At last they were on the train, Hilary so comfortable that she declared she could not have planned it better to travel in luxury, with some one to anticipate her every need. Her companions knew, however, that if Hilary could have her way she would exchange all that for a well foot. But it made a happy little company, after all. There was time for much conversation, some confidences, and many plans for the coming days. They missed Betty after she changed cars to go in another direction, but there were promises of full accounts in letters. And now the Hudson, the approach, the city.
CHAPTER XV
WHEN LADS BECAME MEN
It was a new East to Cathalina and the other girls. There had been many a long stop on the way, for the troop trains had precedence. Everywhere was the uniform, and in the Hudson were strangely camouflaged ships. Cathalina and Lilian had telegraphed about their changed date of arrival and were met by the fathers this time. No dashing Philip, blue-eyed Campbell or brotherly Dick at the station. But the first question asked by Cathalina and Lilian of their respective parents was “Have the boys come yet?”
“We do not know,” answered Mr. Van Buskirk. “If so, they are detained at camp. They promised to send us word at the first opportunity, but they might not have that for a time.”
Hilary managed to hobble around pretty well and reached the Van Buskirk car without much difficulty. Aunt Hilary and Cathalina followed Hilary into the machine and they started off, after saying goodbye to Lilian and her father.
“Not much need of goodbyes, is there, daughter?” inquired the Judge. “I suppose you will be over there most of the time till the boys sail.”
“I may be at home a little, a very little, Daddy, so make the most of me!”
“Very well, but even you will have to take second place when Dick arrives. Your mother lives in anticipation.”
“Poor mother! Is Dick still in camp?”
“He was shifted to another camp, but telegraphed, a night letter, saying that the indications were for a start in a day or two and that he would let us know. He will come to Camp Merritt also.”