"Oo dot any tandy?"
And he laughed with them as Grace produced some chocolates in a bag. And no one remarked on her failing—that time, at least.
Paul was soon in bed, having made many promises not to offend again. Then Will went back with Amy, Mr. Blackford escorting Betty and Grace, who lived near each other. The girls promised to meet again next day, but this was hardly necessary, since scarcely a day passed that they were not together—"inseparables," they had been dubbed.
Of course for the next few days little was talked of except the prospect of going to the winter camp. From the parents of the three, tentative permission had been wrung, Grace's father and mother being much in favor of her making the trip.
"Her lungs are none too strong," Mr. Ford had said to his wife, "and the winter in the pine woods will do her good."
"If only there is no danger!"
"Danger! Nonsense!" Mr. Ford had exclaimed.
But he did not know what was in prospect, or he might not have been so positive. Even as it was, a few days later brought unpleasant news to him.
He had been in correspondence with the old lumberman and his wife, and had practically arranged for them to take charge of the camp, and look after the girls, who would occupy one of the large cabins, if they went to the woods. Then came a letter from a brother lawyer who was looking after some details of the receivership.
"By Jove! That makes it bad!" exclaimed Mr. Ford on reading this communication.