White's permission to give a
bachelor dinner in the coach house. They wanted the affair given where
there would be no objection to either noise or "muss," as Nat put it, so
the coach house was decided upon.
"Plans, plans, nothing but plans," sang Tavia. "I wish some one would make
plans for me. I would like to elope this very evening. I am not particular
about having a partner in the going away; a railroad ticket would answer."
Dorothy glanced up quickly at Tavia. She knew the latter almost meant what
she said--that is, she would really like to run away before Christmas
morning.
"And shake me?" asked Nat in mock concern. "Now, Tavia, you and I have
been friends for a long, long time--"
But this was too much for Tavia. Suddenly she jumped up, put her hand to
her eyes and dashed from the room.
"She's crying!" whispered Ned.
Then Dorothy, too, left the room. She went to comfort Tavia.
CHAPTER XXVI
THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS
"Well, I never expected to forgive him--he was so mean and obstinate--"
The unpleasant, treble voice of Miss Jane Pumfret was interrupted by the
lower tones of Major Dale.
"But, my dear woman," he said, "Captain Mayberry is not responsible--he is
sick, mentally and physically."
"Well, I'll see," and she arose to go, "I am not much of a hand at making
up, anyway."
"But if you could have seen how he begged me to send for you.
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