“Hush!” commanded Miss Seymour. “Jessie has suggested that a tent be erected—her father has one stored in his garage—and that her radio set be placed in the tent and re-connected. With 92 an amplifier the concerts broadcasted from several stations can be heard inside the tent, and we will charge admission to the tent. Radio is a new and novel form of amusement and, the committee thinks, will attract a large patronage. The coat is yours, Jessie.”
“Well, isn’t that the meanest thing!” ejaculated Belle Ringold.
“Did I hear you say something, Belle?” demanded Miss Seymour, in her very sternest way.
“Well, I want to say––”
“Don’t say it,” advised the teacher. “The decisions upon the prize ideas are arbitrary. The committee is responsible for its acts, and must decide upon all such matters. The affair is closed,” and she went back into the committee room and closed the door.
“Well, isn’t she the mean thing!” exclaimed one of those girls who liked to stand well with Belle Ringold.
“I am sure your idea was as good as good could be, Belle,” Jessie said. “Only I happened to have the radio set, and—and everything is rigged right for my idea to work out.”
“Oh, I can see that it was rigged right,” snapped Belle. “Your mother is on the committee, and the lawn party is going to be at your house. Oh, yes! No favoritism shown, of course.” 93
“Oh, cat’s foot!” exclaimed Amy, linking her arm in Jessie’s. “Let her splutter, Jess. We’ll go to the Dainties Shop and have a George Washington sundae.”
“I am afraid Belle is going to be very unpleasant about this thing,” sighed Jessie, as she and her chum came out of the parish house.