[CHAPTER XV]
MOLLY TAKES A HAND
“How do,” returned Cal, walking toward her with unflattering deliberation. “I thought you couldn’t come.”
“I know, but I feared you’d feel so bad about it,” she laughed, “that I just made them let me. Aren’t you terribly glad to see me?”
“Yes,” answered Cal without much enthusiasm. “How—how did you manage?”
“Oh, I just kept at it. Aunt Lydia was on my side and she told Aunt Matilda that she guessed you wouldn’t eat me if I was to come over here. I’ve been calling on Mrs. Linn. She’s a dear, isn’t she?”
“Er—yes.” He was looking at the racket with strange fascination and Molly, following his glance, smiled brightly and held it out for his inspection.
“I bought it this morning. Is it a good one?”
“I think so. I don’t know much about tennis rackets. Ned can tell you. He will be here in a moment; the others, too. Did you—do you want to play today?”
“Yes, if it isn’t too late. I’ve been here a long time, but I suppose you have all been playing football.”