Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time now that the parents had arrived--everyone, that is, except Veve.
Miss Gordon noticed that the little girl did not join in the singing and that she looked quite downcast.
“Why, Veve,” she said, “is anything wrong?”
Veve shook her head and tried to smile, but instead only managed to twist up the corners of her mouth.
“You’re not sad because we’re leaving the farm?”
“I’ve had a fine time here,” said Veve, looking down at her hands and avoiding Miss Gordon’s direct gaze. “It’s just--just that the other girls--”
“They’ve been awfully nice to me. Only--only--I don’t belong.”
Veve nodded miserably and a tear trickled down her left cheek. Angrily, she brushed it away.
“I never do things right like the other girls,” she mumbled. “I try and try, but I keep on making stupid mistakes.”
“Not the Brownies. They’re dependable and reliable--and they’re going camping next summer!”
“Why, Veve, I didn’t know you wanted to be a Brownie. I thought you considered the organization rather silly.”
“I didn’t know anything about the Brownies then. But now the girls wouldn’t have me. I’ve made so many mistakes, like losing my luggage check and forgetting my mittens.”
“The girls like you very much, Veve,” said Miss Gordon kindly. She was pleased that the little girl finally had decided she would like to be a member of the scout organization.
The troop leader said no more about the matter just then. However, a little later she called the Brownies together for a quiet talk. All of the girls said they would like to have Veve join the organization.
“Then let’s have the investiture ceremony tonight,” proposed Miss Gordon. “Your parents will enjoy watching it, and Veve will have the fun of becoming a Brownie before we leave Snow Valley.”
Without telling Veve what they were doing, the girls prepared Grandmother Gordon’s parlor for the initiation.
In the center of the room, by use of a circular mirror, they constructed a fairy pool. When everything was in readiness, the girls seated themselves in a horseshoe pattern around it.
Then Miss Gordon sought Veve and asked her if she would like to join the Brownie Scouts and be initiated that very night.
“Oh, yes!” cried Veve, her eyes sparkling like stars.