“Oh, dear,” sighed Joanne again. “The war is over but the reconstruction stage isn’t and I see where I’ve got to keep up the fight. I certainly do hate pertness, but also do I despise milk-and-wateriness.”
“One doesn’t have to be insipid and cringing to be perfectly respectful and courteous,” responded Winnie. “For example, do you consider Claudia a meechin person?”
“Far be it from me to say so.”
“Did you ever know her to be anything but courteous and gracious?”
“Well, no-o,” Joanne admitted.
“Then, take back the pertness thou gavest, what is its smartness to me?” Winnie sang.
“Oh, Win!”
“I win, you win, we both win. Come on if you’re ready.” And off they went, arriving a little late but just in time for squad formation.
Miss Dodge had gone off on an Easter holiday, so her lieutenant, Miss Chesney, was in charge. She was a dark-eyed, alert little person, active and cheery, and the girls all liked her. When the meeting had arrived at the point of discussing Easter gifts she made the announcement: “We talked it over at the last Court of Honor and we think that eggs for our special orphans will be the best thing we can decide upon. Can each of you contribute two eggs?”
“Sugar, colored or just plain raw?” inquired Winnie.