Two girls, Dolly and Dotty, receive an exciting invitation to spend a week in New York City with their friend Bernice and her uncle. The proposal creates a stir among the girls and their families, as it presents a rare opportunity for adventure and education outside their usual school routine. However, the girls face significant obstacles, primarily parental concerns about missing school and the potential impact of such an experience on their upbringing. Dolly's mother, Mrs. Fayre, is particularly hesitant, fearing that the trip might expose her daughter to a lifestyle that could lead to discontent with their simpler home life. Despite the girls' enthusiasm and promises to keep up with their studies, Mrs. Fayre remains cautious, emphasizing the need for parental oversight and the importance of education. As the discussion unfolds, the girls express their deep bond and mutual desire to experience the trip together, with Dotty insisting she won't go if Dolly cannot. The narrative explores themes of friendship, parental authority, and the tension between childhood innocence and the allure of new experiences. Ultimately, the decision rests with the parents, highlighting the complexities of growing up and the challenges of balancing adventure with responsibility.
By Carolyn Wells · First published 1909 · Genre: Children's Literature, Adventure, Fiction · 20 chapters