"Now, Patricia, you know I don't like to have you buy so much candy," whined Mrs. Lavine.
"I haven't _much_ candy," replied Patricia, "that Arabella's got belongs to her."
Arabella looked quickly at Patricia. Was not that a sort of fib? Patricia had not _said_ that Arabella had bought her package of candy, but she had certainly intended her mother to think so.
Mrs. Lavine took a book from the table, and sat down by the window to read.
"Let's go out again," she said, and in a few moments they were running down the stairs, and out into the street.
"I've got a little more money, and we'll have some ice cream," said Patricia.
Arabella wondered where she got her money, but dared not ask her, and while she was thinking about it Patricia spoke.
"I asked you over to my house because I think I'd like you for my best friend," she said, "and because I've got something to tell you."
Arabella stared at her through her glasses, but she said nothing.
"You're sort of old-fashioned," Patricia continued, "but I guess we can play together nicely, and you needn't be provoked at what I said, for we're going to have a secret the very first thing, and I'll tell it to you when we're having our ice cream."
They entered a tiny store which the sign stated was an "Ice Cream Parlor." There was room for but three little tables, but Arabella thought it quite grand, for the wall-paper was covered with gaudy flowers, and the ice cream was very pink.
They took tiny sips that the treat might last longer, and Arabella watched Patricia, and waited to hear what she had to tell.
"Why don't you ask what the secret is?" she asked.
"Why don't you tell it if it's worth telling?" Arabella asked, coolly.
"I _guess_ it's worth telling," said Patricia. "Say, you'll be at Dorothy Dainty's party, won't you?"
"Of course I'll be there; my costume is 'most done."
"Why, don't you remember we are not to tell any one what we are to wear; not even the color of our dominoes?" Arabella asked in surprise.
"Well, we didn't promise not to tell," said Patricia, "and, anyway, I'm going to tell you. Ma has made me a Spanish dress, all spangles, and red ribbons, and gold tinsel, and my domino that will cover it for the first of the evening will be bright yellow! I've told you, Arabella Corryville, because now you'll know which I am, as soon as you see me, and you'll be just mean if you don't tell me now what you're going to wear." Arabella hesitated.