Betty took the seat; and now all the girls began to chat, each of them talking lovingly and kindly to the other. There was a tone about their conversation which was as different from the way they spoke in their ordinary life as though they were girls in a nunnery who had made solemn vows to forsake the world. Even Fanny’s face looked wonderfully kind and softened. She did not even glance at Betty; but Betty looked at her once or twice, and was astonished at the expression that Fanny wore.
“Just one minute, girls, before we begin our fun,” said Margaret. “Martha West is most anxious to join the Specialities. Betty, of course, has no vote, as she is not yet a member. But the rest of us know Martha well, and I think we would all like her to join. Those who are opposed to her, will they keep down their hands? Those who wish for her as a member, will they hold them up?”
All hands were held up on this occasion, and Fanny held hers the straightest and highest of all.
“Three cheers for Martha West!” said Susie Rushworth.
“It will be splendid to have Martha!” said both the Bertrams; while Olive, always gay, spirited, and full of fun, laughed from sheer delight.
The usual formula was then gone through, and Fanny Crawford was deputed to take a note to Martha inviting her to be present at the next meeting.
“Now, we shall have about half an hour for different sorts of fun,” said Margaret. “By the way, Betty,” she continued, “sometimes our meetings are rather solemn affairs; we want to discuss the book we are reading, or something has happened that we wish to talk over. On the other hand, there are times when we have nothing but fun and frolic. We’re not a bit solemn on these occasions; we loosen all the tension, so to speak, and enjoy ourselves to the utmost.”
“And there are times, also,” said Olive, “when we are just as busy as bees planning out our next entertainment. Oh Margaret, we can’t have one this day week because of Betty and Martha. But don’t you think we might have one this day three weeks? And don’t you think it might be a very grand affair? And supposing Betty becomes a member—which, of course, you will, Betty, for you couldn’t disappoint us now—supposing we have it in Betty’s palatial mansion of a bedroom! We can ask no end of girls to that. Oh, won’t it be fun?”
“If you ask my sisters, I don’t mind at all—that is, if I am a member,” said Betty.
“Of course we’ll ask the dear twins,” said Margaret. She took Betty’s hand as she spoke and squeezed it with sudden affection.