It was a rainy day. Poor Betty flattened her little nose against the window-panes of Turtle Lodge a dozen times. But outside all she could see were just the long, straight lines of the down-coming rain and an empty road leading downhill to the edge of the pond; all she could hear was the drum of the water upon the roof. Inside, Jimmie was developing films in his laboratory, and was not in the least interested in what Betty might be doing.
"Oh, mother," called Betty, "I am so tired; there isn't anything to do!"
"Why don't you sew on a dress for Belinda?" asked Mrs. Reece.
"Belinda has too many clothes; she has more than I have, mother, and she's a naughty dolly to-day."
"Well, let me see—get Lizzie to let you make cake."
"Lizzie's cross, and I'm afraid to. I wish the guide were here. He's never cross, and never too busy to tell you something that's interesting." Betty looked out of the window. "He's coming now! Goody! Goody!"
When old Ben Gile reached the steps there was a little girl dancing inside the door and still shouting "Goody!"
"What's this?"
"You'll tell me a story, won't you?"
"Tell you a story! Dear, dear, I never knew such a little greedy for stories. I've brought you something."