“They’re trying to make enough to stay in the woods all August, auntie,” explained Billy. “They’ve all been working like beavers, making things, to do it.”
“I don’t see yet why the bandanna handkerchiefs,” said the old lady tartly. “And you, miss”—to Louise, who had come up—“what did you mean by telling me that you were the eldest of five, and hadn’t slept under a roof for ten days?”
“Because it’s true,” said Louise. “I haven’t—we’re camping. And I am the eldest of five, worse luck! I have to spend my whole time at home setting an example. That’s why I go away to be naughty!”
It was impossible to be angry long with Louise Lane, and the old lady did not seem to want to be angry with Winona. So things straightened themselves out, and actually ended in an invitation to stay to dinner!
“But we’ve nothing but our middy blouses, under these awful things,” protested Winona, “and Mrs. Bryan will be worried if we don’t get home till late.”
“That’s all right,” said Billy’s aunt Lydia, whose name was Lawrence. She was Mrs. Lee’s sister. “I’ll have them send a man down from the dock to tell your Guardian where you are.”
“Oh, then thank you!” said Winona radiantly. But Louise still hesitated.
“Well, what is it?” asked the old lady.
Louise hung her shawl-draped head for a moment, then she flung it back and answered frankly.
“I may want to come peddling again, and if they see us in our camp uniform they’ll know who we are!”