“Why, he is a Hun!” she exclaimed with her eyes blazing.
“There are selfish people everywhere, Gilda,” said Tante sadly, “even in America. Their motto is not ‘get together’ but ‘get everything for yourself!’”
“But zis is worse zan to be an orphan!” said Gilda tragically. “My fazzer died, one brave soldier. My mozzer died of ze frightful journey, when we were driven out by ze Huns. I am poor, and I was friendless. But I was never ashamed.” Her eyes were full of tears for Anne.
“It is not Anne’s fault,” said Tante. “And when she comes back we must not seem to pity her. That would be hardest of all for her to bear. I think she will be brave, and that is better than being golden!”
“Anne is a brick!” volunteered Beverly unexpectedly. “And I know she will be brave. I don’t care what her father was. I like Anne!”
“So do we!” chorused the Club. And then, without any suggestion at all from their Captain, they broke into the Club yell, “Heia! Hoia! Together! Get together!”
Nelly Sackett heard the shout as she approached the camp, and she did not know what to make of it. She found them all on the piazza, just ready for the morning swim. They all rushed at her. “How is Anne?” they cried, and Nelly was pleased to see how eager and affectionate they all were. She herself looked grave and her cheeks were flushed, but she did not seem unhappy. Far from it. “Anne is all right, I guess,” she said. “I have come to get a few things for her, if Tante will let her stay another night with us?”
“Of course!” Tante nodded.
“Uncle took her out for a long sail this morning,” Nelly explained. “He said the sea would do her good, and calm her down.”
“Has he explained things to her?” asked Tante, looking earnestly at Nelly.