“How could you tell that?”
“I don’t know; but I just felt that whoever sent the note was smiling as he wrote it.”
“You have a wonderful imagination, Pat,” said Jack, grinning down at her. “I only hope it’s a reliable one.”
CHAPTER XVI
A PICNIC
“Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
It was Saturday morning. Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
“None of us were keen enough about that swimming exam to be looking for chances to try it twice,” replied Katharine decidedly.
“You ought not to mind it,” drawled Anne sleepily; “you’re a regular mer—maid,” her last word cut short by a huge yawn.
“Look out, Anne,” cried Frances, grabbing her by the shoulders, “you’ll be sound asleep in a minute and roll down the steps.”
“It’s this strong sunlight,” said Anne, leaning comfortably back against Frances’ knees, and closing her eyes.