“I guess I was made a lawful lieutenant last summer!” returned Marjorie, haughtily.
“I guess I’m a scout lieutenant, too!” laughed Lily. “Don’t forget our little troop at college!”
“Girls!” interrupted Florence, “if you don’t stop fooling and get out of our way, we’ll make you both serve as kitchen police!”
This speech had the desired effect, and both girls rose hastily and pushed back their chairs. A few minutes later, Marjorie started for the tea-house.
The girls found Anna already at work in the kitchen, and, tying on their big gingham aprons that hung there in a row, they plunged right into their duties. The task proved to be so pleasant, amid such congenial companionship, that the morning was gone almost before they realized it. Marjorie went into the front room, and then out to the porch, surveying the effect with satisfaction.
“It does look lovely!” she commented, out loud. “Those pansies add just the right touch—Oh, if we only have some people!”
“And just think,” remarked Alice, as she drew off her gingham apron, “that we shan’t know until supper time, what success the girls have!”
“Oh, I’ll know!” announced Marjorie. “You don’t suppose I’d be able to stand that suspense all afternoon?”
“You mean you’re coming down—to work?” asked Daisy. “You’ll be dead, Marj, if you expect to go at a pace like that!”
“Well, I can’t help it today! I’d be miserable away from here. I’ve just got to come!”