"That'll make ten, counting us five, to begin with," Pauline said.
"Bell and Jack Ward," Tom took out his list, "the Dixon boys and Edna
Ray. That's all."
"I'd just like to know where I come in, Tom Brice!" Patience demanded, her voice vibrant with indignation.
"Upon my word! I didn't suppose—"
"I am to belong! Ain't I, Paul?"
"But Patty—"
"If you're going to say no, you needn't Patty me!"
"We'll see what mother thinks," Hilary suggested. "You wouldn't want to be the only little girl to belong?"
"I shouldn't mind," Patience assured her, then feeling pretty sure that Pauline was getting ready to tell her to run away, she decided to retire on her own account. That blissful time, when she should be "Miss Shaw," had one drawback, which never failed to assert itself at times like these—there would be no younger sister subject to her authority.
"Have you decided what we are to do?" Pauline asked Tom, when Patience had gone.