"Of course," said Susy.
Kathleen clapped her hands.
"This is going to be a real good secret society," she said. "What fun it all will be!"
The girls laughed, and clustered with more and more friendliness round Kathleen.
"You are our queen," said Kate. "There are eight of us here, and we all swear allegiance to you.—Don't we, girls?"
"Certainly," said Susy.
"Unquestionably," remarked Mary.
"With all my heart," said Rose.
"And mine," echoed Clara.
"And mine," said Kate.