“Or overcoats for the heathens in Africa,” suggested another.
“Or how to make sponge cake from live sponges.”
“Or why Washington didn’t use submarines when his army crossed the Delaware.”
“I can talk but I can’t make a speech,” declared Laura. “In other words, I could say something if I could only frame my speech, properly—that is——”
“If she could only get her tongue to working,” broke in Vi, and at this the assembled girls roared.
It was only when rumor said that Miss Walters was coming their way that the hilarious party broke up and scurried for home and safety.
“Take off that ridiculous thing,” cried Billie, jerking at the bedspread, herself weak from laughing. “And give me back my work basket, woman, before Miss Walters catches you and sends you after Amanda.”
“Goodness,” said Laura, meekly handing Billie her property, “do you think she would? It may suit Amanda fine to be suspended, but I’m more comfortable the way I am.”
And so the time wore on with studies and lessons and fun until the girls woke up one day to find that the summer holidays were almost upon them.
Mrs. Haddon had sold the knitting machinery model to the Philadelphia concern at a price that was a fortune to her.