“You girls can all try but I have too many other things to do this week. Besides, I wouldn’t bother to work for such nonsensical prizes as the kind you gave May,” said Eleanor, aggravatingly.
Zan flared up but a look from the Guide calmed her again.
“By the way, Eleanor, did you ever complete your Woodcraft test of carpentry?” now asked Miss Miller, meaningly.
“Why, no—I thought I would leave the Band so I did not bother to waste my time.”
“Well, as long as you remained with us, I would advise you to finish it without more delay so we can credit up your Tally.”
Eleanor said nothing but she sulked all evening, and when the girls were ready to leave, Miss Miller said: “I am walking down your way, Eleanor, and I will be glad to have company part of the way.”
The girl would much rather not have had the Guide walk home with her for the memory of her confession at Staten Island Camp was never forgotten although she had tried to bury it many a time. So she was not in a very friendly mood when the two were alone and walking down the quiet street.
“I made this opportunity on purpose, Eleanor, and I trust you will remember why?” said Miss Miller.
“I haven’t the slightest idea of what you mean, but if you walked this way just to be with me why should you prevaricate before the whole crowd?”
“I hardly think I did that! I always try to speak the truth—in thought as well as in deed. But in this instance I felt sure you would prefer to have me word my invitation as I did rather than speak bluntly of my purpose. I believe in using the ‘wisdom of the serpent’ when one can be absolutely true to one’s self.”