“What I didn’t like, Billy, was the constant reference to ‘children,’” Mary Frances went on.
“Now, little girls,” began Billy, “that is just for ‘Safety First.’ When you are a little older and more experienced in gardening——”
“Oh, Billy, if you tease, you’ll spoil everything!” declared Mary Frances. “Do keep your old poison secrets. I don’t like the idea of killing bugs even.”
“Nor the fellow ‘who needlessly puts his foot upon a worm,’” quoted Billy. “I bet Bob would rather like that lesson, even if you and Eleanor didn’t.”
“I’m going to write down what I can remember for Bob,” declared Eleanor. “May I use your desk, Mary Frances?”
“Nothing could please me better,” answered her friend, leading the way through the play house door.
[CHAPTER XXX]
Early Vegetables
“YOU will tell me, won’t you, Mary Frances, how you started the garden, and how in the world you induced your brother to give you lessons?”