Mr. and Mrs. Motherwell went to
their repose, little dreaming that their only son had
entered society, and, worse still, was exposed to the
baneful charms of the reckless young woman who was known
to have a preference for baking powder and canned goods,
and curled her hair with the curling tongs.
CHAPTER XVIII
THE PARTY AT SLATER'S
"I wonder how we are going to get all the people in
to-night," Edith Slater said gravely as the family sat
at supper. "I am afraid the walls will be bulged out
to-morrow."
"The new chicken-house and the cellar will do for the
overflow meetings," George remarked.
"I borrow the pantry if it comes to a crush, you and I,
Camilla," Peter Slater said, helping himself to another
piece of pie. Camilla had come out in the afternoon to
help with the preparations.
"No, Camilla is my partner," Fred said severely. "Peter
is growing up too fast, don't you think so, mother? Since
I lent him my razor to play with there's no end to the
airs he gives himself. I think he should go to bed at
eight o'clock to-night, same as other nights."
Peter laughed scornfully, but Nellie interposed.
"You boys needn't quarrel over Camilla for Jim Russell
is coming, and when Camilla sees him, what chance do you
suppose you'll have?"
"And when Jim sees Camilla, what chance will you have,
Nell?" George asked.
"Not one in a hundred; but I am prepared for the worst,"
Nellie answered, good-naturedly.
Pages:
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148