Part 27 (2/2)
”You understand this means thirty minutes after school. I have told you I will not tolerate tardiness.”
Chicken Little didn't try to catch up with Katy and Gertie going home that noon. She plodded along soberly by herself with such a forlorn air that d.i.c.k Harding, just behind her on his way to his own lunch, was struck by it, and overtook her to find out what was amiss now.
”Have to stay after school on a birthday--well, that is tough. I see plainly you need the services of a lawyer. I guess I'll have to take this under advis.e.m.e.nt and see what can be done. You know it's my turn to help you out. Clear up that solemn face, Chicken Little,--that's better--I see the smile coming. I'll tell you--wait by the school gate when you come back from dinner and I'll think up some way to mend matters.”
Chicken Little hurried through her dinner and back to school, posting herself expectantly to watch for d.i.c.k Harding. She did not have long to wait. Mr. Harding had hurried, too, on her account.
”I have been considering this, Jane. I don't believe it would be quite fair to the other pupils to persuade Miss Brown to let you off, as I at first thought of doing. Do you think it would?”
Richard Harding regarded the child keenly, curious to see whether she would see the point.
Chicken Little looked up at him soberly.
”No, I guess it's just as bad to be late on your birthday as any other time. And I s'pose if Miss Brown let me go she'd have to let the rest go, too. And I guess there wouldn't be any rule if she did that.”
”Right you are, but I think I have a plan that won't be unfair to anybody and will still keep the birthday intact. We couldn't have the birthday hurt you know, Chicken Little. It's such a little young birthday--it might cry!” d.i.c.k Harding smiled down at her whimsically and Jane smiled understandingly back.
”Why don't you ask me what my plan is? You haven't the proper amount of feminine curiosity.”
Chicken Little smiled again--a confiding little smile.
”How would it do, Chicken Little Jane, if I should get a cutter with two gray horses and lots of bells--real noisy bells--and call for your guests first, then come here to the school after you? We could go for a nice sleigh ride before that supper party.”
Chicken Little's face lit up as instantaneously as if someone had just turned on an electric light before it. She gave one blissful ”Oh” then stopped. ”If Mother----?” she said.
”'If Mother' is all attended to. I met your father and he said he would make it all right with your mother. So if Miss Jane Morton will do me the honor to ride with me this afternoon, I shall consider the matter settled.” d.i.c.k Harding made an elaborate bow.
Jane still beamed but found words difficult.
”I'm waiting, Miss Morton, you'd better hurry--I think the bell is going to ring.”
The child glanced back at the school house apprehensively.
”Course I want to--awfully, and--Mr. Harding,” Chicken Little reached up to whisper something and the tall man bent down.
”I love you most as well as Brother Frank.”
”Thank you, dear--I've never had a little sister. Don't you think I might adopt a little piece of you?”
”That's what Alice said. She said little sisters were so nice and cuddly--I think you and Alice are a lot alike, Mr. Harding.”
”I'm flattered--in what way?”
”'Cause you--she--why I guess 'cause you and she both know how little girls feel inside--and you're so comforting.”
”Much obliged, little sister, I know Miss Alice deserves that nice compliment and I hope I do. Are you lonesome without her?”
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