"I do not believe Dan will ever turn over a new leaf," said Dora. "He is a thoroughly bad young man."
"Let us hope that he does," said her mother. "I do not wish to see anybody throw himself away as that young man is doing."
"After this you will have to watch out for this Lew Flapp as well as for Dan Baxter," said Nellie. "Both appear to be painted with the same brush."
During the dinner the houseboat project was broached, and the boys spoke of what a fine time they expected to have on the Ohio, and perhaps on the Mississippi.
"And we would like all of you to go with us," said Dick.
"With you!" exclaimed Mrs. Stanhope.
"Oh, mamma, what a delightful trip it would be!" exclaimed Dora.
"And we would like your mother to go too," went on Tom, to Nellie and
Grace.
"Oh, if mamma would only go!" cried Grace. "I am sure it would do her a great deal of good. She goes away from home so little."
The matter was talked over until it was time for the two parties to separate, and the Rovers promised to write more particulars in a few days,—as soon as they knew more about the houseboat and how it was to be run, and what sort of sleeping accommodations it afforded.