"Oh, isn't she too exasperating," remarked Peggy Austin, one of the older girls, as Mary closed the door—a little quicker than might have been thought compatible with good manners.
"I perfectly abominate her," Mary answered. "I am going to ask Miss North if Fraulein can't be removed from this hall. I don't think it's one bit fair for us to have her all the time. She's just too interfering."
"It wouldn't do a particle of good to ask, Sozie," Peggy said. "Miss North caters to Fraulein, herself. She says she is the finest German teacher she ever saw. She imported her from Berlin at great expense and personal sacrifice to the Empire. The nation's been in mourning ever since she left!"
Mary giggled, and the new girls looked interested. Peggy's solemn face carried conviction.
"Goodness me," Carita exclaimed, "couldn't the Germans afford to keep her?"
Peggy shook her head.
"No," she declared, pretending to weep in her handkerchief, "it makes me cry to think of their disappointment—the poor things!"
A gong sounded, but the girls lingered.
"I want to see you after dinner, Carita," Blue Bonnet said as she left the room.
"We go down to the gymnasium and dance a while, after dinner," Mary called out.