“Because Ma always wants to talk, and would not think she had her money’s worth without it.”
They put the stamps on the cards and then mailed them in the large gilt mail box near the door in the corner.
“I guess it’s most time for us to go back to the hotel for luncheon,” said Aunt Betty.
“Almost,” replied Ruth, looking at her small gold watch. “It’s now just eleven-thirty.”
“I want to get some blue ribbon,” said Dorothy, “before we leave for the hotel.”
“And I must get a veil,” added Ruth.
The girls departed on their quests and in less than two minutes met Mrs. Calvert at the door and all went back together to the hotel for luncheon. It was a quiet mid-day meal, and as soon as it was over they had to devote their attention to their trunks, as they were to leave that afternoon for their next stopping place.
Mr. Dauntrey and Mr. Ludlow attended to the baggage and the tickets and very soon all were ready.
Just as they were leaving the hotel to go to the station, Mr. Dauntrey singled Ruth out, and approaching her, said, “Will you come and walk down with me?”
“With pleasure,” said the girl, suiting her steps to his, and they started slowly to stroll down to the station.