Your kind aunt Mary suggested it, but I told her, No.

Since you have hurt Dotty so terribly, you cannot be groomsman." "O, mother!" "No, my son.

She is unable to perform her part, and you must give up yours.

Percy will take your place." In spite of his manliness, Johnny dropped a few tears, which he brushed away with the back of his hand; but his mother, for once in her life, was firm.
I will not say that Johnny's disappointment was not some consolation to Dotty, who lay on the sofa in the parlor with her eyes bandaged, while the wedding ceremony was performed.

If Johnny had been one of the group, while her own poor little self was left out, necklace, slippers, and all, she would have thought it unjust.
As it was, it seemed hard enough.