“Oh, I hardly think so.” Affection for Emmy kept Ruth from reminding her that to discuss Blanche was not strictly in accordance with Camp Fire ethics. To her alone Emmy spoke her mind freely. To others she was a model of discreet reserve. “I am sure I am willing to help Blanche in any way that I can.”
But in making this whole-hearted statement, Ruth had yet to learn that the favor which Blanche intended presently to ask of her would be far from easy to grant.
CHAPTER II
THE “GREAT FAVOR”
“Take my word for it, you’ll never be able to get yourself invited to that wonderful reunion,” was Jeanette Hayes’ dampening assertion.
“Oh, I don’t know.” Blanche Shirly crested her auburn head with an air of supreme confidence in her own ability to work miracles. “Once I’ve won Ruth Garnier over to the point where she feels that it’s her duty to invite me to the reunion, the others will have to give in, too. I’ve thought of a way to do it. Of course, my scheme may not work. Still, I’m going to try it.”
“What are you going to do?” queried Jeanette eagerly.
“Wait and see. If it works, I’ll tell you all about it. If it doesn’t, I won’t.”
“It’s hateful in you not to tell me,” pouted Jeanette. “I hope I can keep a secret.”
“I hope so,” came the aggravating retort. Blanche prudently refrained from adding that she did not propose to become a subject for Jeanette’s ridicule should her plan miss fire. To confide in her beforehand, and then fail, would mean the supplying of Jeanette with a fund of caustic darts to be used against herself in future quarrels. Though sworn allies and roommates, Blanche and Jeanette led the proverbial cat and dog life. It was on this very account that Blanche now forebore revealing her true reason for secrecy. Kept in ignorance of it, Jeanette would merely pout. Informed of it, an exchange of angry words would follow. For the present, at least, Blanche was not anxious to roil her touchy chum.