Bee was aware that she had placed herself in the wrong by losing her temper, and her hands shook so that she could scarcely hold the cups.
"Oh, I wish I didn't act this way," she thought remorsefully. "It is so hard to do the right thing when he shows his preference so plainly. Why couldn't I have been nicer about this? It really is my place to sit here, but I might have said so without getting mad. Oh, dear, dear!"
The lunch ended, and the girls went upstairs to get ready for the outing. When Bee was nearly dressed Adele came to her softly. She could not bear that anyone should not be pleased with her, and she knew that Bee was hurt and offended. Stepping behind her she put her arms around her waist as Bee stood before the mirror, and bent her head over her cousin's shoulder, partly that she might kiss her cheek, partly also that she might see her face in the glass and contrast it with that of Bee.
"Don't be cross with me," she said coaxingly. "I am sorry if I have done anything that you did not like."
Beatrice sighed. Adele was irresistible in this mood.
"Perhaps you did not mean it, Adele," she said. "But, honestly! would you like it if someone were to come to your house, and want to take your place with your father and mother?"
"No, I would not," answered Adele candidly. "What's the use of supposing anything of the sort? Nobody could, you know. Papa and mamma would not let them."
"That is true," agreed Bee thoughtfully. "Nobody could take your place, Adele. I wish that father were so fond of me that no one could take my place with him."
"Maybe he will when he knows you better," remarked Adele consolingly. "Only you must not blame me if he likes me best." She loosened her hold on Bee and wandered about the room, looking first at one thing, and then another. Presently she gave a little scream of delight. "What a pretty hat!" she cried. "All white lace and pansies. Oh, Bee! Where did you get it?"
"I got it when I bleached my hair," said Bee in a low tone. "It is a pretty hat. Every one likes it."
"It's lovely," declared Adele, putting it on, and gazing rapturously at her image in the glass. "Doesn't it become me?"
"Everything becomes you, Adele, but this doesn't look any better on you than your own." Bee reached out her hand for the hat. "We must hurry. Father doesn't like to be kept waiting."