"Hi there!" Carol said brightly. "Look what I brought!" She was holding a baby in her arms, and a solemn-looking little girl clung to her leg.

Dawn's father hurried into the foyer.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" Dawn knew he was surprised but was trying hard not to show it.

"Aren't they adorable?" Carol said in a gushy voice that Dawn hated. "This is Gregory. He's only eight months old. And this is his sister, Julie." She pulled Julie out from the folds of her sundress. "Julie's three."

"But who are they?" Dawn said pointedly. She knew they weren't Carol's children.

"That's a long story," Carol said as they made their way into the living room. She tossed a diaper bag on the floor and settled

Gregory on her lap. "One of my old friends from college is visiting California with her husband. They couldn't get a sitter, so I told her I'd watch her kids tonight so they can go out."

"That was very nice of you," Mr. Schafer said slowly, "but it complicates things a little."

"What things?"

Mr. Schafer sat down next to her. "Do you remember that musical you wanted to see at the Playhouse?"

"The one that's sold out?"

"Well, it's not completely sold out." Mr. Schafer reached into his pocket and pulled out two tickets. "One of my clients got me two of the best seats in the house for tonight."

"Oh, no!" Carol wailed. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I wanted it to be a surprise."

Dawn stood watching this scene, wondering how she could make a polite escape. She was sorry if her father was disappointed, but it didn't affect her, did it?

A moment later, she realized it did.

"Say, I've got an idea," her father said suddenly. He turned around and stared at Dawn as if he were seeing her for the first time. "What are you and Jeff doing tonight?"