After the men had gone and the dishes were all in the kitchen, the girls began to carry away the boards that had been in the cellar and were used for swing shelves in winter time, Mrs. James remarked to Miss Mason: “I wonder if goldfish will thrive in such a pond?”
“Why, of course! Didn’t you know that they are an absolute necessity for the health of your plants and the purity of the water? They eat up all the insect pests and mosquito larvae that grow on the water. But you won’t want to place any gold fish in the water until it is all settled and cleared from the work and soil.”
“Isn’t it funny, Jimmy, how I started out with a meek idea for a little rookery or a pool garden, and you had such great ambitions that we adventured into the bog. Now just see what is growing out of our infant plan! A great pond with islands and bridges and temples and everything!” exclaimed Norma, her eyes shining.
“We may end by holding a Japanese flower show in the garden this fall,” added Janet teasingly.
“Not unless my flowers and plants grow better than they seem to at present. I really suppose they were planted too late to have much courage this summer, but next year they’ll pay me back,” said Norma.
“You talk as if you liked Green Hill and was coming back!” laughed Natalie, pleased as could be at the idea.
“Coming back! Of course we are—if Jimmy and you will only let us! You didn’t think I was raising Susy for you to own next year, did you?” demanded Janet anxiously.
Mrs. James laughed: “We still have plenty of time in which to discuss next year, girls, so don’t let us argue about it, at this early date.”
CHAPTER VIII
THE RAIN INTERFERES.
Every scout at Green Hill went to sleep that night with radiant visions of working on the water garden the next day, and perhaps, seeing it nearing its completion by evening. But the day dawned and very few of the scouts could crawl out of bed. The unusual work that had brought many dormant muscles into play the day before caused backs and limbs to stiffen and ache, so that they cared little when they heard the rain pattering heavily upon tents and roof.