But I doubt me,
now that the thing seems so near, whether I shall like the crossing. I
can't abide finding myself on the salty sea. I have that to think over,
and that is against the scheme, Susy Hopkins."

"And what do a few hours' misery signify," said Susy, "when you have all
the rest of your life to live in clover?"

"That's true--that's true," said the old lady. "If you are positive that
it won't upset Brownie--"

"You can lock Brownie up; I will take charge of the key."

"And have him grunting like anything."

"He won't be heard with forty of them."

"It does sound very insurrectionary and wrong," said Mrs. Church; "but
if you are certain sure she will keep her word--"

"If I am sure of anybody, it is Miss Kathleen."

"She looks a good sort."

"And then, you know, Aunty Church, you can clinch matters by having a
nice little tea for her; and afterwards, if you don't speak up, I will.
I'll tell her you expect to get the almshouse after doing so much as to
entertain forty of her guests."

"Well, look here, Susy, you have thrust yourself into this matter, and
you must help me out. I suppose I must have a tea, but it must be a very
plain one."

"No; it must be a very nice tea. Oh, I'll see to that. Mother shall send
over some things from town--a little pink ham cut very thin, and
new-laid eggs--"

"And water-cress," said Mrs. Church. "I have a real relish for
water-cress, and it's a very long time since I had any."

"You have got your own fowls," said Susy, "so they will supply the eggs;
and for the rest I will manage. You are very good indeed, aunty, and
mother will be so pleased. Kiss me, Aunt Church. I must be off or I'll
be getting into a terrible scrape."

CHAPTER XIX.

RUTH'S TROUBLES AND SUSY'S PREPARATIONS.

The next day the suppressed excitement in the school grew worse. It is
sad to relate, nevertheless it is a fact, that Kathleen O'Hara openly
neglected her lessons. She kept glancing at Susy Hopkins, and Susy
Hopkins once very boldly winked at her; and when she did this one of the
under teachers saw her. Now, there were certain rules in the school
which all the girls were expected to keep, and winking and making faces
were always prohibited. But the teacher on this occasion did not
complain of Susy; there were so many other things to be considered that
she thought she would let the matter pass.

Ruth Craven was in her class, and more than one girl remarked on Ruth's
appearance.