let you know," said June vaguely.

She walked home deep in thought. So Micky had known all along? She was
not quite sure that she was pleased with him for keeping the fact from
her. They had been such pals, he and she; surely he might have trusted
her and told her!

"I suppose I'm not to be trusted with a secret, though," she thought
with a comical sigh. "Look how easily I gave Esther's away!"

Tea was ready when she got in, and Esther and Charlie sat curled up
together in the firelight.

"I've got an invitation for us both to-morrow night," June said, even
as she opened the door.

Esther looked up eagerly; she had had rather a dull day of it.

"A theatre," said June. "It's from Micky. I tell you at once, so you
shan't throw cold water on it. He's got some seats for a first night,
and asks us both to go. What do you say?"

"I haven't a dress," said Esther promptly.

"I told him you'd say that," June answered calmly, "and he said it
didn't matter--or something to that effect. Micky never notices what
you wear," she went on airily. "I'm going to wear an old purple rag
that I've had for about forty years."

Esther laughed. "I dare say I can buy one in time," she said; she did
not intend Micky to think she could not afford a frock. "I think I
should rather like to go," she added shyly.

"Good!" June hid the amazement she felt. "Well, Micky's going to call
for us and take us out to dinner first. It'll be a scrumptious
dinner--Micky always does the thing in style!"

"It's kind of him to ask me," Esther said.

"Why?" June demanded. "Oh, you mean because you don't like one
another? But that wouldn't trouble Micky; he'd take you out if he
hated the sight of you, he's so kind-hearted."

"Thank you for a doubtful compliment," said Esther.

She was making plans rapidly in her mind. Micky had never seen her
well dressed.

"I had another cheque from Raymond this morning," she said flushing.
"So it will come in useful. I can get a ready-made frock--I shan't
look so bad."

"You'll look an angel whatever you wear," said June affectionately. "I
know a little woman just off the Brompton Road who'll fix you up,"
June said eagerly. "She's got the tiniest shop, but it's cram full of
the sweetest things. She's awfully nice, too."

"I can't afford much," Esther said dubiously.

"She won't charge you much," June declared. "She's a friend of mine.
She has my creams on her counter. It's a fine advertisement, you see.
She g