --you two D's on that one. "

Uncle Jeff was smiling, but still, there seemed to be an undercurrentof seriousness in his tone, that implied a special talk. 

"Did it ever occur to any of you, " he began, "that I invited you herefor something beside a mere desire to give you young people somepleasure?"

"Why, you've practically said so to us, Uncle Jeff, " laughed Alicia;"are you going to tell us your reason?"

"Yes, I am. And I'm going to tell you now. "

Mr. Forbes sat down in an easy chair, in such a position that he couldlook straight at all the girls, but his gaze rested on his two nieces. 

"My reason, " he said, slowly, "is, I admit, a selfish one. If yougirls have enjoyed your visit, I'm very glad, but what I wanted, wasto study you. "

"I knew it!" exclaimed Bernice. "I thought you were studying us--ourcharacters. "

"Yes, just that. And I wanted to study the characters of my twonieces. Now you know you can't judge much of girls, unless you seethem with their comrades, their chums; or at least with other girls oftheir own age. So I asked you each to bring a girl friend with you. Asit happened, Bernie brought two, and Alicia none, but that didn'tmatter. And I'm exceedingly glad to have met and known the two D's. "

The courteous old gentleman bowed to Dotty and Dolly who smiled andbowed in return. 

"Well, " Uncle Jeff went on, "here's the reason I wanted to study mytwo nieces. Because I want to take one of them to live with me, and toinherit, eventually, my house and the greater part of my fortune. "

There was a silence, as each of his hearers thought over what thiswould mean. 

Either Bernice or Alicia was to be chosen to live in that big cityhouse, practically to be mistress of it, to have a life of wealth andluxury and at last to inherit Mr. Forbes' great fortune, and all hisvaluable collections and belongings. 

Dotty broke the silence. "It's great!" she exclaimed, "just great! Andwhich one are you going to choose?"

"I have chosen, " said Mr. Forbes, slowly, "it remains to be seenwhether the one I have selected will accept. But now, you all can seewhy I was so alarmed and anxious over the episode of the lost earring. I HAD to find out if any of you girls had yielded to temptation. Andif so, if it was one of my nieces, or one of their friends. "

"And if it had been one of your nieces, you would have chosen theother!" cried Bernice. 

"No, my child, " returned her uncle. "Quite the contrary. If either youor Alicia had taken that gem, with a wrong intent, I should have askedthe wrong-doer to come and live with me, hoping I could teach her theerror of her ways. But that's neither here nor there. For none of youDID take the jewel, nor indeed, ever thought of such a thing. But mydecision, which I have made, is not entirely based on worthiness, oreven on desirability. And I'll tell you frankly, had I tried to choosemy favourite between Bernie and 'Licia, I should have had a hard time!For I have come to love both girls very dearly, and would have not theslightest objection to adopting them both. "

"And us two also?" asked Dotty, mischievously. 

"Yes, and you two also! Bless my soul! From a lonely, somewhatmisanthropic old man, you young people have turned me into a realhuman being! I like young voices round me, and young folks's pleasuresgoing on in my house. Well, my dears, are you interested to know mychoice?"

"ARE we?" cried Dotty, while Dolly fairly held her breath. 

"I have chosen Alicia, " Mr. Forbes announced, and there was a deepsilence. 

Bernice looked a little bewildered, but not at all disappointed. Alicia looked simply stunned, and the two D's just listened forfurther developments. 

"But don't you for one minute think, " said Mr. Forbes, "that Iconsider Alicia in any way superior to Bernice; nor, on the otherhand, do I think Bernie better than Alicia. I love my nieces equally, and the thing that settled the question in my mind was a letter Ireceived to-day from Alicia's father. "

"I know!" cried Alicia, "I had one, too. I didn't say anything aboutit, because Dad asked me not to. You tell, Uncle Jeff. "

"It's this, " said Mr. Forbes. "Alicia's father is to be married soon. As you know, Alicia's mother, my dear sister died many years ago, andI know Mr. Steele but slightly. However, now that he is about toremarry, I hope that it will please both him and his new wife ifAlicia comes to live with me. Also, I hope it will please Alicia. "

"Oh, Uncle Jeff!" and Alicia flew over to him, and flung her armsround his neck, "indeed it does please me! Why, only to-day I wassaying how I'd LOVE to live in New York, and how I HATED to go back tothat old school! But I never dreamed of such a thing as this!"

