This seemed to amuse the elders still more than Janet’s remarks, and Mrs. Evaston said: “Haven’t you any regrets about leaving your fathers and mothers all alone in New York?”
Frances replied: “Our parents all have automobiles and whenever they are lonesome, Jimmy will be glad to have them visit us at Green Hill.”
Before the laugh this remark occasioned had died away, Janet added pertinently: “That’s a fine plan, Frances. We can make the adults pay board and room by the day, and make much more money than we are getting from us girls by the week, you know.”
Mrs. James flushed and interpolated with: “You will give your families the impression that I am mercenary, girls!”
But the prolonged laughter that followed Janet’s suggestion and Mrs. James’ discomfited reply must have reassured the hostess. Then Norma said seriously:
“Even if the other girls do go back to the city, in September, I could not leave so early, because Mrs. Tompkins says my bulbs, and roots and bushes that I expect to transplant this fall for next season’s growing, have to be in the ground before November, but not earlier than the last of October or they will rot.”
“And Sue! We have to remain to look after the cow just as long as the weather is warm enough for her to pasture outdoors,” ventured Belle.
“To say nothing of my pigs, Belle. I can’t go away and leave them half-grown. I must stay here and take care of them until they can be sold to the butcher,” added Janet.
That reminded the girls of Seizer, and forthwith the sad story of his early demise was told in pathetic words, but the city elders could not sympathize in such a loss and they smiled in an amused manner. Well for them that Janet did not see the smiles!
The discussion over the girls’ determination to remain at Green Hill until all outdoor work was impossible because of the cold weather, and their statements that they must return in spring to be able to proceed with their farm work, caused Mr. Marvin to laugh and make a suggestion that really bore fruit in after days.