“What’s to become of Vic this summer?” demanded Polly. “Somebody has to take care of him.”
“He’s ours; we found him,” Betty declared. “Poor old Vic. What do you say about it?” she added, scratching the monkey’s ear.
As they stood discussing his future, Vic noticed a familiar figure coming down the stable road. It was Tony, one of the Seddon Hall gardeners, and a special friend of his. He had taken care of him ever since Field Day.
As if to answer their question for them, the little monkey jumped from Betty’s lap, ran swiftly along the ground, and bounded to Tony’s shoulder.
“The problem is solved,” laughed Betty. “Tony will take care of him. Tony,” she called, and the Italian came up to the steps, smiling sheepishly.
Of course he was delighted at the idea of having Vic to himself all summer, and promised to take the very best of care of him.
“You leave me your address,” he said, “and I write sometime how he is.”
So it was arranged. The three girls said good-by to their mascot, who was borne away on Tony’s shoulder.
The rest of the day whizzed by on wings of excitement. Every one was everywhere at once. Visitors arrived in carriage loads. Those who were already there wandered through the halls trying to find the particular girl they wanted, and time was flying.
Uncle Roddy met Dr. and Mrs. Farwell in New