“Cowards!” exclaimed Mother Wit, dramatically. “That’s why she got her mother to go to mine. And I am real angry with mother––”
“Oh, Laura! we wouldn’t offend your mother for anything,” said Nell, hastily.
“Or put her in an uncomfortable position,” Bobby added. “She’s been too nice to us all.”
“And, of course, we have to stand Lil in the school and gymnasium. She won’t kill us; she’s only silly,” went on Nell.
“I believe you’re all more or less willing to have Lil go,” declared Laura, in wonder.
“We-ell,” drawled Bobby. “There’s the chance of having somebody to do the camp work for us––”
“Not Lil!” shrieked Jess. “She never lifts her hand at home.”
“No,” said Nell. “But Mrs. Pendleton will pay a maid’s wages.” 33
“Ah—ha!” ejaculated Jess Morse. “I smell a mice, as the Dutchman says. We are to be bribed.”
And bribed they were. At least, none of them wished to put Laura’s mother to any trouble. So they agreed to let Lily Pendleton go camping with them. Mrs. Pendleton left it to the girls to find anyone they wanted to help about the camp, and promised to pay good wages.