“Didn’t I hear your father say he needs someone who can do the somersault without being afraid?” teased Mr. Carsdale.
Eva stared at the animal trainer and didn’t say a word.
“Connie wouldn’t mind practicing hard either, would you, Connie?” Mr. Carsdale went on.
“Oh, no,” replied the little girl. “I would like to be a wonderful rider.”
“I guess it wouldn’t seem so wonderful if you had to be in two shows every day,” retorted Eva. “I have to work all the time. My parents make me practice that silly old somersault over and over.”
“That’s so you will be sure of it and never fall and injure yourself,” said Mr. Carsdale.
“Anyway, I’m sick of doing it,” announced Eva. “I’m tired of riding on trains. I’d like to live like other children do and just have fun.” Her gaze rested for an instant on the dancing elf pin attached to Connie’s Brownie uniform. “I’d like to be a Brownie,” she added.
“Don’t you like the circus?” Connie asked in astonishment.
“Not when I have to work all the time.”
Connie and Veve were very much surprised by the circus girl’s words. They realized now that Eva had only been pretending before. She had tried to make them think circus life was exciting, only to arouse their envy and admiration.