The Greycliff Girls in Camp

by Harriet Pyne Grove

“Look at the place on the menu; O, that’s the jelly, to be sure.”

“‘Truant’s Delight’ must be the ice-cream, and Virginia sauce must be something we have over it and called in honor of Virgie!”

Just before the courses were served, the councillors in a long line, with their giddy postage stamp caps and ruffled aprons, sang a brief song beginning, “O, we are the councillors gay, tra-la,” and were greeted with the hearty applause of appreciation and given, both collectively and individually, the “rah-rahs” of Merrymeeting. But ah, those plates of fried chicken, mashed potato and hot rolls! And the platters of steaming corn, served because of its popularity. From bouillon to salted almonds and candy, the refreshments seemed to be a success and the councillors saw to it that each girl had all she wanted. The hour was early, even if dinner was a trifle late.

More than one heart beat a little faster when the table which held the three cups and little packages marked with different names was moved to the center. Chairs were moved back and turned to face in the right direction. The head councillors, in a brief speech full of charm and sincerity, spoke of the camp ideals and of what these prizes would represent, then began to call the names and present to each the prize which she had worked for and won. Not all could win distinction. Some girlish hopes were bound to be disappointed, either when expectation was greater than the facts warranted, or when the contest was so close that no one could tell how the vote would turn.

Hilary won the ring; Lilian, Cathalina, Eloise and Isabel, pins. Hilary’s record was unblemished by any tardiness or absence. She had identified birds and flowers, taken the hikes, climbed Mt. Washington, and had been so generally helpful and well liked that some of the girls had voted for her to have the senior cup. Lilian had won the tennis tournament, and Cathalina had won second place, having vanquished all her opponents but Lilian. Isabel, in addition to a long list of activities, had won the swimming meet. Eloise, like Lilian, had been especially good with the musical affairs, and had made points in all lines. Both musical notes and a paddle for canoeing were on her headband, with the usual symbols. Betty had not quite enough points for a pin, but received arm band and diamond.

The suspense was great when it came to awarding the honor cups to the girls who had been considered and voted the best campers. Frances of the seniors, Charlotte Young of the intermediates, a sweet girl, whose election was practically unanimous, and little June Lancaster of the juniors, were announced. June was quite overcome and went forward for her trophy in great trepidation, while Hilary beamed with pride in her little sister. The girls in excited groups gathered to see the prizes of those who had won them, and then gradually left the dining hall, looking back to see the prettily decorated tables and the tired, but happy councillors who were about to consume the rest of the chicken!

The great event was over. Packing and leave-taking were close at hand. A few days more saw the girls on the eve of their final departure. Many times had they floated away from the little dock, but always to return.

The house party planned by Cathalina was really to be carried out. The girls’ trunks were to go by train to New York, but Mrs. Van Buskirk and Philip were to meet them with the big car in Bath, whence by easy stages they would travel to the Van Buskirk home. Cathalina, Lilian, Hilary, Betty, Campbell and Philip were the young people of the party. Philip and Campbell would drive the car by turns.

At last all were ready. The boats were waiting. A bright sun had shone out, after a dark morning, to render the last pictures of Merrymeeting things of beauty and a joy forever. As the boats moved off, there was waving of many hands to the few campers left standing upon the dock.

An unexpected hush fell upon the girls in the Aeolus, and to Isabel’s great surprise she felt a lump in her throat and several tears trickling down her cheeks. Two or three of the girls were openly crying.