Page:Anna Chapin--Half a dozen boys.djvu/192

170 “What is it, Miss Bess?” inquired Phil, swinging himself impatiently back and forth in  his rocking-chair, as he sat astride of it, with  an ankle clasped in either hand. “It’s sure to be fun, if you start it.”

“Don’t get your expectations too high, Phil,” said Bess. “It is only just this. If you boys have time enough to spare for it, how would  you like to spend one evening a week with  me?”

“Club?” suggested Rob, who had often begged for something of this kind.

“Yes, club; if you choose to call it so.” And there was an enthusiastic burst of applause  from the boys, who took a true masculine  delight in anything rejoicing in the name of  club. When quiet was restored, Bess went on quite seriously:—

“Now, my boys, I don’t want you to be selfish in starting this club. It is for us all to enjoy together, and I want you to help me  make it a great success; but most of all it is  for Fred. He tries so hard not to be shy with you, but it is hard for him when he doesn’t see  you but once in a long time. He needs boys