CALICO AND COMPANY
Mrs. Morton passed the muffins for the fifth time to Ernest. Ernest’s appetite for muffins was prodigious. Sherm was also ready for another. Chicken Little hadn’t quite finished hers, but at the rate they were disappearing–she thought she’d better. Katy said: “Yes, thank you,” and Gertie, who ate more slowly than the others, had only had one. Dr. Morton was merely waiting to be urged. Mrs. Morton rang the bell doubtfully. Annie had filled the plate three times already. Annie appeared with a questioning grin.
“Shall I bring some bread, Ma’am? They ain’t no more muffins.”
Dr. Morton laughed. “Our appetites do credit to your cooking, Annie.”
196Mrs. Morton sighed, then smiled as she surveyed the rosy, tanned faces.
“There is certainly nothing like country air to make people eat. I wonder when Alice and Dick will be getting back. Dick said the first week in August probably.”
“Oh, dear,” said Chicken Little, “I want to see Alice and Dick again, but I don’t want Katy and Gertie and Sherm to go home. They can only stay a few days this time, Alice said so.”
“I don’t want to go home a bit,” replied Katy.
“There’s nothing to do at home till school begins.”
“I’d like to go home and see Mother, and then come back.” Gertie looked a little wistful. She did want Mother within reach.