Betty said nothing. She made a general rule of backing up her elder sister in family disputes, and yet she could not help feeling that in this case John had a just cause of complaint. The ceremony had been very disappointing.
"Very well then," said Madge, seeing that it was no use to fight against public opinion, "I suppose I must do it all over again. Although I have something to say that you can't even imagine."
"I don't believe there is such a thing," said John stolidly. "I can imagine anything a girl can, I know that."
Old as she was, Madge nearly cried with impatience. "If you are going to contradict and argue," she began, "it's no good—"
"We will be quiet! We will really!" interrupted Betty, who, on the whole, had a peace-loving disposition.
"Very well then," said Madge, recovering herself a little, but still speaking with rather terrific dignity. "I declare this Eagle's Nest open. It has been erected regardless of trouble and expense by—by—"
"The young eagles," suggested Betty.
"Yes, by the young eagles," continued Madge, "for the use and amusement of—of—"
"The young eagles," again suggested Betty.
"Of course! Amusement of the young eagles," repeated Madge rather inattentively, for she was thinking of something else. "And we hope they will enjoy it! And I think that's all. Now I'll tell you my last plan!"