"
"Well, Molly," resignedly, "promise me this, that, whatever you do,
you'll be out and out about it: no hiding, no shirking, no lies." "I
never told a lie in my life, Sara Olmstead, never!" with a set of her
bright head that was like the elder sister in her determined moods. "I'd
feel mean forever!"
Sara smiled, and, with a rush of tenderness, bent forward and kissed
her.
"No, darling, you won't lie, thank God! Now go to bed like a good girl,
and be bright and rosy for to-morrow. Good-night!"
"Good-night, you blessed old sweet thing, you!" and with twenty kisses,
and a strangling hug, the merry child ran off to dream,--not of students
in elevated hats, but of creams and comfits, and pleased guests around a
long table; for she was but a large-hearted, hospitable matron in
embryo.
The party was really a brilliant success. Mrs. Macon sent a basketful of
bright flowers, and some pretty draperies and decorations; while the
professor willingly agreed to let the screen go, and insisted on Sara's
taking the whole day off to assist at the _fete_. The madame came
herself, and with deft fingers, and perfect taste, helped the two
convert the little flat into a bower.
No one would have known the back room, with bright rugs covering its
painted floor, and all the kitcheny suggestions hidden behind the ample
screen; while the parlor was really charming in its tasteful dressings.
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