The girls flopped to the floor of the gymnasium, while the young men trotted back and forth with the paper plates of ice-cream and the bags of cakes John had procured with some difficulty, after a good deal of search for a clean bakery in the vicinity. Miss Winthrop looked in upon the party and nodded approvingly, but she was too busy to stay.
“By the way,” said Mr. Richards, after an interval, “I really came to offer my services for next Wednesday evening.” Apparently he was addressing Queenie, rather than Marjorie. “I have a night off, and I know that you’re all anxious to pass that second class test——”
“It would be great!” exclaimed the patrol leader, with obvious delight. “You don’t mind, do you, Captain?”
“No, I heartily approve,” returned Marjorie. “But I’m sorry I can’t come myself—I—er—have an important engagement——”
“We know all about that, Miss Wilkinson!” teased Queenie, noticing the grateful look that John Hadley flashed to Marjorie; “but I take it Mr. Richards meant to save your time.”
“That’s just the idea,” he explained.
“Then it’s all settled——” She looked up, sharply. “Who’s that banging at the door?”
Mr. Sautter hastened to unfasten it; and, to the amazement of the girls, Gertie Reed and Mame Collins faced them with angry countenances.
“A party—with fellers! And kep’ it from us!” Gertie blurted out, resentfully. “All right! We’ll show you——”
“Come in, girls!” Marjorie invited, pleasantly, in an attempt to overlook their discourtesy. “And have some cakes——”