Except for the idea of putting on a home circus, she had not thought up a single way to earn her fee. And now it was so late she would have no further opportunity.
“Shall we start for the camping equipment store?” Miss Gordon proposed quickly. “Girls, you may go on ahead. Veve and I will catch up.”
The Brownies thought it rather strange that the troop leader should remain behind with Veve. However, they did not ask questions. Instead, by pairs, they started slowly down the street toward the bus stop.
Left alone with Veve, Miss Gordon came directly to the point.
“Veve,” she said kindly, “I believe you haven’t been able to earn your camp fee.”
Veve gazed down at the rug and shifted from one foot to another.
“I’m not going with the girls,” she said, trying to look unconcerned. “It doesn’t matter.”
“Oh, but it does,” insisted the Brownie leader. “The girls all want you, and so do I.”
“I can’t earn any money, Miss Gordon. Last week I offered to run errands for Mr. Vargo, who lives down the street. He said I could do it if I wanted to, but he couldn’t pay me.”
“That is discouraging, Veve. But I think I have an idea.”