{{betlep191.png}}

and they added Betty to their number, when she
came running along by Chet. There was quiet
merriment afoot and Ted called back, "Can you
add another blossom to our bouquet of beauty,
Chet?"

"Listen," said Betty, climbing in. "I can sit
on somebody's lap back here."

"Spoil the ruffles, Betty -- wait till I turn
down that seat. There you are! You are the
last."

The dinner was good and Mrs. Dorrance
seemed to enjoy her young guests. Betty sup-
posed that one of the older girls must be some
special friend of Ted's, his latest inamorata,
but there was nothing to indicate it. Ted was
his happy self and host to all of them alike. In
all, there were four girls, Mrs. Dorrance, Ted
and Chet. The time after dinner, indeed, dur-
ing the meal, was partly taken in explanation
of what Mrs. Dorrance wanted the girls to do
and a discussion of what costume should be
worn. A display of nations was one of the
features of the festival and the girls all de-
cided that since they might have their choice
among several nations they would represent
Holland.

"Do you have to sell just Dutch things?"
asked one.


 [[191]]