"Oh, it's just fine!" exclaimed Bernice. "I couldn't think of leavingfather, and I'd rather live in the country anyhow--"

"I discovered that, Bernie, girl, " said her uncle, seriously. "That'swhy I had you girls here, so I could see for myself what your tastesand traits really are. I've learned that Bernice prefers her own homeand too that she doesn't want to leave her father alone though my planwould have been if I asked Bernice to come here to have her fatherlive here, too. However, I also discovered that Alicia is unhappy inher school life, that she does not care much about returning to herWestern home to live with a stepmother, and that she adores New YorkCity! So, I wrote to her father asking his opinion, and he leaves thesettlement of the question to Alicia, herself. "

"And I settle it! Yes! oh, I certainly DO!" and the girl gave her kinduncle another big embrace. 

"Isn't it funny you should have been saying to-day that perhaps youmight live in New York?" said Bernice. 

"Yes, " replied Alicia, and her face changed, "but I didn't mean THIS!"

Dolly spoke impulsively. In fact, it seemed as if she couldn't keepstill. 

"Suppose you tell your uncle just what you DID mean, " she said, looking straight at Alicia with an unmistakably meaning gaze. 

Alicia turned on her with a sudden expression of anger. 

"You DID read that note in my coat pocket!" she cried, "you DID readit, Dolly Fayre! and you pretended you were too honourable to do sucha thing!"

"Why, Alicia, I did not! You take that back!"

"Bless my soul! Are you two quarrelling? What IS the matter?"

"Dolly read my note!" cried Alicia, "she--"

"I did not!" interrupted Dolly, her blue eyes blazing. "Alicia has asecret, and I think she ought to tell it!"

"I've got a right to have a secret if I like, --Dolly Fayre!"

"But it isn't a nice secret! You wouldn't want Uncle Forbes to knowit! It's--it's shocking!"

"How do YOU know?"

"I know all about it, --at least I know something about it. I heard youand Marly Turner--"

"Oh, pshaw! you little blue-eyed goose! You only think it's shocking, because you're so prim and straight-laced! I'll tell Uncle Jeff, myself, and I'll tell him right now!"

"All right, Alicia, " and Dolly drew a big sigh of relief. If Aliciawould tell her own secret, it would take all responsibility from hershoulders. 

But Alicia hesitated. She began to speak once or twice, and stammeredand paused. 

At last she said, "I hate to tell, it sounds so--so grown-up andambitious. "

"I should think it DID!" cried Dolly, who began to wonder if Aliciawere crazy. 

"You tell him, Dolly, " and Alicia suddenly looked very shy andembarrassed. 

"Do you MEAN it? Do you want ME to tell him?"

"Yes, I honestly wish you would. Though how you found out about it, Idon't see!"

"We weren't intending to listen, Alicia, but Geordie Knapp and I heardyou and Marly Turner, in the little reception-room last night. "

"Oh, that explains it! Yes, we did talk pretty loud. Well, what didyou think of it, Dolly?"

"If you say so, I'll tell the rest, and see what they think of it. "

"All right, go ahead! Spare my blushes, good people, but I amfearfully embarrassed!"

Everybody looked uncomprehending, and Dolly began. 

She couldn't see how Alicia could treat the matter so lightly, but wasfervently thankful that she did so. 

"It's this, " said Dolly, solemnly, "Alicia is planning to elope withMarly Turner. "

There were four astonished faces that greeted this announcement, butnone showed such blank amazement as Alicia's own. 

