"Well, learn your lessons well and behave nicely, so that she can't find any excuse for ill treating you." Mildred looked upon the expected carpet rag party with nearly as great aversion as Ada felt for her new school, but was a good deal relieved on learning from Claudina Chetwood that she, too, had been notified of its approach and expected to attend. "I didn't know that you visited the Lightcaps," said Mildred. "Oh, yes; they are not cultivated people, or very refined; but they're clever folks and kind neighbors; especially in times of sickness; and would feel dreadfully hurt if one should decline their invitations. They're not the sort of people we exchange formal calls with; indeed they never make them; but, as mother says, while society here is in the crude state it is now, it will not do to insist upon making associates of those only who are congenial." "Or quite belong to our station in life?" "Yes; we can not divide up into many circles, and must be willing to mix to some extent, with all who can lay claim to respectability and moral worth." "I'm afraid I'm very proud," said Mildred laughing and blushing. "I've never been used to associating with any one so rough and uncouth, and it goes a good deal against the grain." "Perhaps it isn't exactly pride," suggested Claudina; "they offend your taste; they do mine, I know; but surely we can bear that rather than give them the pain of thinking that we despise them." "Yes, indeed," assented Mildred heartily; and from that moment ceased to allow herself to hope that something would occur to give her a plausible excuse for staying away from Rhoda Jane's merry-making. She repeated Claudina's remarks to her mother and aunt and found that they fully approved of the sentiments she had expressed. "Time was when I should have been very unwilling to see you consort with that class on terms of equality," said Mrs. Keith, "but circumstances alter cases." The invitation came for Friday afternoon and evening; Rhoda Jane hailing Rupert as he passed and sending it through him. Mildred was nearly in her usual health and accepted without a demur; but puzzled to know what to wear, and at what hour to go, went to Claudina for instruction on these important points. "We are invited to work, you know," said Miss Chetwood, laughing, "so will be expected early; we should not be later than one o'clock, I think, and as it is not very nice work--carpet rags being apt to be dusty--we should not wear anything that will not wash. I shall put on a calico dress and carry a big work apron with me." "Then I shall do the same." "I wish you would; for there will be some girls there who haven't the means to dress and would feel badly if you or I outshone them very much." "I can't go before three, or half-past, though; on account of having to recite to Mr. Lord." "Never mind; I daresay it's just as well; for you'll get quite enough of both the work and the company."