“I said something new.”
“Jilly’s dress is brand spanking new.”
“You know what I mean.”
“Yes, I know, Jane, I have had the feeling myself, but I don’t imagine the heavens are going to open and shower down something new and choice on you because you’re lonesome and bored. If you can’t amuse yourself, you might as well be useful and have something to show for a tedious day.”
Chicken Little drummed on the window for several minutes without replying, then swung round with a grimace.
“Hand over the dress–I can run up the seams on the machine all right, I suppose.”
The family waited, excited and expectant, for the report on Ernest’s examinations. They had had a long letter telling of his journey and safe arrival. Katy and Gertie and Mrs. Halford had each written long letters full of Centerville news and references to their pleasant summer. Mrs. Halford could not say enough concerning the girls’ improved appearance. 275Katy wrote the most interesting item. “What do you think? Carol Brown left for Annapolis, too. Do you suppose Ernest will know him? P. S. We showed him your picture and he stared at it awful hard and said–you’ve got to get me a trade last for this–‘Say, Chicken Little’s going to be a hummer if she keeps on!’ Don’t you think I’m nice to tell you?”
Jane gave the letter to Sherm to read, forgetting this part. Sherm snorted when he came to it, glancing up curiously at her.
“Do you like that sort of stuff, Chicken Little?” he asked later.