Edith was by this time engaged in pouring the tea.
“I like to behave as if I were more at home in the House in the Woods than any one of the other Scouts,” she explained. “After all, I am the only one who has lived here, although Tory is an older friend and my greatest rival.”
Edith spoke as if she meant seriously what she was saying. Yet she spoke with entire good nature.
It had been agreed not to discuss the subject of the pageant until her return.
The next half hour the two women and two girls talked of nothing else.
“I believe you should speak to other members of the Council beside me,” Miss Frean argued. “Mr. Fenton is fairy godfather to the camp in Beechwood Forest. He is Tory’s uncle and I think should be consulted. If I remember correctly he used to be a Greek scholar. He is not apt to have forgotten, and if he thinks well of the idea can be of great assistance.”
Before dusk Sheila Mason and Edith Linder started back for camp. They left Tory to have supper with Miss Frean, who promised to bring her home later.
The suggestion had originated with the Troop Captain.
Tory protested that Kara would need her services and be hurt if she failed to appear.
“No, I want Miss Frean to talk to you for a special reason, Tory. I am sure you will find that the other girls, with my help, are capable of caring for Kara this one evening without you.”