She aroused herself sharply from her reverie to answer a question which Lily was asking her, and managed to stammer some sort of reply. In another moment they recognized their visitor, entering the wide door-way, and advanced, smiling, to greet him.
Lily was agreeably surprised by Mr. Richards’ charming manner and appearance, and immediately took a liking to him. They shook hands cordially, and sat down by the fire-place.
“I have decided to keep the troop,” Marjorie announced, at the outset. “But I’m not sure what I shall do with them. So that’s where we need your advice—I say ‘we,’ for Miss Andrews has promised to be my lieutenant.”
“You have recovered from your disappointment over the hike?” he asked. “What decided you in favor of the troop?”
“The patrol leader. She came out to see me Sunday morning, and apologized. She was so frank, so sincere, that I couldn’t help but forgive her.”
Mr. Richards nodded, reminiscently.
“I remember her. She seemed like an exceptionally fine girl to me——. I think, Miss Wilkinson, it would be worth-while going on with the work for her sake alone. If I am not mistaken, that girl will amount to something.”
“If she weren’t so flighty!” sighed Lily. “You simply can’t depend on her. She does the wildest things, on impulse.”
“Remember,” advised the scout-master, “that she is very young. Once she develops poise——”
“I am glad to hear you say that, Mr. Richards,” put in Marjorie. “And if you don’t mind, I’ll tell her, for your regard would count for a good deal in her eyes——. Now tell me how I could keep a hold on these girls, granted that I once have obtained it!”