The "it" proved to be a row-boat with a double set of oar-locks, a perfect boat for the lake, strong and safe, but trig and neat of outline.
Hilary named it the "Surprise" at first sight, and Tom was sent for at once to paint the name in red letters to look well against the white background and to match the boat's red trimmings.
Its launching was an event. Some of the young people had boats over at the lake, rather weather-beaten, tubby affairs, Bell declared them, after the coming of the "Surprise." A general overhauling took place immediately, the girls adopted simple boating dresses—red and white, which were their boating colors. A new zest was given to the water picnics, Bedelia learning to know the lake road very well.
August had come before they fairly realized that their summer was more than well under way. In little more than a month the long vacation would be over. Tom and Josie were to go to Boston to school; Bell to Vergennes.
"There'll never be another summer quite like it!" Hilary said one morning. "I can't bear to think of its being over."
"It isn't—yet," Pauline answered.
"Tom's coming," Patience heralded from the gate, and Hilary ran indoors for hat and camera.
"Where are you off to this morning?" Pauline asked, as her sister came out again.
"Out by the Cross-roads' Meeting-House," Tom answered. "Hilary has designs on it, I believe."
"You'd better come, too, Paul," Hilary urged. "It's a glorious morning for a walk."