"Yes to what?" returned Mrs. Fayre, patting her daughter's shoulder. "Mr. Forbes will tell you. Listen." "It's this way, my dear people," began Mr. Forbes. He was a man with an impressive manner, and it seemed as if he were about to make a speech of grave importance, as, indeed, from the girls' point of view, he was. "My brother Jefferson, who lives in New York, has invited my daughter to spend a week in his home there. He has asked also another niece, Miss Alicia Steele. He wants these girl visitors to bring with them two friends, and as Alicia does not wish to avail herself of that privilege, Bernice may take two with her. She wants to take Dotty and Dolly. There, that's the whole story in a nutshell. The question is, may Dolly go?" "When is this visit to be made?" asked Mrs. Fayre. "As soon as convenient for all concerned. My brother would like the girls to come some day next week, and remain one week." "What about school?" and Mrs. Fayre looked decidedly disapproving of the plan. "That's just it!" exclaimed Dotty. "We knew you'd say that! But, Mrs. Fayre, my mother says this is the chance of a lifetime,--almost,--and we ought, we really OUGHT to take advantage of it." "But to be out of school for a whole week,--and what with getting ready and getting home and settled again, it would mean more than a week--" "But, mother, we could make up our lessons," pleaded Dolly, "and I DO want to go! oh, I do want to go, just AWFULLY!" "I should think you would," put in Trudy. "Let her go, mother, it'll be an education in itself,--the visit will. Why, the girls can go to the museums and art galleries and see all sorts of things." "Of course we can," said Bernice, "and my uncle has a beautiful house and motor cars and everything!" "That's another point," said Mr. Fayre, gravely. "You must realise, Mr. Forbes, that my little girl is not accustomed to grandeur and wealth. I don't want her to enjoy it so much that she will come back discontented with her own plain home." "Oh, nonsense, my dear sir! A glimpse of city life and a taste of frivolity will do your girl good. Dolly is too sensible a sort to be a prey to envy or discontent. I know Dolly fairly well, and I can vouch for her common sense!" "So can I," said Bernice. "Doll will enjoy everything to the limit, but it won't hurt her disposition or upset her happiness to see the sights of the city for a short time. Oh, please, Mr. Fayre, do let her go." "Just as her mother thinks," and Mr. Fayre smiled at the insistent Bernice. "Tell me of the household," said Mrs. Fayre. "Is your brother's wife living?"