Each large room had what seemed to the two little women ample room for
clothes. But Bernice had brought so much more than they did, that her
things overflowed the space provided.

"I'll wear this to-night, for dinner," she said, pulling out a light
green silk from a pile of frocks.

"Oh, Bernie!" exclaimed Dotty; "not that! That's a party dress, isn't
it?"

"Not exactly. I've more dressy ones. But it is a little fussy for a
quiet evening at home, I suppose. Well, what shall I wear?"

"This?" and Dotty picked out a simple challie.

"Oh, gracious, no! That's a morning frock. I guess I'll stick to the
green. Don't you think so, Perkins?"

"Yes, miss. It's a lovely gown." The maid was interested in the girls,
her life in the quiet house being usually most uneventful. This sudden
invasion of young people was welcomed by all the servants, and there
were many in Jefferson Forbes' palatial home. Mrs. Berry had engaged
several extra ones to help with the increased work, but the two maids
assigned to the girls were trusted and tried retainers.

And then, there was a bustle heard downstairs, a peal of laughter and
a perfect flood of chatter in a high, shrill voice, and with a
bounding run up the staircase, Alicia burst into the room where the
three girls were.