The three Girl Scouts were able to walk abreast without troubling any one, moving aside if it became necessary.
Near a shirt factory not far from the corner where the friends had agreed to meet, Edith Linder paused.
“In there my mother and father are at work,” she explained. “I may have to work there some day myself, but I shall never like it. I only care for a farm and outdoor occupations.”
“Well, then, marry a farmer, Edith,” Margaret Hale said laughingly.
“Perhaps I will if I have a chance,” Edith answered.
Louise looked more serious.
“Suppose we live together, Edith! You and I who love the outdoors in such different fashion. Yours is certainly the sensible one. I have such a grubby attitude, wanting only to poke around and study the trees and soil, never to make things grow.
“Why is the smoke coming out of that side wall of the factory? Do you suppose trash is being burned over there?”
Idly Louise spoke, with no special interest in her voice and a little surprised by her own discovery. Ordinarily she was not as observant as she should be.
The other girl’s hand closed on her arm until the tightness of her hold was uncomfortable.