"We only do this when we admit a new member," said Betty.
"And not then unless the weather happens to be just right," added
Dorothy. "But we must hurry and make Ruth a member. Go on, Betty."
"Kneel here, Ruth," said Betty, who was presiding officer for the day. Then looking as solemn as her dimples and twinkling eyes would permit, she added, "Being about to lose a well-beloved member of our club," here ail looked at Louise Cobb, "we are at liberty to admit another. Do you desire to become a member of this club?"
"I do," answered Ruth, much impressed.
"Do you promise to further our interests in all possible ways and to keep our secrets?"
"I do."
"Then I pronounce you a fully initiated member," said Betty, striking her on the shoulder with a twig tipped with scarlet leaves. "We really haven't any secrets," she added unofficially, "except that we don't want the other boys and girls to know where we go or that we dress up like this. We don't make our honorary members promise anything, but we know Miss Burton won't tell."
"Of course not," said Miss Burton. "I feel too much honored to be admitted to the club to betray their secrets."
"Now, Ruth," continued Betty, "the next thing is that the new member must do something; sing or dance or tell a story."
"Oh!" gasped Ruth. "I'll resign at once. Imagine me singing or dancing when I'm so tired I can hardly move; and as for story-telling, I simply can't."