Page:Girls of Central High on the Stage.djvu/198

188 "You girls are invited to a dash on the Blue Streak after the rehearsal to-morrow, Sis," Chet Belding said to Laura at dinner Thursday evening. "Lance and I will show you some sport."

Mrs. Belding looked doubtfully at her husband. "Do you think that ice-boat Chet has built is really safe for the girls, James?" she asked.

"Bless your heart, Mother!" returned the jeweler, his eyes twinkling, "it's quite as safe for Laura and Jess as it is for the boys."

"Ye—es, I suppose so," admitted the good woman. "But it doesn't seem so safe. Girls are different from boys."

"Not so different, nowadays," grumbled Chet "You ought to see some of those husky Central High girls going off with Mrs. Case on their skis. And ski running is as dangerous as ice-boating—believe me!"

"I do believe you, my son. I have no reason to doubt your word," returned Mother Belding, quietly.

"Oh, Mum! that's only an expression"

"Please stick to English—and facts, Chetwood," advised his mother.

"I declare!" grumpily remarked her son. "A meal of victuals at this house has got to be just like attending one of Old Dimple's lectures."