“As though I could.” Marjorie slipped from the arm of Hal’s chair and went over to sit on that of Miss Susanna.
“I’ll try again,” Leslie said humorously. “Since Marjorie and Miss Susanna both object to having our new colony named for them, and I know Peter the Great will object to the honor, the minute he can get a word in, why not call it the Hamilton Colony?”
“Yes; of course, that is so much better,” Marjorie laughingly seconded.
“I didn’t think you’d go back on me, Leslie.” This time Miss Susanna’s finger shook itself at Leslie.
“I haven’t. I’m only trying to please everybody here, and not getting away with it,” Leslie assured with an enjoying grin.
“It all goes back to Mr. Brooke, Goldendede. Hamilton was his native town. If such a condition as Hal has just described to us had existed in Hamilton in his day, he would have tried to remedy it, as we hope to do,” Marjorie made soulful argument. “I’d like to think of it as his colony, all of us working together under the inspiring name of Hamilton.”
“I’m not proof against such an argument. You know my weak spot, and have taken advantage of it, bad child.” Miss Susanna drew Marjorie into the curve of her arm. “Well, we’ll see about it. Now let us leave the naming of our colony until later. While Peter goes on the trail of information, Hal shall take us down to Kenton Street for a look at the properties. If only we could find that aggravating secret drawer we could straighten this Honor Fund matter out like magic.” She heaved an impatient sigh.
“You will one day find it in the last place you might expect it to be, and that is but poor consolation,” Leila prognosticated.
“What I should call encouragement from a purely Celtic standpoint,” Vera said teasingly.
“Just like that,” Leslie joined Vera in teasing Leila.