The day seemed to know that it was to be one of joyous festivities. Never had there been a bluer sky! The summer-house was covered with pink cluster roses, the garden was fragrant with bloom, and birds, everywhere, sang their most jubilant songs. In the distance, white sails gleamed on the shining waters of the lake.
The local train, which was usually an hour late between Buffalo and Linden, puffed noisily into the station, seemingly proud of the astonishing fact that it was on time to the minute, and when it stopped, the three girls gave a glad cry and leaped upon Eva Dearman, somewhat rumpling her tailory appearance, but little did the girl from the desert care; she was so glad to be with her beloved Adele once more.
Madge Petersen was greeted with equal warmth, though with more dignity, and Everett smilingly waited his turn, cap in hand.
“How our sailor boy has grown!” Adele exclaimed as they started toward the bus. “I do believe that he is taller now than Jack, and last year my brother was quite boastful of the fact that he was an inch nearer the sky than any of his comrades.”
“Weeds grow rapidly,” Everett told her as he assisted the girls into the bus and then leaped up as it started, riding for a moment on the steps.
“Yonder looks like a nice place to sail,” he exclaimed. “I’m just wild to go somewhere this summer and sail from sun-up until dark.”
“Oh, Everett, I’ll be a good fairy and grant your wish!” Adele cried happily. “I have a wonderful plan to unfold.” Then as they were slowly climbing the hill, Della told about her uncle’s island on the St. Lawrence and ended by saying that the girls all wanted Madge Petersen to go with them and be their Lady of the Cabin.
“What bully fun that will be!” Everett declared, when Madge had smilingly told them that she would think it over.
“Adele, I invite you to go sailing with me the very first morning after our arrival,” the lad added mischievously.
“You want to give me an early ducking, I see!” that maiden replied.