boys—men, I dare say I ought to call them,
for some of them are tall as bean poles, only they
have all been Aunt Janet’s ‘boys’
ever since they entered the Academy—were
teasing me, and telling me I couldn’t work with
Ralph any longer. I got mad then and said I guessed
I
could work with him if I saw fit, and I meant
to, too. Oh, they laughed and jeered at me until
I could have slapped every single one of them, but
I then and there made up my mind to follow
this
year’s academic course if I died in the attempt,
and when we went home I talked it all over with Aunt
Janet. She’s such a dear, and always ready
to listen to anything we young people have to tell
her. So I really am a co-ed. Yes, I am; I
knew you’d smile. I have an instructor,
a retired captain, a friend of Aunt Janet’s,
who lives at Wilmot, and Aunt Janet has rented an extra
room next mine for a schoolroom, and every morning
at nine o’clock Captain Pennell and I settle
down to real hard work. I have ‘math’
and mechanical drawing just exactly as Ralph has,
and the same French, Spanish and English course, but
what I love best of all is learning all about a boat
and how to sail her, how to swim, and the gym work.
And Captain Pennell is teaching me how to fence and
to shoot with a rifle and a revolver. Oh, it
is just heaps and heaps of fun. I didn’t
dream a girl could learn all those things, but Captain
Pennell is such a dear and so interesting. He
seems to have something new for each day. But
how Aunt Janet’s boys do run me and ask
me when I’m coming out for cutter drill, or
field artillery or any old thing they know I
can’t
do. But never mind. I know just exactly
what all their old orders mean, and I am learning
all about our splendid big ships and the guns and everything
just as fast as ever I can. But, my goodness,
I shall talk you to death. Mother says I never
know when to stop once I get started. I beg your
pardon,” and Polly looked quite abashed as they
drew near the piazza.
“Why I think it is all perfectly fascinating.
How I’d love to do some of those things.
I can shoot and swim and sail my boat, but I’ve
never been in a gymnasium or done any of those interesting
things. I wish Compadre could hear all about
it. They wanted to send me away to a big finishing
school this winter but I begged so hard for one more
year’s freedom that Daddy Neil consented, but
I think he would love to have me know about the things
you are learning.”
“Oh, Tanta, couldn’t we make some sort
of a bargain? Couldn’t Peggy come to us
three days of the week and work with Captain Pennell
and me, and then I come out three to learn to ride?”
Peggy’s eyes shone as she listened. She
had not realized how hungry she had been for young
companionship until this sunny-souled young girl had
dropped into her little world.
Mrs. Harold smiled sympathetically upon the enthusiastic
pair.
“Perhaps we can make a mutually beneficial bargain,”
she said. “I think I shall accept Silver
Star upon your recommendation, Miss Peggy, and what
I have already seen. Then if you are willing to
undertake it, Polly shall be taught to ride by you,
and you in turn must come to us at Wilmot to join
Captain Pennell’s class of fencing, gym work
or whatever else seems wise or you wish to. But
who must decide the question, dear?”