She gave him an understanding nod. "Yes, but just as surely they will thrive under proper treatment."
Miss Ri left her desk and came toward them. "I'm not going to ask you to deliver this, Mr. Jeffreys, for I want to send Parthy a lemon pie that Phebe has just baked, and I'd never trust a man to carry a lemon pie. Just sit down and I'll be back in a moment."
"Are you going to tell her?" asked Linda, when the door had closed after Miss Ri.
"Maybe. It will depend. I won't force the information."
"Get her to tell you about her trip to town; she is so funny about it."
"Miss Hill, you are to tell me about your trip to town," began Mr. Jeffreys when Miss Ri returned.
"I shall not do it," she declared. "What do you mean, Verlinda Talbot, by trying to get me to tell my secrets?"
"Maybe if you do, Mr. Jeffreys will tell you one of his."
"In that case, we must make a compact. Can you keep a secret, Mr. Jeffreys?"
"I have kept my own, so far."