Isabelle the Itch: The Isabelle Series, Book One by Constance C. Greene Page B

picture in the paper, I went right out and bought ten copies to send to my friends,” she said. “And wouldn’t you think, buying that many copies, they’d give me a discount? Not at all!”
    The feathers on her hat quivered indignantly.
    â€œThat’s some hat,” Isabelle said truthfully.
    Aunt Maude turned so they could see all sides of her hat.
    â€œWhat smells so good?” she said in the middle of her turn.
    â€œRoast lamb,” Isabelle’s mother said. “Set another place, will you, Isabelle?”
    â€œI wouldn’t think of staying,” Aunt Maude said firmly. “Are you having mint sauce?”
    â€œAnd cherry pie for dessert.”
    Isabelle turned her bright brown gaze on her father. He pretended great interest in something outside.
    â€œIt’s Herbie,” he said as the doorbell rang. “I guess he’s come for combat.”
    Sure enough.
    â€œCome on out and fight,” Herbie said. “But no fair using feet.”
    â€œDinner in half an hour,” Isabelle’s mother said.
    â€œThat’s the same little boy I saw last week,” Aunt Maude said. “Is he still in the army?”
    Without speaking, Isabelle and Herbie began to wrestle on the front lawn. Isabelle pinned Herbie down right off and got her knee in the middle of his chest. They struggled silently.
    â€œOh dear,” Aunt Maude sighed and went inside. She hated violence of any kind except in old movies on television.
    Herbie looked over Isabelle’s shoulder.
    â€œWow!” he said.
    When Isabelle turned to see what was up, Herbie flipped her over and got his knee in the middle of her chest.
    â€œYou sneak!” she shouted. “You cheated!”
    â€œSay ‘uncle’” Herbie said quietly. He was always quiet when he was winning.
    â€œI will not!” Isabelle thrashed around, trying to free herself. “That’s stupid. What’s ‘uncle’ supposed to mean anyway?”
    â€œHow do I know? It’s what you’re supposed to say when you give up.”
    â€œWho says I give up?” With a giant effort, Isabelle heaved Herbie into the air, using her feet for a slight assist.
    â€œTalk about cheats!” Herbie cried as he hit the dirt. “I said no fair using feet. You lose! You lose!”
    â€œIsabelle, dinner time!”
    â€œI have to go,” Isabelle said, dusting herself off. “See you, Herb.”
    â€œI’m not so sure.” Herbie pulled up his pants. He started for home.
    â€œWhen I say no fair using feet that’s what I mean,” he muttered. “She never pays attention to what I say.”

22
    â€œI brought you a present, Herb,” Isabelle said next morning on their way to school.
    â€œWhat’s that for?” Herbie asked suspiciously as she showed him the six pennies she’d taken from her bank.
    â€œYou’ll see. Let’s hurry so we’re not late.” She started off at a fast trot. Herbie hung back. He didn’t have to do everything she said to do.
    â€œSay, I saw your picture in the paper,” Ken said when they went in. “I showed it to Pearl and she growled. I don’t think Pearl’s growled like that in five, ten years. I think she knew you.”
    Isabelle slapped the pennies on the counter. “I’m treating him to a pack of gum,” she said grandly, pointing to Herbie. “He can have whatever pack of gum he wants.”
    Herbie took a long time choosing, despite Isabelle’s hissing, “Step on it!” and continual punching and poking at him.
    â€œI’ll take the Juicy Fruit,” he said at last.
    â€œYou don’t even have to share it with me,” Isabelle said.
    Herbie unwrapped a stick. He still couldn’t figure it out.
    â€œIt’s to start a new boil,” Isabelle told him. Light broke over Herbie’s face. “Gee, thanks,” he said.
    â€œI figure if you get a