`` You must get dressed , climb down that acacia tree , and join us in our yard . It will be pitch dark in a few minutes and your father will never know . '' I had a frantic vision of Miss Ponsonby scrambling down that acacia tree like an eloping damsel . But Jerry was in dead earnest , and really it was quite possible if Miss Ponsonby only thought so . I did not believe she would think so , but I was mistaken . Her thorough course in Libbey heroines and their marvellous escapades had quite prepared her to contemplate such an adventure calmly -- in the abstract at least . But another obstacle presented itself . `` It 's impossible , '' she said again , after her first flash hope . `` I have n't a fit dress to wear -- I 've nothing at all but my black cashmere and it is three years old . '' But the more hindrances in Jerry 's way when she sets out to accomplish something the more determined and enthusiastic she becomes . I listened to her with amazement . `` I have a dress I 'll lend you , '' she said resolutely . `` And I 'll go over and fix you up as soon as it 's a little darker . Go now and bathe your eyes and just trust to me . '' Miss Ponsonby 's long habit of obedience to whatever she was told stood her in good stead now . She obeyed Jerry without another word . Jerry seized me by the waist and waltzed me around the room in an ecstasy . `` Jerry Elliott , how are you going to carry this thing through ? '' I demanded sternly . `` Easily enough , '' responded Jerry .
`` You know that black lace dress of mine -- the one XXXXX the apricot slip .
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