Business investments had all gone wrong. In fact everything he had touched for the last year had been a disappointment. Now it seemed as if the only way to save what he had was to get a large sum of money, and in these uncertain tunes, that was impossible.--Unless he sold the Manor.
It was this problem that was worrying him. He could not bear to give up his home. It was here that he had brought his young wife and for two years had lived in a Paradise. Her early death had crushed him for a time, and it was only in the Manor where the dear memories of her happy spirit filled each room, that he was content.
It was the fear that he might have to give up his home, that made Colonel Baxter worry, and Bet watched him with troubled eyes.
He had put forth an extra effort to appear happy during the Christmas season, and he tried to throw himself into the plans for the party with his usual enthusiasm.
Bet saw the difference, but wisely said nothing.
At the Colonel's suggestion, they decided on a costume party. That would give the girls a chance to wear some of the lovely old dresses that he had collected.
Bet was terribly disappointed when her father came hurrying in at noon before the party with the announcement that he had a business call to Chicago, and would not be able to attend the party.
"Then we'll put it off, Daddy. A party wouldn't be any fun without you."
"No, I wouldn't do that, Bet. Think of the many who would be disappointed if you postpone it. Then too, I may not be back for two weeks. It is a business matter that I must attend to. It's important."
Reluctantly Bet went on with her plans. There were a few tears when she told the bad news to her chums in the afternoon.
"That's the worst of having a father who plays with you," said Joy. "I never expect _my_ mother and father to care about my good times."
"I just can't make it a real success without Dad," exclaimed Bet tearfully.
"You can, if you try, Bet Baxter. So brace up and stop your sniffling!"
"I wasn't sniffling, Joy Evans," exploded Bet.
"What do you call it, then?" laughed Joy.
Even Shirley, the serious one laughed heartily at Bet. And in a few minutes they were busy with their plans.
"Say Bet, what possessed you to ask Edith Whalen? I've tried to be glad but it isn't in me to be," said Joy.