“’Way up in Maine; think of it,” said Jack. “I never expected to go there.”
“But we were nearly there when we went to the Wadsworth school,” objected Jean.
“I don’t call Massachusetts nearly,” returned Jack.
“Do we have to provide anything special?” asked Nan.
“Yes, I believe you are required to have certain things.”
“And what are they?”
“Bloomers, short skirts, flannel shirts or jumpers, blankets and pillows; if there is anything else I have forgotten, but there is plenty of time to find out.”
“What fun. May we go right away and get the things we know we shall need?”
“You may if you like. I think I can go with you this morning. It behooves us not to be too leisurely about it for June is upon us and your mother wants to escape the hot weather of Washington. It will be much pleasanter to wait in Portland for July than here.”
So that very day there was a shopping expedition to the Boston store, to Kann’s and to various other places which should supply the needs a camping out would mean. Then speedily as might be, the start for the North was made; Washington’s broad avenues were exchanged for the clean, hilly streets of Portland, swept by sea-breezes and quiet enough after the busy cities of New York and Boston, to each of which they had given a day. Neither place was unfamiliar, therefore there was no sightseeing, only a flying visit to see their dear friends Mr. Pinckney and Miss Dolores in New York, and from Boston a trip out to the Wadsworth school to visit some of their schoolmates of two years before. Charlotte Loring had entered college and her face was missed, but Jo Keyes and Daniella Scott were on hand overjoyed to see the four Corners.