“No,” replied Marty. “In our church the young ladies have a band themselves.”
“But this isn't a church band; it's a neighborhood band,” Ruth interposed; “and as we haven't many folks up here, I think it will be well not to divide our forces, but to include all in one organization. Of course Almira must belong. I think, though, before organizing we had better see and invite some of the other neighbors. Effie, couldn't you and Maria go over to McKay's and see what they think of it?”
Effie, a gentle girl of thirteen, just as pretty and blue-eyed as her sister, thought she could.
Joe Pratt said he knew a boy he thought might come.
“How about the Smiths, Evaline? Do you think any of them would be interested?” Ruth inquired.
“Sophy might,” Evaline replied rather doubtfully.
“Well, you see her, wont you? They are not far from you.”
It was finally resolved that as everybody was so busy through the week during this harvesting season, a meeting should be held the next Sunday afternoon. The place chosen was a grove which was just half way between Mr. Stokes' and Mr. Campbell's. If, however, the day was not suitable for an out-door meeting, they were to assemble in Mr. Stokes' barn, a fine, new affair, much handsomer than his house, and occupying a commanding situation from which there was a beautiful view.
When everything was settled the children ran off to play, and Almira helped Ruth and her mother to get supper.
The next Sunday was a lovely day, not too warm, and the meeting in the grove was a decided success. Altogether there were fourteen present, though two were visitors, Marty and one of Capt. Smith's summer boarders, who came with Sophy. Ruth had a nice little programme made out, and after the exercises they organized. Ruth was elected president, Almira, for the present, secretary, and Hugh Campbell, treasurer. They decided as long as the weather remained pleasant to meet every Sunday afternoon. In winter, of course, they could not get together so frequently.