Bud jumped up on the counter and slapped Holden's arm.
"Bully! Boss! Yer good stuff!"
"So are you, Bud. Here!" and Holden's big hand transferred some bright alluring gum drops to the little outstretched, "ever-ready" one.
"To hell with their gossip!" exclaimed Boss to the onlookers.
"Them's my sentiments, too!" added Bud joyously.
While Bud was playing the hero at Holden's store, Bessie was doing her part with the girls. However, she was fortunate in finding no opposition.
"If they're Mrs. Hadly's friends, they'll pass," all agreed.
"What are they like? Are they good-looking? Are they pious?" were the questions thrown at Bessie with girlish impatience.
"They're just ordinary men, rather pale and tired, of course. Don't suppose they'll come out to-night. We'll all drop in to see Mrs. Hadly to-morrow, accidentally, you know. What fun! Let's plan to scare the 'fogies' in town!"
And instead of rehearsing, the girls planned.