Part 12 (2/2)

Cocoa was already prepared; the rich cake graced the center of the board; the chocolate creams were certainly in evidence; and the girls cl.u.s.tered round, laughing and talking. f.a.n.n.y was determined to choke back that feeling of uneasiness which had worried her during the whole of that day. She could not tell the Specialities what her cousins had done; she could not--she would not. There must be a secret between them.

She who belonged to a society of whom each member had to vow not to have a secret from any other member, was about to break her vow.

The girls were in high spirits to-night, and in no mood to talk ”sobersides,” as Mary Bertram sometimes called their graver discussions.

But when the little meal of cocoa and cake had come to an end, Margaret said, ”I want to make a proposal.”

”Hus.h.!.+ hus.h.!.+ Let the oracle speak!” cried Olive, her pretty face beaming with mirth.

”Oh Olive, don't be so ridiculous!” said Margaret. ”You know perfectly well I am no oracle; but I have a notion in my head. It is this: why should not those splendid-looking girls, the Vivians, join the Specialities? They did look rather funny, I will admit, yesterday; but even then one could see that clothes matter little or nothing to them.

But now that they're dressed like the rest of us, they give distinction to the whole school. I don't think I ever saw a face like Betty's. Fan, you, of course, will second my proposal that Betty Vivian, even if her sisters are too young, should be asked to become a Speciality?”

f.a.n.n.y felt that she was turning very pale. Susie Rushworth gazed at her in some wonder.

”I propose,” exclaimed Margaret Grant, ”that Miss Betty Vivian shall be invited to join our society and to become a Speciality. I further propose that we ask her to join our next meeting, which takes place this day week, and is, by the way, held in my room. Now, who will second my suggestion?”

”You will, of course, Fan,” said Susie. ”Betty is your cousin, so you are the right person to second Margaret's wish.”

f.a.n.n.y's face grew yet paler. After a minute she said, ”Just because Betty is my cousin I would rather some one else seconded Margaret Grant's proposal.”

All the girls looked at her in astonishment.

”Very well; I second it,” responded Susie.

”Girls,” said Margaret, ”will you all agree? Those who do _not_ agree, please keep their hands down. Those who _do_ agree, please hold up hands. Now, then, is Betty Vivian to be invited to join the Specialities? Which has it--the 'ayes' or the 'noes'?”

All the girls' hands, with one exception, were eagerly raised in favor of Betty Vivian. f.a.n.n.y sat very still, her hands locked one inside the other in her lap. Something in her att.i.tude and in the expression of her face caused each of her companions to gaze at her in extreme wonder.

”Why, f.a.n.n.y, what is the meaning of this?” asked Margaret.

”I cannot explain myself,” said f.a.n.n.y.

”Cannot--and you a Speciality! Don't you know that we have no secrets from one another?”

”That is true,” said f.a.n.n.y, speaking with a great effort. ”Well, then, I will explain myself. I would rather Betty Vivian did not join our club.”

”But why, dear--why?”

”Yes, f.a.n.n.y, why?” echoed Susie.

”What ridiculous nonsense you are talking!” cried Olive Repton.

”The most striking-looking girl I ever saw!” said Julia Bertram. ”Why, Fan, what is your reason for this?”

”Call it jealousy if you like,” said f.a.n.n.y; ”call it any name under the sun, only don't worry me about it.”

As she spoke she rose deliberately and left the room, her companions looking after her in amazement.

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