{{betlep252.png}}

the most adorable negligee you can imagine. She
may dress for dinner. Uncle is to be late. It
couldn't happen better. Now if the 'long-absent'
Count Coletti is only on time! Mother was so
mad at that in the paper once."

Lucia's dark eyes sparkled and her cheeks
were hot. Betty said a little prayer in her heart
that her friend might not be disappointed with
the result. "Mother's been desperately lonely
and restless lately and has been on the go nearly
all the time," continued Lucia. "Come on; we'll
go downstairs and wait. You must be right
there and don't stop keeping an ear open for
the door, if I'm called to Mother or for anything
else. Sometimes the housekeeper wants to see
me if she can't disturb Mother."

This was all very thrilling. Lucia could not
keep still or very far away from the front
window. At the sound of an automobile on the
drive, both girls went to the window. It might
be Mr. Murchison, of course, or almost anybody.
But no. "It's a taxi," Lucia tensely whispered.

On it came, stopping before the entrance. The
driver descended from his seat and opened the
door. There was a little delay as the passenger
was paying before leaving the taxi. The driver
was receiving a bill, which must have included
a good tip, from the impressive manner and

 [[252]]