“I don’t care if he did give it to you. I saw him chewing gum this morning coming to school.”
Chicken Little felt that having a beau was harder work than she had bargained for. She privately resolved never never to have one again, even if she never grew up to be like Rosamond Clifford. But she hated to back down on any part of her program before Grace. She didn’t like Grace very well anyway.
But Johnny himself made things easier for her this time. He caught up with her going home from school the next day and carelessly extended a brand new paper of gum in passing.
“Oh, Johnny,” she said, “I’d love it but Mother don’t let me—and—Johnny——”
Johnny looked expectant.
“I wish you wouldn’t chew it either.”
Johnny was surprised. He didn’t reply for a moment then demanded:
“Why, gum’s all right.”
“No, it isn’t—my Mother says it’s a very bad habit.”
Johnny pondered. He wasn’t walking along with Jane, he was about two steps ahead.