Aunt Hilary received a warm welcome from Mrs. Van Buskirk, while Hilary was petted and waited on until she said she would be spoiled and never would want to wait on herself again. The big Van Buskirk house was cool and comfortable, electric fans going, flowers about the rooms, cold salads and ices served. It was perhaps as well that the soldier lads had not arrived, for the girls were so tired that they did not need any extra excitement. Mrs. Van Buskirk suggested that both Cathalina and Hilary should spend most of the time in bed for the next day or two and sent for some one to give special treatment to the rapidly improving foot. None of the relatives were invited in, no reunions planned, until Philip and Campbell should arrive. Lilian, however, called up occasionally. She, too, had been put to bed to rest, but felt anxious to know about Hilary’s progress.
“I feel it in my bones,” said she, talking over the telephone to Cathalina, “that the boys are not far away. We got the telegram Tuesday, you know, and your people had just heard, and then the boys had started. I don’t see how it could take more than three or four days. Do you suppose they can be at camp?”
“They might be, but Mother is expecting Phil either tomorrow or Sunday. She has given orders for all the good things that Philip likes to eat, and such spreads as we’ll have for the next few days!”
“Here, too. Well, I suppose it takes a long time to move so many troops and we must be patient.”
“Yes, but you come over tomorrow and stay all day and the next. If you are here we shall have Phil in the house just that much more! Mother told me to ask you to come.”
“All right, Cathalina, I’ll be over in the morning.”
“Better bring all the clothes you want, for Phil will not want you out of his sight.”
“Oh, he could drive me home.”
“Yes, and then we wouldn’t have him.”
“I see. By the way, little sister, have you any overseas news since you came home?”