"Oh, I never will again; truly, Marjorie. I'm going to learn that poem of your mother's by heart, and I know I'll never lose my temper again, Good-bye."
"Good-bye, Hester," and after an affectionate kiss the two girls parted.
"Goo'-bye, Queenie Sandy," called Tom, as they separated at the turn of the path.
"Good-bye, Tom, you old Grand Sandjandrum!" and then the Maynards ran into their own house.
"Gently, my lad and lassie; gently!" warned Mrs. Maynard, as her two young hopefuls flung themselves upon her.
"Oh, Mothery," cried Marjorie, "we had such a good time! And our court journal was lovely! Want to see it? And King fixed it up so beautifully, and Hester made such dear pictures for it! Oh, Mother, isn't it splendid to have so much fun?"
"Yes, dearie," and Mrs. Maynard stroked the flushed brow of her energetic and excitable daughter. "But when you come in from your play, you must be a little bit quieter and more ladylike. I don't want to think that these merry companions of yours are making you really boisterous."
"They are, though," said King. "I like the Craigs and Hester Corey, but they sure are the noisy bunch!"
"Oh, King, not quite so much slang!"
"No, Mother, we won't get gay! We'll try to please you every way! But we're feeling rather spry to-day! So please excuse us, Mothery May!"