“Fearfully chealous,” said Frieda earnestly, putting her arm around Alice’s neck, and perching on the arm of her chair.
Hannah and Catherine sat down on the window-seat, 224 pushing the curtains out of the way as they did so.
“Mother really wanted to have her office curtains made of antiseptic gauze,” said Catherine. “Why don’t you two say anything?”
“You interrupted me just as I was having an inspiration,” said her mother.
“O, what a pity,” sighed Hannah. “Because Catherine is bored.”
“Bored? Catherine? Did she tell you so?”
“Yes, I did,” said Catherine stoutly. “I knew they were, too; and I thought if I owned up that I was, they would say they were, but they won’t.”
“Incorruptible politeness!” said Dr. Helen. “How do you account for your own sudden ennui?”
“It’s not just to-day,” said Catherine. “I really think my life is rather dull, anyhow. Of course, having the girls here is quite an event, but I wish there were big, exciting things I had to do or see to. Mending, and helping Inga make salads and beds, and even going to college is tiresome. Just what every one else does. And the worst of it is that every one expects me to be enthusiastic all the time!”
They all laughed at Catherine’s disconsolate tone, but Dr. Helen looked professional. “This heat is enough to make any one cross,” she said. “I suppose the rest of you feel the same way, but, being guests, don’t dare say so?”