Gincy looked at Lalla’s short, brown skirt and percale waist as she was counting the sheets. “Well,” she said at last, “I don’t believe I’ve a thing to wear—climbing’s terribly hard on clothes.”
“I’ve another old skirt you’re welcome to; it’s a fright, though.”
“Bring her along, I’ll be plumb tickled to improve her looks,” agreed Gincy gaily.
Lalla ran off and soon reappeared with a bright homespun. “That’s what I wore for the first three months. I thought it was pretty then; I never saw such a thing to wear, you can’t tear it to save your life!”
“I’ll be a regular beacon light, we won’t need the moon coming back,” said Gincy as she flew around to finish her morning’s work. “I’ll put a twist of red ribbon around Abner’s old hat. I’ve a piece that’s almost a match.”
When the four girls gathered on the front porch of the Hall, there sat Miss Howard with her folding easel and box of paints. “Girls,” she said, “suppose we change our minds and go to Slate Lick this afternoon, then I can do some sketching.”
“Good!” exclaimed Gincy delightedly. “I haven’t been out that way at all.”
“It’s mighty pretty, and not so hard walking,” said Kizzie, and the rest seemed equally pleased with the change.
“We’ll go down Scafflecane Pike and cut across to the railroad, it’s a good deal shorter.” Miss Howard gathered up her belongings and started off ahead at a brisk pace. At the gate they met Mallie and Nancy Jane, the latter had been crying.
“Let’s ask them to go with us,” said Miss Howard, turning suddenly. There was a brief consultation behind the cypresses, then Lalla sped back after the two.