“Yes, but remember you’ve promised,” and Dotty shook her finger at the two jolly boys, who were willing to please their sisters, but who took little interest in Bernice Forbes and her success.
“Seems to me,” observed Bob, as they returned to discussion of Treasure House, “that this is too good a piece of property for two simple girls! Why, it’s worthy of boy occupants. Want to rent it?”
“No-sir-ee, Bob!” laughed Dolly. “We’ve been weeks getting it into shape, and fixed just exactly as we want it, and we don’t propose to have a lot of boys rampoosing all over it. You are invited to inspect it,—and then I don’t know as you’ll be asked again.”
“Well, I like that! Why, we supposed you’d give us the freedom of it while we’re at home, at least.”
“Oh, we won’t lock you out, except when we’re studying,” said Dotty. “But there won’t be much studying while you’re home, for it’s our vacation too.”
Just then a rap sounded on the brass knocker of Treasure House, and Bob flung open the door to admit the three Rawlins and two Browns.
“Hullo,” cried Tad and Tod together; “when did you fellows get home?”
“Just to-day,” answered Bert, as they all said hullo to each other and then found seats for themselves on chairs, window-boxes or floor.
And then a general chattering broke loose. Everybody talked at once, and Bob and Bert were welcomed back like long lost brothers. But soon the boys all had their heads together, telling of Clayton’s wonderful new football, and the girls had grouped themselves on the other side of the room and were eagerly discussing Bernice’s party.
“We’re going, now, Doll,” shouted Bert. “Going over to Clayt’s. All us fellows. Don’t weep, ladies, but we must leave you now.”