Mrs. Doring beamed on them both as she replied, “If your father is willing, daughter, then so am I.”
“Oh, you darlings!” Adele exclaimed, joyously hugging them. “Thank you so much.” Then catching up her hat and books, away she skipped to school.
The trysting-place was a big spreading elm-tree which stood in the middle of the girls’ side of the school-yard. Under it was a circular bench, and here the seven maidens waited each morning until all had gathered.
When Adele rounded the high hedge which bordered the school-grounds, she was greeted with a joyous chorus from the six who were already there.
“Three cheers for the president of the Sunnyside Club!” cried Betty Burd, the irrepressible.
“Hush! Hush!” laughed Adele, looking quickly about. “Don’t you remember that it is a secret society?”
“Luckily there is no one here but ourselves and the elm-tree,” Rosamond said.
“Adele!” Gertrude Willis exclaimed. “Why are your eyes so shining and bright? Have you good news to tell?”
“Indeed I have,” Adele replied gayly. “Just think, girls, we may have it!”
“Have what?” asked the puzzled six.