“There was another reason,” Helen laughed.
“Yes, because you were so fat! You’ve pretty nearly gotten over that.”
“Thank you, lady, for dem kind woids! A little guarded, aren’t you? Know then, that my sole end, aim and ambition is to get thin, really thin,—slim, slender, willowy,—merely a slip of a girl——”
“You haven’t quite achieved all that!” and Patty laughed. “But if you’re trying to, I’ll help you. No sweets, you know.”
“Gracious, Patty, I haven’t tasted candy for two years! And as a sugar conserver, I’m right there! Not a lump of it comes my way!”
“Good for you! Then, with exercise, and not too much sleep, we’ll soon get you into condition!”
The girls went down stairs, and found Nan already there.
“My dear old Bumble!” she cried; “no, no Helen for me! I knew you too long by the old name to change.”
“But, Nan, I don’t like it! Please don’t. Such a horrid name!”
“All right, then. I’ll try to say Helen, but if the other slips out sometimes, you must forgive me. Now, how’s everybody? Bob all right?”