She did, and when it was time for the May party, the late unpleasantness was ignored by all, if not entirely forgotten.
Mr. Halstead gave Maude a five-dollar bill to replace the one his son had spoiled, and he then also presented her with the green paper doll, as a reminder not to trust too much to appearances.
VIII
THE CHAPLET OF HONOR
As soon as June had fairly dawned upon the calendar, the girls of Miss Whittier’s school began to prepare for closing day.
It was customary to give an evening entertainment, in which all the pupils took part.
“This year,” Miss Whittier announced to the class, “I have a very delightful plan, of which I will now tell you. It is not exactly a play, but a little staged allegory which I am sure you will all think very attractive.”
Betty listened eagerly, for “staged allegory” sounded rather dry and poky, and yet it might turn out to be fun after all.
“Sounds like ‘Pilgrim’s Progress,’” whispered Dorothy, who sat next her, and Betty’s imagination immediately saw all the girls with packs on their backs, climbing the Hill of Difficulty. But Miss Whittier went on to reveal her plan.
“It is called ‘Honor Chaplet,’” she said, “and it represents all the women who have done praiseworthy deeds presenting their claims for the Chaplet of Honor, which is to be awarded to the one who best merits it. Of course the characters represent women of all time who have become famous for great deeds or noble efforts.”
Betty’s head gave a nod of satisfaction. The whole plan appealed to her, for it meant “dressing up,” and she dearly loved to wear fancy costumes.