CHAPTER X
COMMENCEMENT
JUNE. The month when all the trees in the city parks are waving soft green arms and whispering secrets about how beautiful it must be now, away out in the real country.
Jacquette was thinking of Brookdale, as she walked slowly home after school; wondering if the birds were singing there, this year, just as they always had before, every year since she could remember.
Suddenly she quickened her steps. Someone was coming behind her, and of all things she did not want Bobs to think she was loitering for the sake of having him walk with her! She turned a corner and set off at a brisk pace.
“Oh, Jack! Couldn’t you go a little faster?” a voice called.
“Couldn’t you come a little slower?” she laughed, turning and waiting until he came up, breathless.
“I’ve raced five blocks while you were going one,” he declared, as they fell into step together. “Had to go over to Ned Woodward’s first, and I was afraid you’d get away. I have a lecture to give you.”
“Proceed, honourable highness! Don’t you see how meek I look?”
“No, I don’t. I see how pale and tired you look. You’re not the same girl that came here from Brookdale last fall.”