The Blue Ribbon Club as one girl flew upstairs, and proceeded to dictate orders over the banister, which, however, were unheeded and even unheard.
Timmy Loo danced frantically about among the marauding boys until he was unceremoniously swept out of the front door by Roger’s broom. He was rescued by Rosie, who, much astounded at the turn things had taken, ran over to Aunt Molly’s for shelter and safety. But soon the squall was over and calm reigned again.
“Come down, girls,” called Ted Lewis. “One free, all free!”
Down came the club, bright and smiling, with fresh shirt-waists and the additional ribbons or trinkets that masculine presence always seems to necessitate.
“There, milady,” said Harry Bond to Millicent, “your palace is restored to all its pristine glory, and now fork over that jam.”
So the jam and everything else the larder contained was set forth, and those voracious boys speedily despatched it all.
“Now,” said Harry Bond, “we’re all going down to the beach to take pictures and otherwise enjoy ourselves this pleasant morning; and then, since you urge us so, we’re all coming back here to dinner.”
“Do,” said Marjorie, heartily; “that will be lots of fun.” And all the other girls echoed her opinion, except Marguerite and Nan.
“But you can’t!” exclaimed the embarrassed Matron. “You see, it’s Nannie’s and my turn to get dinner to-day, and there isn’t half enough in the house for such a horde of pirates, and—and we’d have to stay home all the morning to get ready for you!”
Marguerite looked the picture of distress at the thought of missing the fun on the beach, and Nan looked placidly indifferent, but had no appearance of intending to be left behind.