“I mean I shall make such a suggestion to him,” the real estate man amended.
Penny waited anxiously for Mrs. Van Cleve’s decision. To her relief, the society woman seemed annoyed by the attitude Mr. Blake had taken.
“I am sorry,” she said coldly. “If you don’t wish to make the dedication speech, we will manage to do without your services. As for the cheque, I cannot make out another until I have discussed the situation with Mr. Parker.”
The argument went on, but Penny did not remain to hear it. Louise took her forcibly by the arm, fairly pulling her outside the tent.
“Haven’t you caused enough trouble?” she demanded disapprovingly. “Such a mess as everything is in now!”
“I don’t care,” Penny replied. “I saved the Camp Fund money. Mrs. Van Cleve was glad I tore up the cheque too! She just didn’t dare say so.”
“There will be no dedication. What will everyone think?”
Disconsolately, Louise gazed toward the area which had been roped off for cars. Although it was half an hour before the formal program was to start, hundreds of persons had arrived. On a platform, built especially for the occasion, an orchestra played spritely selections. There were picnic tables and a stone fireplace for outdoor cooking.
As the girls wandered slowly toward the river, a bus loaded with orphans arrived from the Riverview Home. With shrieks of laughter, the children swarmed over the grounds, taking possession of swings, sand pile, and slides.
“It seems a pity,” Louise remarked again.