"As if I'd ever do this sort of thing for you, Alexia," threw back Joel.
"Well, do let us begin," begged Cathie, impatiently drumming on the table, as the other two girls and Pickering Dodge drew near.
"Yes, do," cried the girls, "and we'll toss those notes off in no time."
"I'll help you clear the table," cried Pickering; "do let me. I can't write those notes, but I can get the place ready;" and he began to pile the books on a chair. As he went around to Alexia's place she looked up and fixed her gaze past him, not noticing his attempt to speak.
"All right; if she wants to act like that, I'm willing," said Pickering to himself savagely and coolly going on with his work.
"Oh, dear me," groaned Cathie Harrison, "isn't it perfectly dreadful to have that dear sweet Mrs. Whitney hurt?"
"Ow!" exclaimed Joel.
"Do stop," cried Alexia with a nudge. "Haven't you any more sense,
Cathie Harrison, than to speak of it?"
[Illustration: "NOW DO SET US TO WORK, JOEL">[
Cathie smothered a retort, and bit her lips to keep it back.