She appeared the next minute, dragging a very much astonished housekeeper after her, and proudly presented her prize to her mother.
"She said she was busy, Mother, and couldn't stop," Laura said, adding, with a bright smile: "But I told her it was something awfully important you wanted to say to her."
"Sure and I suppose the young girl is up to some of her tricks," said
Mrs. Gilligan, beaming fondly upon her captor, "but I came with her,
thinking it possible you might really have something to say to me,
Mrs. Jordon."
"Yes, I have, Mrs. Gilligan. Sit down, won't you please? It may take some time to persuade you—"
And then and there began another campaign. However, with Mrs. Jordon as a powerful ally the girls had little trouble in overcoming Mrs. Gilligan's objections, and in the end came off with colors flying.
"Now to see Billie's mother!" cried Laura.
The girls hugged Mrs. Jordon, waved to their new chaperone, and ran gayly down the steps. Teddy, with a whispered word to his mother, followed them.
"Say, wait for a fellow, can't you?" he cried, and they turned to wait for him.
"Come on, Vi," cried Laura, catching hold of Violet's arm and hurrying forward. "Ted and Billie will get there some time. We can't wait for them."
"How do you like our new plans?" asked Billie, looking up at him with sparkling eyes.