Mrs. Wilson had just returned from making some calls and was listening to Norma’s explanation of the good time in store for Gracie and herself that afternoon and evening.  “I knew you would not mind our going mamma,” Norma was saying, “so I just accepted at the moment.”

“No, indeed, I shall not object,” said Mrs. Wilson.  “On the other hand, I am delighted that Mrs. Jackson has invited you to go with her and her lovely children.  You will have a splendid time, I know.  And how about your luncheon?  Have you everything ready?”

“I am just going to prepare some eggs this very minute,” explained Norma.  “And,” turning to Gracie, “won’t you go after some cake and some fruit, sister?”

Gracie frowned.  “I’ll not have the time.” she complained.  “And,” appealing to her mother, “mamma, will you be good enough to fix this frock for me to wear?  I’ve got to wash and comb and do ever so many things.”

Mrs. Wilson shook her head.  “Gracie, you must have your lesson first or last.  Now is a very good time for it.  You must fix your own frock, my child.  I have urged you, time and again, to keep your clothes neatly mended.  If you let your things go—­well, you must suffer the consequences.  And, you must assist Norma in preparing the luncheon.  It is not fair that she should have the bulk of the work of preparation to do.  You must shoulder your share of it.”

Gracie, her face aflame with shame, went upstairs and began to fix her frock.  But hardly had she begun when her mother’s voice called to her:  “You would better go for the cake, daughter, before sitting down to mend.  If by any chance you should not be ready to go when Mrs. Jackson calls for you, Norma must not be disappointed and shall have her basket of luncheon ready.”

Gracie began to beg off, but her mother was firm.  “Do as I say, daughter, and start at once to the baker’s for the cake.  Stop on the way back and buy a bag of nice fruit.”

Gracie had to obey, but did it reluctantly.  She feared she would not be ready to go when four o’clock arrived, for there was so much to be done in preparation.  She hurried to the baker’s and got the cake; stopped on the way back home and bought a bag of fruit.  But she saw by the town clock that it wanted only forty-five minutes till time to start on their automobile outing.

For a moment she felt very much out of sorts over the fact that she had been obliged to go after the cake and fruit, but the longer she thought of it the clearer became her own fault.  Yes, she had been very indifferent about her work.  And if she missed getting the trip—­well, it would be her lesson.

As soon as Gracie gave the cake and fruit into Norma’s hands she ran up stairs to fix her frock.  Norma was all ready, looking as sweet in her fresh lawn frock as could be.  The basket was prepared for the luncheon, lined with a soft white napkin.

Into the basket Norma put a dozen nicely prepared eggs, wrapped about with white paper.  Then came the cake, also appetizingly fixed in dainty fashion; then the yellow oranges, luscious, pink peaches and golden yellow pears.