Spud snickered and Sandy frowned at him.
“Awfully,” agreed Molly. “I thought it was very nice of Cal to want me to come over here. And I’m glad you don’t mind.”
Hoop surreptitiously kicked Cal in the small of the back.
“We don’t mind at all,” said Spud. “We’re tickled. I guess there’s time for a lesson now if you start right away. You’d better get your racket and some balls, Hoop.”
“I’m tired,” muttered Hoop, casting mutinous eyes around the group.
“Miss Molly understands that,” said Ned. “She’ll forgive you if you’re not at your best, I’m sure.”
But Molly was viewing Hoop doubtfully.
“I guess he doesn’t want to,” she said, turning to Sandy. “I’ll come some other time.”
“I’ll give you a lesson myself,” declared Sandy, jumping up. “Find my racket for me, will you, Clara? And bring some balls out.”