“Keep steady company?”
“I think that scouting is his ‘steady company.’ If you want to make a hit with him, show yourselves in earnest about passing your tests.”
At this moment the door was opened, and Miss Winthrop preceded a tall, splendid looking man in a khaki uniform into the room. A sense of triumph came over Marjorie as she realized that here was the very human embodiment of the great scout ideal; the sound mind and the sound body. Although over six feet tall, he was as straight as an arrow; his clothing showed all the neatness of an army officer’s; his blue eyes looked fearlessly into the girls’, proclaiming his honesty, his good-will, his kindliness. Marjorie felt indeed that she had made a wise choice.
Nor was she the least disappointed; for the first time perhaps in their lives the girls listened to a serious talk with rapt attention. Mr. Richards seemed to know just when to joke and when to get back to his theme, when to generalize, and when to go into detail; when to dip into slang, and when to return to the purest English. He was wise enough, too, to stop while they still wanted more.
“I am sorry that I must go, Miss Wilkinson,” he concluded. “But first let me congratulate you all on your fine enthusiasm and interest. It has been more than a pleasure to meet you.”
Queenie could not restrain a deep sigh; it literally pained her to see him go.
“When will you come again?” she demanded eagerly.
“When Miss Wilkinson tells me that you are all ready for your tenderfoot test. Then, if it is agreeable to her, I will be glad to come and give it.”
“I’d be delighted!” exclaimed Marjorie, only too grateful for the assistance.
“Next week, then!” urged Queenie.