"You are hardly old enough to enjoy such things," returned Joe. "Even I have not made up my mind, and I know I would not have liked them at seventeen. We believe in heroes and great deeds then, and the possibilities of life look grander to us than they do afterward. I suppose it is right that we should want to be _pleased_ then." Hanny felt that she wanted to be pleased with a story, or else very sorry for the misfortunes that no human power could seem to avert. But when mean and shallow and selfish people caused their own trials, were they worthy of sympathy? They talked at school with the wide diversity of crude, girlish opinions. The papers were full of him as well. Ben was one of his enthusiastic admirers. And now they planned to give a banquet,--printers and newspaper-men,--and Mr. Thackeray was to be the guest of the occasion; there was to be a dinner, with some of the bright literary lights, music, and dancing,--a really grand affair. Theodore Whitney was on the committee; and Ben had a lesser position. They meant to make it the affair of the season. Joe must surely take tickets. It was such a shame Dolly couldn't go; and, of course, Steve wouldn't. John and Cleanthe were not interested in such things; and, after thinking it over, Mrs. Hoffman declined. "I shall have to look up a girl," said Joe. "Hanny, you have never been to a ball. Would you like to go?" "Oh, I think a ball would be splendid! If Daisy could go, or Dolly." "Yes, Daisy's mother or Dolly would have to go." That gave him an idea, and he went down to see Mrs. Jasper. "Why, I really think I would like to go myself," she said. "We do not consider Daisy quite a grown-up lady. I should like to keep her just a young girl for a long while; but, perhaps, that will not be possible." "Hanny is a very young girl," returned Joe. "And I do not think father could stand it to have her grown up. But she keeps so small, I don't just know how we should get mother coaxed around. Both girls would enjoy it immensely." "Oh, she would trust her with Mr. Jasper and me, if we were to take Daisy. Dear me--one festivity doesn't really signify. And yet--" she blushed and smiled with a certain girlishness. "They may be dangerous; I went to a Christmas ball when I was sixteen, and met Mr. Jasper. I was out on a holiday,--a mere school-girl." "I don't believe Hanny or Daisy will find any one to fall in love with," said Joe, seriously; "they are so in love with each other." "Oh, yes. They are planning to live together. There must be a settlement; for both will have to bring their respective families." Joe was a good deal amused at that. CHAPTER XVIII THE LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Mrs. Underhill said "No." It was not to be thought of for a moment. Hanny in short frocks! "It would have to be made long in the skirt, I suppose," returned Joe, gravely. "Long! What are you talking about!"