"Well, we of Maggie's set want to invite the Aneta set to a sort of general party. We should like it to be on the half-holiday, if possible. We want to give them a right royal entertainment in order to knock some of their stuck-upness out of them. We wish for your leave in the matter." "You must describe your entertainment a little more fully." "I can't; for we haven't really and truly planned it all out yet. But I tell you what we'll do. If you give us leave to have the party, we will ask Queen Aneta and her satellites if possible this very evening, and then we'll submit our programme to you. Now, may we do this, or may we not?" "Who sent you to me, Kathleen?" "I came of my own very self, but of course the others approved. We have no intention of doing shabby things in the dark, as they do in some schools. That would be unfair to you." Mrs. Ward thought a little longer. "I will give you the required permission," she said, "on one condition." "Oh, Mrs. Ward, darling! what is that?" "You can have your party on Saturday week, and I will give you from early in the afternoon until bedtime to enjoy it." "Oh, Mrs. Ward, you are too angelic!" "Stop a minute. You may not care for it so much when I have finished what I have got to say." "What is it, dear Mrs. Ward?" "It is this: that you ask me too as one of your guests." "Oh! oh!" said Kathleen. Her expressive face changed from red to white and then to red again. Her eyes brimmed over with laughter, and then as suddenly filled with tears. "But would you--would you like it?" "Yes, and I don't want to destroy your pleasure; but I presume you will have a sort of supper or an entertainment which will include refreshments. Let me assist you with the expense of your supper, and may I be present at it as one of your guests? I will promise to leave soon after supper, and not to appear until supper. How will that do?" "Oh, it would be just, heavenly! It will give such distinction. I know the girls will love it." "I think I can make myself pleasant to you all," said Mrs. Ward, "and I should like to be there." "But as to paying anything, Mrs. Ward, you will come as our guest, and you know we have most of us plenty of money. Please, please, let us do the entertaining." "Very well, dear, I will not press that point. I hope I have made you happy, Kathleen." "Oh! you have--very, very happy indeed. And Saturday week is to be the day?" "Yes, Kathleen." Kathleen bent down, took one of Mrs. Ward's hands, and kissed it. Then she skipped out of the room and flew back to her companions. They were waiting for her in a state of suppressed eagerness. "Well, Kathleen--Kitty--Kit, what's the news?" asked Maggie. Room was made for Kathleen in the center of the group.