Vacation arrived. Ethel had acquitted herself well, and her examinations were excellent. She and her mother began making preparations to go West.
This time it was Grandmother and Mrs. Hollister whose wardrobes needed replenishing. Ethel bought for herself two new suits and some blouses. She had actually outgrown hers of the preceding summer.
"My dear, I am spending very little money now," said Mrs. Hollister, "and
I'm going to put some by for your trousseau."
Ethel laughed merrily.
"Why, Mother, where's the man?"
"Never mind," replied her mother, "he'll come."
"Mother, you're a born matchmaker!" exclaimed the girl. "I wish you had had other daughters."
"Heaven forbid!" ejaculated Mrs. Hollister with a funny little smile.
"One is enough."
"Is that intended for a compliment?" laughed the girl. "If so it's a doubtful one."
During the month of May, Harvey would invite her to go horseback riding up to Van Cortlandt Park. They had to make it Saturdays, as that was Ethel's only free day. They usually started early. On the country roads the apple and peach blossoms were like pictures. To the girl they brought back the previous spring at Aunt Susan's, and especially the morning when she had revealed to Ethel the sad story of her married life. On one of these excursions the girl related it to Harvey.