Part 14 (1/2)
”It's a good thing Edith doesn't wish to go,” said Nora; adding mischievously, ”but Brenda Barlow's cousin Julia is going.”
Brenda blushed, for Julia's intention of going to College was still a sore point with her.
”Does Julia wear gla.s.ses, or look green? I beg your pardon, Brenda----”
”No, she doesn't,” said Nora shortly. ”She's about the nicest girl I know.”
”Oh, she is lovely,” added Edith.
”A matter of opinion,” murmured Belle under her breath.
”You don't mean to say you haven't seen her,” cried Brenda in surprise.
”No, I haven't happened to,” answered Philip.
”She's invited to my cooking party next week,” said Nora. ”You know that you've accepted too, so you'll see her.”
”Oh, yes, by the way,” said Philip, ”what evening is it?”
”Friday, of course,” replied Nora, ”so we can sit up late without thinking about school the next day.”
”Well, you'll see me sure,” said Philip. ”But see here, it's five o'clock now and I have an engagement down town.”
Philip hurried off, bowing in a very grown-up way to the group of girls.
For whatever criticisms any one might make about Philip's indolence and disinclination to study, no one could deny that he had very good manners. Though only about four years their senior, he seemed much older than Brenda and her friends. Years before they had all been playmates together, but his two years in College had taken him away from them, and it was not often that he condescended to spend as long a time in their presence as had been the case this afternoon.
”Do you think that Philip looks very well, Edith,” asked Belle when he had left the room.
”Why, of course, don't you?” replied Philip's sister.
”It seemed to me he was just a little pale.”
”He is always pale,” said Edith.
”Do you suppose he sits up too late?” asked Brenda.
”I'll warrant he doesn't study too much,” said Belle.
”How can you?” cried Nora. ”How can you criticise Edith's brother? Don't let her do it, Edith.”
”It doesn't trouble me,” answered the placid Edith. ”I know all about Philip, and he's good enough for me.”
”That's right,” said Nora. ”Always stand up for your brother. But I do think he might have better friends. He really isn't very particular.”
”Why, what do you mean?”
”Oh, I don't know exactly, but I heard my brother talking the other day.
He says there are two or three fellows just sponging off of Philip all the time, and Philip is too good-natured to say anything.”