From there, we spoke some more, until the clock struck 9:00. About a dozen girls filed into the classroom, all taking a moment or so to look upon the male stranger who was present at an all-girls camp. No one spoke directly to either of us, but there were some curious glances and whispers among the campers. From what I could fathom, they weren’t mean or threatening murmurs, but just inquiries.
I can imagine they were thinking, “Who is that chap sitting next to the Hoosier girl?â€? “Is he her brother or some other relative? Or maybe they’re a pair.â€? “ ‘Tis a curiosity for sure. Perhaps he mistakenly wandered here from a boys’ camp in the area? I wonder who he is.â€?
The instructor, Mrs. Creagan, had been notified of Casimir’s visit. When she came to the front of the room, she said, “Ladies, we have a very special visitor today. His name is Casimir Chrysanthemum. Can you all give him a warm welcome?â€? she said. “Good morning, Casimir,â€? a chorus of female voices answered systematically.