Julia. Had to wait for your mother to fix your hair, or tie your hair ribbons?
Jessie. No! No! Oh, girls (holding up hands in surprise) just think of it! Jerusha Grumble was out sweeping off her walk as I came along and she looked up and smiled, and said just as pleasant as could be, “Good afternoon, Jessie.” (All the girls rise quickly and look at Jessie in astonishment.)
Julia (drawls out). She d-i-d?
Jessie (nodding). U-m. Um—m.
Hazel (with emphasis). She—did—indeed?
Jessie.—Um——. Um-m-m——
Isabel (more emphasis). Really—did she?
Jessie. Um—m. Why, girls, I was never so surprised in all my life. Jerusha Grumble never spoke so nice to me as she did to-day. I was so surprised that I really had to stop every few minutes to think about it. That is one reason why I am so late in coming here.
Hazel (girls take seats again). Well, this is a surprise, Jessie, to think Jerusha took the trouble to speak kindly to one of us girls. I don’t think she would ever say good afternoon to me, for you know she has been very angry with me ever since I called her a cranky old maid.