CHAPTER TEN
Billy sat in his chair before the McAlisters' front steps. Theodora sat beside him on the steps, with her chin in her hands. Though it was late in January, the midday sun was warm around them, and they were basking in it like two young turtles.
"I know," Theodora was saying restively; "but I want to do something really and truly useful, something that will help on the world. Here I am, sixteen years old, and I've never been of the least use to anybody."
"How about me?" Billy suggested, luxuriously stretching and then clasping his hands at the back of his head.
"You? Oh, you don't count."
"Thanks."
Theodora sprang up and whirled the chair to the gate and back again to the steps.
"What a tease you are, Billy! Next time, if you don't behave, I'll tip you out. You know what I mean. I get just as much fun out of this as you do. What I want is to help on the masses."
"Rats!" Billy remarked profanely.
"Not rats at all. You don't need me; they do."