"Yes," answered Grace. "Captain Clark told us last evening every single one passed her tests! Daddy says the mill owners are simply delighted with the change in the employees. You see, the men and boys always had organizations to cheer them along, but the girls and women were not treated like human beings." Grace was usually strong for her own rights and she had developed considerable individuality competing with Benny.
"Here's Margaret. I suppose she expected some—wonderful news, too.
Really, girls," gloomed Madaline, "I fear our cave man has deserted us."
Margaret came blithely along, her tam-o'shanter being a little late in seasonable style, but so becoming that the detail was forgotten in the entire effect.
"Heard the news?" she inquired indifferently. Her indifference indicated real importance, always.
"What news?" chorused the trio.
"We're going on a picnic!"
"Where?" encored the chorus.
"Out to River Bend," replied Margaret, making herself picturesque on a tree stump. The conference was being held in a shady lane directly back of the home of Cleo Harris.
"River Bend!" a unanimous exclamation from the others.
"Certainly, why not?"