“I’ve j-just come in,� she said. “I weeded a row of p-peas. Now I’m helping mother. I’ll see you p-p-presently.�
The others went into the garden, admired the flourishing vegetables, and pulled up a few stray weeds.
“Isn’t it beautorious?� exclaimed Patsy. “Things have just been leaping and bounding along these two days.�
“Scrumptious!� agreed Alice.
“We-all boys have got the biggest potatoes,� said Sweet William, wagging his head proudly.
“You-all boys! Will you look at those beans? What about them, Mr. William Taliaferro Osborne?� demanded Patsy. “Anne Lewis had a lot to say about their Washington gardens. They aren’t a bit better than this; they can’t be. Just think! Anne is coming next week.�
“Goody, goody, goody!� cried Sweet William, clapping his hands.
As they went chattering back up the walk, Ruth came out to ask them to stay to supper; her mother had a strawberry shortcake.
“I’ll go and ask——� “If mother knew——� began Patsy and Alice.
“If I had a piece of strawberry shortcake in my hand,� suggested Sweet William, “I could go home and tell them you were invited. We are going to have batter-cakes for supper; Emma makes good little batter-cakes with lacy brown edges.