"Oh, Dolly!" she cried. "Oh, Dolly Fayre! You will be the death of meyet! Go on, tell them more!"

"That's about all I know. They planned it last night and it justhappened that Geordie and I heard them. Marly coaxed her, and Aliciahesitated and then consented. She said her mother eloped, and shewould do the same. They were going to have a rope ladder. "

"Oh, Dolly! Oh, Uncle Jeff! Oh, Dollyrinda!"

"Well, Alicia, suppose you stop yelling, oh, and tell me about thisinteresting performance, " Mr. Forbes spoke, severely. 

But Alicia had thrown herself into a big chair and was screaming withlaughter. Every time she essayed to speak, she went off inuncontrollable spasms of mirth and when she wiped her eyes andendeavoured to speak, she giggled again. 

Dolly realised there was some misunderstanding somewhere and waitedfor the explanation. 

At last it came. 

"No, Uncle Jeff, " and Alicia managed to speak intelligibly, "I'm notgoing to elope with Marly or anybody else. I'm going to live here withyou. "

"But you were!" said Dolly. "You planned to!"

"No, my child, " and Alicia laughed again. "I'll have to tell my storymyself. I've written a play, Uncle, and in it, the heroine elopes withthe handsome hero. I was awfully shy about showing it to anybody, butMarly said he'd try to persuade his father to read it over and see ifit showed any promise. You know it's a great thing to have Mr. Turnerread your play, and I was delighted. Well, last night, Marly and Iwent over the elopement scene, that's the strong act of the play, andthat's what Dolly heard, and she thought we were talking ourselves!Oh, Dolly, if people plan to elope they don't do it at the top oftheir lungs! Marly and I read the various character parts to see howit would sound in different voices. Well, then, he said he'd try toget his father to read it to-night, so I'd know before I went away to-morrow. And he telephoned that he'd pull it off, --he meant he'd gethis father to read it. That's my secret. And, you know, Uncle Jeff, mymother DID elope, because her father didn't want her to marry JimSteele. And I'd heard the story of her elopement so often, and it wasso dramatic, that I put it in my play. Oh, Dolly, what a littleinnocent you are!"

"I don't care if I am, " returned Dolly, and her pretty face beamedwith smiles. "I think your secret is lovely, Alicia, and I think UncleForbes' secret is too. "

"So do I, " said Dotty, "and I'm glad and proud that Dollyrinda and Iare chums of two such talented and distinguished girls. "

"And _I_'m glad, Alicia, " said her uncle, "that you have a taste forwriting. I shall be glad to help you cultivate it and I've no doubtthat Mr. Turner can give you valuable advice. Of course your earlyefforts can't amount to much, but if you care to keep at it, you mayyet do good work. Well, then, do I understand, that you accept myinvitation to live with me?"

"Yes, indeed, you dear, darling old uncle! I'll live with thee, and bethy love! as the poet sings. "

"Then run away to your party now, and we'll settle all further detailsto-morrow. "

"And you'll forgive me, Alicia, for misjudging you?" said Dolly, stillsmiling at her funny mistake. 

"Yes, indeed, you blue-eyed angel! And you'll forgive me for thinkingyou read my note. In it, Marly said he thought he could get his fatherto read my manuscript and I was SO excited over it. But of course Iknow you wouldn't touch my letter only I was so upset over it, Ihardly knew what I said. "

"Oh, that's all right. And, girls, won't we have the great timeshaving Alicia come to Berwick to see us all?"

"Yes, and having you all come here to visit me!" returned Alicia. 

"We'll always be chums, " said Dotty. "These days together have made usinseparable friends. "

"The Forbes quartette, " said Dolly. "Only Bernice is named Forbes, butI mean Uncle Forbes' quartette. "

"Yes, " said Jefferson Forbes, "my four friends, my Rosebud Garland ofGirls. "

THE END