CHAPTER VIII

AT THE WHITE HOUSE

Mollie Thurston was not well the next day.  She stayed in bed and explained that her head ached.  And Harriet Hamlin behaved very strangely.  She was shut up in the room with Mollie for a long time; when she came out Mollie’s eyes were red, and Harriet looked white as a sheet.  But neither of the girls would say what was the matter.

Just before the hour for starting to the White House reception, Mollie got out of bed and insisted on dressing.

“I am afraid you are not well enough to go out to-night, Mollie,” Bab protested.  “I hope you won’t be too disappointed.  Shall I stay at home with you?”

Mollie shook her head obstinately.  “I am quite well now,” she insisted.  “Bab, would you mind leaving me alone while I dress?  I do feel nervous, and I know Ruth and Grace won’t care if you go into their room.”

“All right, Mollie,” Barbara agreed cheerfully, wondering what had come over her little sister.  “Call me when you wish me to button your gown.  I have put the yellow one out on the lounge, if you should decide to wear it.”

When Mollie was left alone two large tears rolled down her cheeks.  Once she started to crawl back into bed and to give up the reception altogether.  But, after a while, she walked over to her closet and drew out a great box.  With trembling fingers Mollie opened it and gazed in upon the exquisite blue frock that had already caused her so much embarrassment and regret.

Should she wear the frock that night?  Mollie Thurston asked herself.  And what would Bab say when she saw it?  For Mollie had not yet mustered up the courage to make her confession.  Well, come what might, Mollie decided to wear her new frock this one time.  She had risked everything to own it, so she might as well have this poor pleasure.

When Mollie joined Mr. Hamlin and the other girls downstairs a long party cape completely concealed her gown.

Mr. Hamlin did not keep a private carriage; so, as long as Ruth’s automobile was in Washington, he decided to take his party to the White House in Ruth’s car.

The girls were ready early, for Mr. Hamlin explained to them that they would have to take their position in the line of carriages that slowly approached the White House door, and that sometimes this procession was nearly a mile in length.

“I suppose you girls won’t mind the waiting as much as we older people do, because you always have so much to say to each other.  And perhaps this is my best chance to learn to know you better.  I have been so busy that I have seen little of you during your visit to Harriet.”

But Mollie and Harriet were strangely silent, and Bab felt absolutely tongue-tied before Mr. Hamlin.  Fortunately, Grace and Ruth sat on each side of him.