“The longer I know Grace Harlowe the prouder I am to be her friend,” said Elfreda slowly.
“That is the way we all think about Grace,” was Sue Emerson’s quick return. “You and Miriam are especially lucky in having her for a chum.”
The four young women talked on until a long, clear trill announced the return of the other half of the exploring party. “Where, oh, where, are the mastodon’s bones?” called out Sara Emerson jeeringly, as soon as Emma Dean came within hailing distance and empty-handed.
“Buried out of sight and as hard as stones,” came Emma’s rhymed rejoinder.
“How do you know how hard they are if they’re buried out of sight!” scoffed Sara as Emma came up beside her.
“Mere supposition, my child, mere supposition.”
The strollers had now reached the impromptu camp and were smiling over the exchange of words on the part of Emma and Sara.
“It was a delightful walk,” declared Grace. “I’d like to spend two or three days in these woods.”
“Stay over another week and do it,” tempted Elfreda.
“I can’t.” Grace shook her head regretfully. “I must spend one week at home before I leave for Overton, and I simply must be at Overton, and in Harlowe House, at least a week before it opens. There are so many things to be done. Thank goodness, I’ll have Emma to help me this year. Last fall I felt as lonely as a shipwrecked mariner when I landed on the station platform at Overton. Then I heard Emma Dean’s voice behind me. I truly believe that was the pleasantest surprise of my life.”