Finally, the train gave an unexpected lurch in making a wide curve, and she slipped her arm through her companion’s.
“Isn’t it heavenly, Peggy?” she demanded. And then. “I know I am selfish, so please don’t reproach me; but sometimes I have wished that just you and I were going to camp with Tante. We have not been away very long, but we seem to be an odd combination.”
The other girl laughed.
“Traveling with a group of girls Tante has chosen, did you expect anything else? The oddness of our party has probably only begun, Bettina. You know Tante has a curious fashion of liking or disliking an individual for what he or she happens to be, without any reference to their circumstances. And she has selected her Camp Fire club in this way. I suppose when you become as famous as she is you can afford to do as you like,” Peggy Webster concluded.
In spite of the difference in their natures the two girls were devoted friends.
Bettina now looked a little wistful.
“Tante does not like me much, does she, Peggy? Oh, I don’t mean that she is not fond of me, because I am my mother’s daughter and, for old associations, and she would do any kindness for me. But one knows when a person is attracted toward one without being told. Tante is much more interested in that queer Russian girl, Vera, and in the girl she brought with her from Chicago.”
For a moment Peggy Webster continued to watch the landscape apparently sailing by. Then she answered.
“I think we had better go back to the others, Bettina, as it is nearly tea time. Yes, I agree with you that it does seem unfortunate that we girls start out by appearing to be so uncongenial. But perhaps our Camp Fire club life together will alter us. At least we will understand each other better after a few months of living together anyhow. Mother says that is one of the most important influences of the Camp Fire. You know it is supposed to teach us to put aside the conventional society idea and learn to care for each other as men sometimes do. We are all girls and, whatever our circumstances, have pretty much the same needs and ideals.”
Then feeling her cheeks crimson because she feared that her words held a suggestion of preaching, Peggy turned and started to lead the way back into the observation car. Bettina, however, did not at once follow her.