Page:Ruth Fielding at Lighthouse Point.djvu/22

12 until I joined the S. B's, then, to decide whether you would accept Heavy's invitation, or not?"

"Of course not!"

"How ridiculous!" cried Heavy.

"Well, it's to be a Sweetbriar frolic; isn't it, Heavy?" asked Helen, calmly.

"No. Madge and Bob Steele are going. And your brother Tom," chuckled the stout girl. "And perhaps that Isadore Phelps. You wouldn't call Busy Izzy a Sweetbriar; would you?"

"I don't mean the boys," returned Helen, with some coolness.

Suddenly Mercy Curtis, her head on one side and her thin little face twisted into a most knowing grimace, interrupted. "I know what this means!" she exclaimed.

"What do you mean, Goody Two-Sticks?' demanded Ruth, kindly.

"Our Helen has a grouch."

"Nonsense!" muttered Helen, flushing again.

"I thought something didn't fit her when she came in," said Heavy, calmly. "But I thought it was indigestion."

"What is the matter, Helen?" asked Ruth Fielding in wonder.

Fee, fi, fo fum! I see the negro run!'—into the woodpile!" ejaculated the lame girl, in her biting way. "I know what is the matter with