The trip was satisfactory in every detail; the weather had been excellent all along, the food and beds at the camps splendid, and the party in the best of spirits. Even Daisy had resolutely put aside her worry, entering fully into the enjoyment of those perfect days.
Marjorie and John had been much together during the trip, but seldom alone together. They were back on the old friendly basis again, but each was looking forward to the return to the ranch, when they could have some good quiet talks. For as yet John had said nothing about Dorothy, but something in his manner made Marjorie feel that the explanation would come later.
The whole party returned to the ranch on the twenty-sixth of August, five days before the scouts were scheduled to start for home.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE INVITATION.
The five remaining days at the ranch seemed all too short to the Girl Scouts. Never had a summer passed so quickly; never did the approaching conclusion of a vacation bring so much unhappiness. It was to be the breaking up of the dear old senior patrol of Pansy troop, the severing of all their dearest ties, the beginning of a new life.
All the girls seemed anxious to pack these last five days as full as possible. In spite of the fact that they were rather tired from their strenuous trip, they insisted upon riding the very first day they were back.
“Please give me this afternoon!” begged John of Marjorie; for he had been looking forward to some time alone with the girl. “Just once?”
But Marjorie shook her head.
“No, John; I’m sorry, but I’m dying to get on my dear old horse again. You’ve no idea how I’ve missed her! Just think, I haven’t seen her for ten whole days!”