It took a little time for this to sink in, for Laura had long ago given up hope of winning a prize for herself. But when it did finally beat its way into her mind she straightway proceeded to turn the place upside down in her hilarity.
She found Billie’s sewing basket, dumped out its contents, and turned it upside down on her head for a crown.
Then she draped a bedspread about her shoulders, queen fashion, and two of her classmates caught up the dangling ends that formed a train.
Then they marched through the halls crying, “Way for the queen!” and gathering a crowd of giggling girls as they went.
“What’s it all about?”
“Queen indeed! Just look at her with that workbasket on her head!”
“They are having the sport because Laura took the second prize in that composition contest.”
“Oh, that’s it, is it? Well, I’m glad they showed up Amanda—and Billie Bradley certainly deserved the first prize.”
The merriment grew louder, and presently the crowd made Laura mount a stand and deliver what they called “an oration.”
“Tell us about making linen dusters for the Laplanders,” suggested one girl.