“That lawn must be almost cleaned up, eh?”
“Oh, Mr. Vernon! It’s most discouraging!” cried Ruth.
“Yes—why?” asked Mr. Vernon, quizzically.
“Because we root out a place one day, and the next the young ones sprout up again.”
“That looks as if you girls may bankrupt me before this contract is completed, eh?” laughed he.
“Come, girls! Don’t waste your time in there with Uncle Verny when you might be sipping cool lemonade out here!” called Mrs. Vernon from the front of the house.
So the four girls hastily washed away all signs of earth from hands and faces, and joined their “Captain” on the verandah. Here they found waiting great wicker easy-chairs, and a table spread with goodies. In a few moments unpleasant work and dandelions were forgotten in the delectable pastime of eating fresh cake and drinking lemonade.
“What do you think of the name ‘Dandelion Troop,’ Verny?” asked Julie, when the first attack on the cake had subsided.
“I think it is most appropriate at present, but how will you feel about that name next year—or the next?”
“Now that’s what I say! We’ll grow so tired of it,” added Ruth.