Billie Bradley and Her Classmates: or, The Secret of the Locked Tower

“Or why Washington didn’t use submarines when his army crossed the Delaware.”

“I can talk but I can’t make a speech,” declared Laura. “In other words, I could say something if I could only frame my speech, properly – that is – ”

“If she could only get her tongue to working,” broke in Vi, and at this the assembled girls roared.

It was only when rumor said that Miss Walters was coming their way that the hilarious party broke up and scurried for home and safety.

“Take off that ridiculous thing,” cried Billie, jerking at the bedspread, herself weak from laughing. “And give me back my work basket, woman, before Miss Walters catches you and sends you after Amanda.”

“Goodness,” said Laura, meekly handing Billie her property, “do you think she would? It may suit Amanda fine to be suspended, but I’m more comfortable the way I am.”

And so the time wore on with studies and lessons and fun until the girls woke up one day to find that the summer holidays were almost upon them.

Mrs. Haddon had sold the knitting machinery model to the Philadelphia concern at a price that was a fortune to her.

The little white cottage had been remodeled and furnished prettily, and Polly Haddon had grown prosperous and handsome and oh, so happy.

But the most remarkable thing to the girls was the change in Mary and Isabel and Peter Haddon. The children, who had been such sorry little waifs in their poverty, had grown almost beautiful in the days of their prosperity. Polly Haddon’s pride in them and their pretty clothes was almost pathetic.

The North Bend girls and Connie were often visitors at the little cottage, and sometimes the boys went with them on their visits and were treated to a dinner of waffles and maple syrup that, to quote Chet, “would make an Indian’s hair curl.”

And now, as the girls realized how fast the time was flying, they conceived the idea of giving a party. Not a small party, but a real one with cake and ice-cream and snappers and everything.

“I wonder,” breathed Vi daringly, “if Miss Walters would mind if we should ask a few of the boys – just a very few, you know.”

“There would have to be enough to go around,” interposed Billie.

“I should say so!” said Connie with emphasis. “Especially as Billie is sure to have at least two of them. I want to dance with Teddy and Paul Martinson once or twice myself, my dear,” she said, eyeing the laughing Billie sternly.

“And I’m quite sure dear Rose will, too – especially Teddy,” murmured Laura, maliciously.

They found that Miss Walters was quite willing to let them have the party and the boys, too – provided the latter did not stay too late – and then the plans began in earnest.

They sent invitations to about twenty of the boys at the Academy and the invitations were accepted promptly and eagerly.

About two days before the great event, the girls decorated the two big sitting-rooms on the ground floor which Miss Walters had said they could use, and when they had finished no ballroom ever looked prettier – even the girls said so.

Then at last came the morning of the great day, then the afternoon and then – the evening – and time for the girls to dress.

They had brought out their best party frocks for the occasion and the closest chums had compared colors carefully so that they would be sure not to “clash.” Billie was to wear pale green net with a touch of pink, Laura light blue, Connie had chosen a lovely rose pink that went well with her fluffy fairness, and Vi had decided on golden yellow that made her look like a queen. Rose Belser was dressed in an expensive black frock that was far too old for her but that set off her dark prettiness admirably.

There was Nellie Bane in white, and a number of other girls were in pretty frocks of varied hues. All were flushed and laughing and excited, and their happiness made every one of them pretty.

“Oh, aren’t I beautiful?” cried Laura with engaging frankness as she pirouetted before the mirror. Then she turned to Billie and hugged her rapturously. “And you’re gorgeous, honey,” she cried. “I see where we don’t get even a boy apiece to-night.”

The boys arrived early. It was lucky that Billie could dance with only one boy at a time – or there might not have been “enough to go around.”

“I say, Billie,” Teddy cried once, waltzing her over into a corner and gazing at her wonderingly, “I never knew you could look like that. What is it, anyway? This green and pink thing?” lifting a piece of filmy net gingerly between his thumb and finger.

Billie looked up impishly in his face while one foot kept time with the music.

“Don’t ask me,” she said. “It’s because I’m so happy, I guess. Oh, come on, Teddy, let’s dance!”

It was some time later that the three classmates happened to find themselves together and alone.

“Desoited!” cried Laura dramatically. “Where’s yours, Billie?”

“Gone to get me some ice-cream,” said Billie.

“Wonderful,” cried Laura. “So has mine!”

“And mine!” added Vi.

They giggled happily for a minute and then Billie reached out and put an arm about each of her chums. She hugged them close, regardless of pretty frocks.

“Girls,” she said contentedly, “I think I’m the very happiest girl in the world.”

“Except me,” said Laura.

“And me!” echoed Vi. “And to think – ” she added, after they had contentedly watched the happy crowd for a few moments. “To think that in a few short weeks vacation will be here.”

“Well,” said Laura decidedly, “if we have any more fun this summer than we’ve had this winter, we’ll have to go some!”

“We shall indeed,” said Billie, happily.

THE END