She forgot her troubles somewhat at the Hunters’. All the Amazons were there, as well as Margie’s brother, Herbert, an elderly person of twelve, with some of his friends. They treated the girls with great scorn until Isabelle told them the story of the persecutions she endured at home, in order to be an Amazon. It featured imprisonment in a tower room, on a diet of bread and water, branding irons and flogging with a buckled strap. They formed a delighted circle about her, and urged her on.
“Some little liar, that kid!” exclaimed Herbert. “Then what did you do?”
The big boys followed her about all day, to the exclusion of the other Amazons, who took refuge in chanting derogatory remarks, such as:
“Herbie Hunter is stuck on Isabelle!”
When 5:30 arrived and with it, Miss Watts, Isabelle departed with a feeling of a day well spent. She turned her thoughts to the next event. They had a puncture on the way, and the terrace and halls were deserted when they arrived home. Miss Watts hurried her off to the schoolroom, for supper, and urged her to take her bath and go to bed after her strenuous day. The child was docility itself.
While she was at supper a note was brought to her. It was from Christiansen. She read:
My Dear Isabelle:
You cannot imagine what a pleasant welcome your note gave me. I am thrilled to know that I am under the roof with a real Amazon, and I live in the expectation of seeing you “strong and true in riding breeches.”
Your devoted admirer,