"And cake, too," suggested Katherine.

"And cake, too, if you please."

Katherine skipped off downstairs.

"Well, I declare!" ejaculated Sabina with a gasp, drawing herself
together, as if the bottom had fallen out of the social fabric.

Mrs. Captain Kempt folded her hands one over the other and put on a
look of patient resignation, as one who finds all the old landmarks
swept away from before her.

"Is there anything else we can get for you?" asked Sabina icily.

"Yes," replied Dorothy, with serene confidence, "I should be very much
obliged if Captain Kempt would obtain for me a card of invitation to
the ball on the 'Consternation.'"

"Really!" gasped Sabina, "and may not my mother supplement my father's
efforts by providing you with a ball dress for the occasion?"

"I could not think of troubling her, Miss Kempt. Some of my customers
have flattered me by saying that my taste in dress is artistic, and
that my designs, if better known, might almost set a fashion in a
small way, so I shall look after my costume myself; but if Mrs.
Captain Kempt were kind enough to allow me to attend the ball under
her care, I should be very grateful for it."