"But these books are not sex stuff!" cried Eleanor.
"Just as bad. And their influence is the same as that created by drink or dope."
As the Guide spoke she looked through the remainder of the collection and sighed as she thought of the density of some parents. "Saving a few pence for fine clothing, and economising on reading for their children! Clothing the exterior with 'fine feathers,' and feeding the mind with swill! Considering money wasted on good reasonably priced books and squandering wholesale, the spiritual, moral, mental and physical fibre of their children! Never sparing a thought as to the ultimate effects of trashy books and ignoring the outcome of deteriorating sensations in the young because they are so anxious to add to a savings account for the future! Just as long as the book--white or yellow--(mattered not) kept the reader occupied and quiet for a time, that the mother might finish the extra frill on the schooldress or party costume."
As Miss Miller concluded her excited vituperation on the prevalent disease of contagious novels, Eleanor was too angry to reply. Finally, however, she managed to say:
"If you had any decent story at camp I wouldn't have sent for any books. But I hunted that first night and couldn't see a single magazine or book."
"If you had sought in the house you would have found a great bookcase full!" retorted Jane, angry at implied oversight.
"We-el, yes, I saw them afterward. While I was waiting for my box to come, I read a few," admitted Eleanor.
"Well, what was it--did you like 'em?" asked Zan.
"Oh, I found one called 'The Right Princess' and another by the same author 'The Opened Shutters,' that were pretty good for kid stories," said Eleanor, as if in apology.
"Kid story! Well, there are more grown-ups and parents enjoy those kind of books than kids, let me tell you!" said Jane.
"And you will find many more such books in that case, too, Eleanor," added Mrs. Hubert.
"Yes, I noticed them. I thought I would start and read them if these didn't get here soon. I did begin one last night!" confessed Eleanor.
"I wish you would read them instead of these and permit me to return these at once. I cannot have them in camp at all!" said Miss Miller.