At the next troop meeting, however, she made no mention of Gertie’s and Mame’s visit, but simply informed the troop that she had been notified of their withdrawal.
She found the Ernsberg twins a vast improvement over the members whose places they had taken; at that very meeting they both passed their tenderfoot test, and Marjorie prepared the list for registration.
“Sunflower Troop, Number—I wonder what?” she surmised aloud, as she folded the paper.
“And may we wear our uniforms next week, those that are finished?” asked Queenie, her face bright with anticipation.
“You certainly may,” replied the captain proudly. “And I hope you are going to pass that second-class test then.”
“Some of us are ready now!” Queenie announced. “We worked awfully hard on Wednesday night, when Mr. Richards was here. Stella, Dot and me. If Annie passes next week, we can register the team in the League.”
“I’m a goin’ a pass it!” put in the latter, with more resolution than Marjorie had ever given her credit for.
There was no difficulty now in keeping the troop’s interest during the scout meetings; all of the girls seemed united in trying to learn as much as possible in as little time, in order that they might get down to the gymnasium at an early hour. Jack, too, found them delightful to instruct, for they were quick, apt and enthusiastic. Such rapid progress did they make at that meeting and the next, that he declared himself ready to match them against any team in the League.
“Oh, no! Not yet!” gasped Queenie, suddenly growing modest.
“Well, we may play a few outside teams first. What would you all say to a game next Saturday night?”