“Doesn’t that sound zoölogical?” put in Polly.
“I wish it were as simple. Any one who tries to classify boys along zoölogical lines will find his hands full.”
“I know why, because animals have no personality,” Ruth announced. “And boys are full of it.”
“Indeed, you’d think they were if you had any brothers,” returned Miss Murray, laughingly. “But I sometimes think animals have personality too. I wish you girls could see some of our pets out home. There seems to be as much difference in disposition between the ponies, for instance, as between the boys themselves.”
They had reached her own room now, and “settled down for a serious conference,” as Polly said.
“I’m not going to show you any photographs of the ranch, or tell you about it until we talk over the business end of this expedition.” Jean sat down at the small table beside the double windows, and laid out paper and pencil. “Tell me exactly what your intentions are.”
“You tell, Ruth,” said Ted, urgently. “When Ruth tells about anything, she puts things just the way they are, and when Polly tells anything, she puts it the way she wants them to be.”
“What kind of costumes would we need if we did go out there?” asked Isabel, hesitatingly.
“Listen to Lady Vanitas, Polly,” Ted exclaimed. “Do you remember last summer? Oh, Miss Murray, Isabel never dared to go in swimming even without her class pin, and her bathing slippers had pink bows on them.”
“Don’t mind her, Isabel,” Polly interposed. “This will be just a ‘roughing it’ party. If we have shirtwaists and good strong khaki shirts, it is all we shall need excepting for traveling suits. One suit-case apiece will be allowed. See how much expense that cuts off, girls. Laundry bills and summer dresses.”