Part 23 (2/2)
”We've already been altogether too fair,” sputtered Gertrude Aldine. ”I don't see why we should feel any hesitation about sending Mignon that letter to-night. The sooner it's sent, the sooner we'll have Jerry with us again.”
”Jerry could be with us now, if she chose.” Very quietly Constance answered Gertrude's impetuous reminder. ”We should not use Jerry as an excuse for expelling Mignon from the club. We should consider only whether Mignon has failed so utterly as a member that we must expel her in self-defense. If we drive her out of the Lookouts, she will take it as a direct admission that we are afraid of her; that eleven members cannot stand together against one. If we prove loyal to our obligations, what chance will she have against us? Once she realizes this, either she will submit to what she can't change, or else she will resign from the club of her own accord. Only a little more than three months is left us of our senior year. Ought we to pa.s.s the name 'Lookouts' along to our successors with the stain of an expelled member on it? That is also a point to be considered.”
”You and Marjorie and Irma are right, as usual,” conceded Muriel Harding vexedly. ”I suppose we ought to follow your advice. Perhaps Mignon will kindly take the matter out of our hands before then. Girls, are you satisfied to abide by the counsel of the Three Wise Women of Sanford?”
she questioned humorously. ”Has anyone any further serious objections?
If so, please rise.”
Pure loyalty to Marjorie Dean alone kept every girl in her seat.
Although each respected the counsel of Constance and Irma, Marjorie's wish now became her law. Her magnanimity of spirit was too great to be overlooked. Yet in her heart each hoped that pride would force Mignon into resigning from the Lookouts of her own free will before the week ended.
Could the Lookouts have looked into Mignon La Salle's own room, at the very moment in which they agreed upon a week's clemency, their fond hope would have died a sudden death. Her door carefully locked against parental intrusion, Mignon was rapidly penning a lengthy letter to Rowena Farnham. Her thin lips curved themselves into a malicious smile as her pen sped over the paper. It was late when she finished the writing of it, and stole cat-footed down the front stairs and out of the house to mail it. Having come to a standstill in her own capacity for trouble-making, she had appealed for advice to one who could be depended upon to give her fresh impetus.
CHAPTER XXIV-A TREASURELESS TREASURER
During the week that followed Mignon's fiery outburst against Veronica at the club meeting Muriel Harding received no welcome letter from the former announcing her resignation from the Lookouts. To all appearances such was not her intention. When the next Thursday evening rolled round, the Lookouts, including their latest addition, Veronica Browning, met at Gray Gables. To the secret disappointment of the majority Mignon was not among those present. With the exception of Irma, Marjorie and Constance, the others were impatient to see how the French girl would behave toward Veronica. The latter had been privately warned by Marjorie as to what might possibly occur and had agreed to meet Mignon's probable discourtesy with silence.
It was not until the meeting had reached the point of ”unfinished business” that the question relating to the absent rebel came up for discussion.
”Girls,” began Muriel, ”you all know what comes under this head. Let me hear from you informally.”
”It looks as though we'd have to wait another week and see what happens,” observed Susan Atwell. With a faint giggle she added: ”When is a test not a test?”
A ripple of ready laughter followed this suggestive question.
”Perhaps it is all for the best,” remarked Irma philosophically. ”We may find after all that--”
A reverberating peal of the door bell cut short her discourse. Every pair of bright eyes became questioningly directed toward the sound. Was it their graceless treasurer who now demanded admittance? Followed a moment of expectant waiting, then a maid appeared in the curtained doorway of the library in which the Lookouts were gathered.
”Here's a note for you, Miss Muriel,” she announced as she stepped into the room. Delivering it into Muriel's hand she promptly disappeared.
”Humph!” e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed Muriel as she stared at the tiny, pale gray envelope. ”By your leave, Lookouts,” she added with a nod to her friends. Tearing open an end of the envelope she drew forth its contents. A frown of displeasure knitted her brows as she scanned the unexpected message. Raising her eyes from it she said: ”This note is from Mignon La Salle. I will read it to you. She writes:
”'Miss Harding:
”'I have decided not to attend the further meetings of the club. I shall still hold my office as treasurer. If you wish to consult me on business matters or desire to draw upon the treasury for checks with which to meet the various current expenses, kindly write me at my home. From time to time, I shall send you my official report.
”'Yours truly, ”'Mignon La Salle.'”
”This is the last straw,” declared Muriel grimly. ”It seems to me that our duty is plain.”
”I am of the same mind.” Marjorie Dean's decided tones sent a little thrill over her listeners. It was evident to all that her limit of endurance had been reached. ”I move,” she continued with calm finality, ”that Irma write Mignon La Salle stating that we accept her note as a resignation from the Lookouts and request her to turn over the club's books, now in her possession, to our president Muriel Harding.”
Constance Stevens instantly seconded the motion. It was voted upon and carried with an alacrity that bespoke the intense approval of those a.s.sembled.
Again Marjorie was heard. ”I nominate Susan Atwell to fill the now vacant office of treasurer.”
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