{{betlep118.png}} Christmas. "I am going carolling, too," said Doris. "That is fine," said Betty, though she did not admire Stacia particularly and wondered at the choice of Doris in being as intimate as the two girls were at present. Doris rattled on, to Betty's relief, and Betty's experience was put into the background, which was just as well. Later Mrs. Lee came to Betty to ask her what she thought about her permitting Doris to go with Stacia for such a visit. "Doris tells me that Stacia is such a fine girl; and you were not here to tell me anything about her." Mrs. Lee looked thoughtful. "You know I do not approve of week-end visits as a rule, except with older girls. But Doris was so insistent and reminded me that you were having 'everything you wanted' -- so for the sake of peace I yielded. I always want you children to do what you want to do, if it is good for you." "I know you do, and you're the dearest mother in the world!" warmly said Betty, giving her mother a hug. They were sitting on the edge of Betty's bed for a mother and daughter chat. "I don't believe there is any harm in letting Doris go, Mother. So far as I know, Stacia is all right. She puts a good deal of color on her [[118]]