"I don't wish to discourage you, but--" "I know that, too," broke in Arline eagerly, "but no one else need know.
I'm going to take my check that Father always gives me for theatres and things when I'm at home, and spend it to make up the difference.

It will more than cover the extra expense of the dinner.

I'd like to give the dinner to the girls, but of course that is out of the question.

They wouldn't like it.

However, if they are allowed to pay fifty cents for it they will feel independent, and, nine chances out of ten, won't trouble themselves about the actual cost of the dinner, as have some persons I might mention," ended Arline meaningly.
Both girls laughed.