“You’re a pretty good pard, Cloudy,” he said. “We’ll make you a member of the gang and take you everywhere. See! You’re being initiated now, and you’re making good right along. I knew we did a good thing when we came after you. Didn’t we, Les?”
And Leslie turned and flung herself into Julia Cloud’s arms with one of her enthusiastic hugs.
It was just evening when they entered the little town about twenty miles from a larger city, where was located a seat of learning, co-educational, which had been highly recommended to Mr. Luddington, and which seemed to him to have a great many good points in its favor.
The sign-posts warned them of their approach; and the three sat silently watching, judging the place from the outskirts. Big square houses and lawns multiplied 107 as they progressed. Some streets had fences. Substantial churches rose here and there, and the college grounds became visible as they neared the centre of the town. The buildings were spacious and attractive, with tall old elms and maples shading the broad walks. There was an ideal chapel of dark-red stone with arches and a wonderful belfry, and one could easily imagine young men and maidens flitting here and there.
The two young people studied the scene as the car drove slowly by, and said nothing. Allison went on to the other end of town till the houses grew farther apart, and nothing had been said. Then Leslie drew a big sigh.
“Turn around, brother, and let’s go back past there again.”
Allison turned around, and drove slowly by the college grounds again.
“There are tennis-courts at the back,” said Leslie, “and that looks like a gym over there. Do you suppose that’s the athletic field over at the back?”
They drove slowly around the block, and Julia Cloud sat silently, trying to think of herself in this strange environment, and feeling suddenly chilly and alone. There would be a lot of strange people to meet, and the children would be off at college all day. She hadn’t thought of that.
“Try some of the side streets,” ordered Leslie; “I haven’t seen our house yet.”