Lucile Triumphant

Excerpt

“GREETINGS, FELLOW-TRAVELERS”

The great news was out! Two girls regarded their companion in open-mouthed astonishment.

“Europe!” cried Jessie. “Lucy, will you please say that all over again and say it slowly,” she begged leaning forward tensely.

Lucile’s eyes danced as she repeated slowly and with great emphasis, “I said just this—Dad is going to Europe and he intends to take me with him.”

The girls were incredulous.

“But, wh-when are you going?” stammered Evelyn, dazedly.

“In three weeks at the outside, maybe sooner,” Lucile answered, then added, with feigned reproach, “you don’t, either of you, seem a bit glad.”

“Oh, we are, we are,” they protested, and Evelyn added, “It just took our breath away, that’s all.”

“Lucile, it’s the finest thing that ever happened to you,” said Jessie, impulsively throwing her arms about her friend.

The latter returned the embrace with equal fervor, but her eyes were retrospective as she answered, “Oh, it’s wonderful, of course, and I haven’t even begun to get used to it yet, but I don’t think it’s any greater than——”

“Oh, I know what you mean,” Evelyn broke in. “You mean Mayaro River and Aloea and ranks and things like that——”

“Exactly,” laughed Lucile, her face flushing with the memory, “and honors and guardians and races and——”

“Oh, stop her, someone, quick,” begged Jessie gayly. “If you don’t she’ll keep it up all day,” then more gravely, “It was wonderful and none of us will ever forget it—but, Lucy, do, oh, do tell us more about Europe before I die of curiosity!”

“Oh, yes, please go on,” urged Evelyn; “we want to hear all about how it happened, and just when you’re going to start and how long you expect to stay and——”

“Slow up a little,” begged Lucile, in dismay. “I’ll tell you everything in time, but I must have time!”

“Come out, time, you’re wanted,” cried Evelyn, pushing aside the bushes as though in search of the runaway.

“I suppose you think you’re funny,” sniffed Jessie, disdainfully. “But I feel obliged to tell you as a friend——”

“Cease!” commanded Lucile, sternly. “If you don’t stop at once and listen respectfully and attentively to what I have to say, I’ll——”

“Well, what will you do,” Evelyn challenged, with an heroic air of braving the worst. “Tell us, now—what will you do?”

Lucile paused to consider for a moment, then announced, gravely, “There is only one punishment great enough for such a crime——”

“And that——” they breathed.

“That,” repeated Lucile, sternly, “would be to remove the light of my presence——”

“Oh if that’s all you needn’t mind about us,” said Jessie, evidently relieved.

“Go on, Lucy,” urged Evelyn, virtuously. “I won’t interrupt again.”

“Better get started before she repents,” advised Jessie.

“Sound advice,” Lucile agreed, ironically, though her eyes snapped with fun. “I don’t see why two people can’t get along without throwing hatchets at each other’s heads all the time....