“Yes–and how?” asked Dick scornfully.
Examination week to some seemed long, indeed, with the longer time allowed for the real tests that had so much to do with passing for those who were obliged to take them. Fortunately, Betty had none to take, but it seemed odd, indeed, to wait for grades during examination time and the time given the teachers to correct the important papers. The weather was hot, but it was a good opportunity for last visits or picnics.
Peggy Pollard had one of these at her home, a pretty place in the same suburb which boasted the Gwynne place, but Peggy’s home was closer in toward town and not so large as that of the Gwynnes. The house was a simple building, modern, set back among a few handsome trees in a large lot. There was a pool on whose circular cement wall, Betty, Peggy and their friends sat like so many mermaids one hot afternoon. Bathing suits were the appropriate costume for this picnic, Peggy had said. In consequence, the girls came in simple frocks, as cool as they could muster, and brought their bathing suits, caps, slippers and all.
The pool was retired, among the trees and thick bushes where it was cool with shadows, and it was well known and favored among Peggy’s friends. Betty’s eyes opened wide when she saw it. Good friends as they had been, this was the first time that Peggy had entertained her.
“How did you happen to have such a big one, Peggy?” one of the girls asked, voicing Betty’s thought.
“Why, there were so many boys and they wanted it big enough for real diving and swimming a bit; so, as they made it themselves, they had it that way. This is fresh water, girls, just put in it. Betty, you haven’t been here before, though I’ve tried to find a good chance to have folks before this. Mother’s been in the hospital, as I guess I told you.
“Why, Betty, I’m the last chick of a big family, or almost the last chick. Jack is in the University still, my big brother, but the rest are all married or away, six brothers–what do you think of that?”
“How nice! Any sisters? but you practically told me you hadn’t any. And here I’ve known you all year and never knew a word about your family.”
“Life is like that, Betty,” laughed Peggy. “I guess we never told each other our life history. I know your family because I’ve been at your house and I saw them.”
“I’ve known Peggy all my life,” said Mary Emma, “and I never knew she had six brothers. Are you sure, Peggy?” Mary Emma was grinning as she touched the water with her toes. Then she slipped into it and lay back, floating a little.