When the others heard what had happened, they were eager to help. Fortunately, Polly had the materials for making the flowers on hand, and as soon as supper was over the six chums set busily to work. Polly and her mother cut the flower patterns and helped start them, but the others soon learned how to fold and paste, and they refused to stop and rest until the full two dozen flowers were finished and neatly packed in another box.
“And here’s a little ice-cream,” said Mr. Marley, coming in as the scissors were being put away. “I thought the least I could do for such an industrious circle was to get them a little refreshment, since I have no talent for making paper flowers.”
The next morning Carrie Pepper and Mattie Helms watched to see what Polly would say when Miss Elliott came. To their intense surprise, Polly marched up to the desk and put down a pasteboard box.
“I finished the flowers, Miss Elliott,” she said clearly.
Carrie looked at Mattie. They both felt a little foolish. And though neither would admit it, they admired Polly, who, instead of complaining and “fussing,” had evidently managed in some mysterious way to get her flowers finished on time.
“Thank goodness, that’s done,” said Polly, with a sigh of relief, as she went back to her seat. “Now we can have the Riddle Club meeting to-night and enjoy ourselves.”
CHAPTER XIX
THE SPECIAL MEETING
That night it began to snow again, the fine, steady snow that always promises a real storm. When Mr. Marley came home to supper, his overcoat was covered with the white flakes.
“It’s lucky that every one lives near,” said Mrs. Marley, lighting another electric lamp to make the dining-room more cheerful. “No one would want to go very far on a night like this.”
“Oh, they would, Mother, if they were going to the Riddle Club,” Artie assured her. “I’d go anywhere to a Riddle Club meeting.”