Marjorie, Ethel, and Marie Louise sat on the porch of the latter’s home, awaiting the arrival of the rest of the girls. Alice Endicott would probably come in time for supper, and perhaps Lily Andrews and Florence Evans; but Daisy was delaying her departure until the last moment so that she might spend as long as possible with the baby.
“Do you know I wish Daisy had planned to bring little Betty with her,” remarked Marie Louise. “We could take turns looking after her, and save the money we pay the nurse.”
“We did think of that,” said Marjorie; “but the thing that decided us against it was the baby’s mother. She’s improving right along now, and is able to see Betty on visiting days at the hospital, so it seemed too cruel to take her so far away. And then after awhile Mrs. Trawle may be able to go home and take care of her baby herself.”
“Then our work will be all for nothing?” asked Marie Louise.
“No, indeed! Mrs. Trawle won’t be strong enough to earn any money, if she does live, and will need all the help we can give her.”
“I guess we’re here for the whole summer,” remarked Ethel, settling herself comfortably against the cushions of the hammock. “But I can’t say I’m sorry!” She looked appreciatively towards Marie Louise.
“Well, I’m glad you like it,” returned the latter. “And it’s so nice of you all to take me into your inmost circle.”
The click of the iron gate drew the girls’ attention away from themselves, and they recognized Alice and Florence entering.
“Hello, girls!” cried Alice, half running up the pathway. “I’m that glad to see you!”
“Have you really got a tea-room?” asked Florence, as if she could not believe in the thing till she saw it. “Or are we just here for a good time?”