“I didn’t know you’d all be here,” said Crullers, hesitating. “Hello, Polly.”
Polly kissed her, and seated her next herself at the table, close to the pitcher of lemonade, for she knew the surest way to Crullers’ heart.
“We expected you,” she said, just as if all of the girls had signified their intention of adopting Crullers into their new circle. “Now I think we may proceed with the business of the afternoon. I want to read a letter to you girls, first. It came from my Aunt Milly last week.” Polly paused, and smiled, as she always did when she mentioned the bevy of aunts who watched over her from a distance. “Aunt Milly is grandfather’s youngest daughter, and she’s a dear. She lives in Boston, or at least just outside, in Newton Centre, and she’s married and has four boys.”
“What are their names?” asked Sue, promptly.
“It doesn’t matter, for they will not be there,” answered Polly, firmly. “Here’s her letter.” And she read it aloud.
“My Dear Polly:
“I am writing this hastily, on the eve of our sailing for London town. Your Uncle Thurlow was compelled to go abroad this summer on business, and offered to take the boys also, so we are all going to join him in London. It has occurred to me that if you and father have not already made summer plans, you would enjoy yourselves at Eagle Bay. Lost Island has been the boys’ favorite outing place for years, and I am sure you would like it. It is on the coast of Maine, not far from Bar Harbor, but somewhat out of the summer tourist’s beaten track. If you get tired of roughing it in the boys’ bungalow on the island, you could stop at the hotel on the main shore. But if you care for the open, there is a good camp outfit down there, and some boats, and perhaps you might turn it into something worth while.
“It is not really an island, except when the tide comes in. There is a neck of land that connects it with the main shore at low tide. The boys wish me to add that the Captain will show you about everything, and that he and Tom have the yachts down at their landing. I hope you will go, and spend a happy vacation.
“Lovingly always,
“Aunt Milly.”