Ruth decided to ask Evelyn Hopkins. The latter had not made the Girl Scout troop; and in fact she had been left out of almost everything lately. Ruth felt sorry for her, and hoped by this invitation to make up for neglecting her during the past month or two.
Miss Martin sent over the request that the Girl Scouts wear their uniforms. Ruth was somewhat annoyed at the idea. “Who wants to dress up in a hot khaki suit this time of year?” she complained. But Miss Phillips had issued the order, and all the scouts had to obey.
Ruth, Doris, and Evelyn got permission to leave the rest of the students while they went in search of the boys. They met them at the gate, and Ruth introduced Evelyn.
Ruth had tried to arrange matters so that Jack would walk with Evelyn, and Roger with Doris, so that John Hadley would be left to accompany her. But her plans went wrong. John immediately attached himself to Doris, who had started on with Roger, so Evelyn and Ruth were both forced to walk with Jack.
When the party reached the basket-ball field, Ruth decided to take matters in her own hands.
“Mr. Hadley,” she said, laughing, “I am afraid I shall have to scold you. Can’t you see that Roger and Doris want to be together?”
“Oh, I beg their pardon!” said John apologetically. “I really forgot.”
“Nonsense!” exclaimed Doris. “Please don’t be silly!”
But they discovered that they could not all sit together, and Ruth saw to it that Doris and Roger took the seats ahead, and she and Evelyn sat between Jack and John. She smiled happily. At last she was with him.
All the Girl Scouts except Ruth and Doris, and those taking part in the game, occupied a bench together; in their neat, trim uniforms they presented an attractive appearance. John remarked about it, and Ruth saw him looking closely at the girls.