Isabelle and Little Orphan Frannie: The Isabelle Series, Book Three Read Free Page A

at him that Guy was doing fine. His face was shiny with happiness, and he swung his arms when he walked, like a big shot. Anyone could see he was a new man.
    â€œPretty good,” said Guy. “My friend Bernie and me are raising worms. We expect a bumper crop. We’re opening a stand in Bernie’s front yard this summer. Our worms are guaranteed first class. If you don’t catch anything with one of our worms, you get your money back,” Guy said, very serious. “Purchase one of our worms and you can’t go wrong.” Guy reeled off his sales pitch without a hitch.
    â€œWhat if all I catch with one of your worms is a beat-up tire or somebody’s underwear or something?” Isabelle said. “Do I get my money back then too?”
    â€œBernie and me will have to talk it over then, I guess,” Guy said.
    â€œFishing’s boring,” Isabelle said. “All you do is sit there and wait for a bite. My father took me once and never again! He said I was too itchy to be a fisherman and he’s right. Good luck, Guy, on your worms.”
    â€œThanks,” Guy said. “Me and Bernie plan to clean up. See ya,” and he set off, arms swinging to beat the band.
    â€œI don’t care if it is spring,” Mrs. Esposito was saying as Isabelle skidded into her seat. “I want and expect to see a change in behavior in this class. There’s entirely too much horsing around. Drastic action will be taken if it continues. No recess, no free periods, extra homework.” People rustled in their seats and let out little groans. When Mrs. Esposito went on the war path, watch out.
    â€œNow please listen carefully to tomorrow’s English assignment. I want you to …”
    A sudden loud pop came from Herbie’s desk. He’d blown a super duper bubble and it had burst. All over his face. He was covered with bubble gum from his eyebrows to his chin. He looked so funny the class roared. Even the corners of Mrs. Esposito’s mouth turned up for an instant.
    â€œGo for it, Herb!” Isabelle yelled.
    â€œHerbie, go to the boys’ room and get rid of that stuff. Wash your face. Scrape it off it you have to. And if I catch you chewing gum in class one more time, you go straight to the principal’s office.”
    Isabelle ran her finger across her throat and said in a loud voice, “She means it’s curtains for you, Herb.”
    â€œThat’s enough!” Mrs. Esposito snapped. “That’s yet another example of the kind of behavior I meant, the kind I will not tolerate. One more peep out of you, Isabelle, and you go the same route. Now sit down and be quiet.”
    Isabelle sat.
    Mrs. Esposito cleared her throat.
    â€œOne more thing, class, before I give you the assignment.” Her voice was calmer now.
    â€œI want to read you a postcard I got from Sally Smith.”
    â€œOh, no!” Isabelle cried, slapping herself on the forehead. “I can’t stand it! I positively, absolutely cannot stand it.”
    Mrs. Esposito waited.
    â€œAre you finished, Isabelle?” she said at last.
    â€œYes, sir,” said Isabelle.

FIVE
    â€œI’m painting my guest room pale blue,” said Mrs. Stern. “Did you know pale blue wards off evil spirits?” she asked, smiling so Isabelle would know she was only fooling around.
    â€œHave you got any evil spirits?” Isabelle asked excitedly. She had always longed to see some evil spirits, not necessarily up close, though.
    â€œIt’s just an old superstition,” Mrs. Stern said. “Down South they paint the trim on doors and windows pale blue because it’s supposed to ward off evil spirits. Don’t ask me why, but I rather like the idea. I wouldn’t know an evil spirit if I fell over it.”
    â€œMe either,” Isabelle agreed. “Maybe it’d look like Mary Eliza Shook. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out Mary Eliza Shook was queen of