And the new girl did walk home with Bettie, and teased her so merrily all the long way that Bettie didn't know whether to like her or not. Near the Cottage they met Jean, Marjory and Mabel just starting out to look for belated Bettie. "This," said Bettie introducing her new acquaintance, "is Henrietta--Henrietta----" "Plantagenet," assisted Henrietta Bedford, smoothly. "I am really a Duchess in disguise, but I've left all my retainers in Ohio and I'm simply dying for friends. This is my day for collecting them--I always collect friends on Tuesdays. You are indeed fortunate to have happened upon me on Tuesday. But, Elizabeth, why not finish your introductions?" "This," obeyed overwhelmed Bettie, "is Jean, this is Marjory and this is Mabel Bennett." "What! The Damsel of the Dust-chute! I am indeed honored." Then, as her quick eye traveled over Mabel's plump figure, Henrietta added wickedly: "Was that chute built to fit?" Mabel flushed angrily. "It is I," apologized Henrietta, "that should wear those blushes. Forgive me, dear Damsel. I have an over-quick tongue and all my speeches are followed by repentance. But I have a warm heart and I'm really much nicer than I sound. See, I kneel at your insulted feet." Whereupon this ridiculous girl with the impertinent nose flopped down on her knees on the sidewalk and made such comically repentant faces that all four giggled merrily. "Get up, you goose," laughed Mabel. "Your apology is accepted." "Come along with us," urged Jean. "We're going to have hot chocolate at our house. Mother is trying to fatten Marjory, Bettie and me." "She seems to succeed best with--hum--no personal remarks, please. Dear maiden, I will inspect your home from the outside, but I regret that I'm strictly forbidden to go _in_side any strange house without my grandmother's permission. You'll have to call on me first. She is _very_ particular in such matters. But," added Henrietta, with a sudden twinkle, "I'm not. So, if you'll kindly rush in and make that chocolate, there's no earthly reason why I shouldn't stand just outside your gate and drink it." "Oh," cried Bettie, "is it possible that you're Mrs. Howard Slater's new granddaughter?" "I am," admitted Henrietta, "but I'm not so new as you seem to think. She has owned me for fourteen years. Now, hustle up that chocolate. I've just remembered that I'm to have a dress tried on at four. It is now half-past." CHAPTER XVII An Invitation "BETTIE," asked Jean, when the girls were "hustling up" the chocolate in Mrs. Mapes' kitchen (the weather was now too cold for Dandelion Cottage to be habitable), "where did you find her?" "At school," replied Bettie. "She comes in for Domestic Science. I've seen her about three times, and every time she's had that stiff Miss Rossitor laughing. You know who that girl is, don't you?" "I've heard something," said Marjory, "but I can't just remember what, about some girl named Henrietta." "Well, you've seen Mrs. Howard Slater?"