“Long enough for week-ends, anyway,” said Allen, with a smile, adding soberly: “It’s going to be mighty lonesome down here without you.”
“Oh, well, you’ll always have your work,” said Betty, wickedly. It was not a fair remark at all and she knew it was not. She had seen the boys and girls coming down the street which led to the dock and a moment later they were completely surrounded, leaving Allen not one chance to retort.
Every one was joyful, even Grace--which was unusual at this early hour--and they got under way amid a bombardment of persiflage from the boys.
As the motor of the _Gem_ began its rhythmic putt-putt, Roy began to sing in a far from melodious voice “The Boys They Left Behind Them.” The others joined in, ending the song in a joyful shout.
Just before they passed out of earshot Allen made a megaphone of his hands and shouted something which only Betty understood.
“I’ll get even yet,” he yelled, and for answer Betty waved a mocking hand.
“Now what have you been doing to him?” asked Grace, adding virtuously: “I think it’s a shame the way you treat that poor boy, Betty Nelson. You never give him an easy moment. Dancing so much with Frank last night, for instance. I could see murder in Allen’s eye.”
“Just the same,” remarked Mollie as the _Gem_ gathered speed and they left the shore further and further behind them, “I notice he always comes back for more. You must admit, Grace dear, that Betty has a way with her.”
“Altogether too much so,” said Grace, with a sigh. “When she’s around none of the rest of us has a chance.”
“Don’t mind me, ladies,” chuckled Betty. “I’m not listening.”
“You don’t have to,” said Mollie, the ever-generous. “You know it anyway, without our telling you. All the boys are crazy about you----”
“Even Percy Falconer,” murmured Grace, and Betty wrinkled up her pretty little nose.
“Why spoil a perfect morning by mentioning Percy?” she inquired. “I should think you’d know better, Gracie.”
Percy Falconer, a native of Deepdale, was a fast and fatuous young man with more money than brains. He was a dandy with a liking for the extreme in style, and on several occasions had attempted to ingratiate himself with Betty. However, Betty had always managed to discourage his budding attentions, and usually in a manner most discomforting to Percy. It goes without saying that the youth was a standing joke with the girls.