“A lecture on New England during the Revolution, by Professor Hale.”
“Hale? The Spartan—Miss Porter, did she
have anything to do with it?” Betty’s eyes flashed indignation.
“The Professor is Miss Hale’s cousin, I believe, and she was responsible for his coming. I think the lecture will be a very interesting one. He is going to show pictures.” Miss Porter tried to be cheerful.
“Lantern slides?” demanded Polly.
“Yes, I believe that’s it. I’m sorry about the walk, it would have been so nice.” Miss Porter looked wistfully out of the window, as if she could see the old fort bathed in moonlight that very second. “But I am sure we will enjoy the lecture,” she added hastily. The girls knew that no matter how strongly Miss Porter sympathized with them she would not permit a word against Miss Hale.
They left in silence and waited until they were in Polly’s room, with the door closed, before they gave vent to their feelings.
Lois threw herself on the bed in despair. “If that isn’t the meanest thing I ever heard of.”
“To have to stay in on an evening like this and listen to History,” Betty raged.
“History and the Spartan’s cousin,” Lois, cross as she was, could not help laughing at the combination.