But one thought clouded Judy’s satisfaction. When would she be able to see Karl? How was she to tell him her news about camp? If she didn’t let him know at once why she could no longer meet him for lunch at the Chairlift, he might think she’d forgotten. Worse still, that she didn’t care!
In a novel she had picked up and eagerly devoured, the word “tryst” was prominent in the story. In fact, all the harrowing events that pursued the unlucky heroine were the result of her not keeping a certain appointment. As Judy sat brooding over this knotty problem, her eyes fell on the telephone—of course. Her mother was busy in the kitchen preparing dinner. Her father was out for the moment. Now was undoubtedly the perfect time. She looked up the number in the directory and called. Karl himself answered the telephone.
“It’s me, Judy.” The great news was conveyed. “Wonderful! Good for you!” Judy hurried on to the crux of the matter. “I can’t ever make it for lunch any more—What’s that? A customer? I should come to the Swiss Shop after camp? Yes, I can. All right, we’ll decide then—”
The next two days of Judy’s apprenticeship were rather a let-down. It wasn’t only that Claire was as beautiful as a Greek goddess, and withal so capable! Judy watched her as she transformed a bit of wire into an amusing figure. With what patience she encouraged the little ones to fingerpaint while at the same time, with exasperating ease, she gave casual direction to those busy with their puppets!
It was small consolation to know Claire was eighteen. But the real hurt was inflicted by the children themselves. They either ignored her or made unflattering remarks.
“Your hair’s not nearly as nice as Claire’s,” one pretty little innocent observed.
“It’s cool this way,” Judy said, apparently unruffled, but she touched the offending pony tail with a mental note to attempt something more sophisticated.
Willie, whose affection she believed she had won by bestowing much labor and many smiles upon his daubs, moved his head closer and closer to hers with fascinated interest. At last he pointed to her teeth, “It comes out at night when you sleep, doesn’t it?”
Judy gave an embarrassed laugh. She had forgotten the existence of the small wire brace she wore over a recalcitrant tooth to keep it from protruding.
“Don’t be silly. When you grow up and one of your teeth is crooked, you’ll have to wear a brace like mine, maybe a much larger one.”