“We won’t ask him, though! If you two were bright enough to make these cards, we’ll figure out the meanings or go without our supper,” said Polly decisively, and the girls echoed her, though the boys groaned, and Max helped himself to a sandwich.
278“Now, listen,” said Polly. “I’m president of this club, and I call you all to order. I’ll read the cards, one after another and you must all think, and perhaps we’ll be able to get on to the system–I mean, to understand it.”
Every one struck an attitude and waited while Polly walked up one side of the table and down the other, reading aloud in order:
“The Whiskered One.
Chastity.
Star of the Sea.
A Twin.
Consecrated to God.
Extremely Bold; or Holy Prince.
Peace.
A Lover of Peace.
Brightness, or Beauty.
The Greatest One.
Purity.
The Woman Strong with the Spear.
Bright Raven.
Grace.
A Gazelle.
A Princess of Noble Birth.”
When she had finished, there was a moment’s silence and then everybody but Hannah burst out laughing.
With a little “O!” she flew across the room to the big dictionary, and opening it toward the back, dropped on her knees before it.
279“I have it!” she cried joyfully. “I used to study and study the meanings of names when I was a youngster, and here they are. Mine means Grace and I know where I’m going to sit, and the rest of you can find out in a minute.”
The long delayed supper was at last eaten, and sitting idly around the table, with watermelon rinds before them, the young people talked over the summer which seemed already closed.
“We’ve accomplished a lot, haven’t we?” said Polly. “I’m really proud of the Boat Club this year. It never used to stand for anything but its own fun before, but from now on it will be a recognized factor in Winsted life.”
“Bully for you, Polly!” said Bert. “I never heard any one say ‘factor’ offhand like that. It’s one of the words I’ve always held sacred to special topics and theses and such.”