Thus Mrs. Vernon was given a chance to be heard. “Are we to remain in Chicago for any length of time, Gilly, or do we take a train from here to-day?”
“We leave here this evening at eight on the Santa Fé; I have the railroad and Pullman tickets in my pocket. All you will have to do between now and then is to amuse me,” replied Mr. Gilroy.
“How about taking you for a nice dry walk out on Lake Michigan, as you suggested in your letter of instructions,” giggled Julie.
“Or better still, give you a deep-sea bath up in North Chicago in the vicinity of Edgewater Beach,” added Joan.
“I’ve had both those constitutionals this morning, thank you,” returned Mr. Gilroy instantly.
“Well, then,” declared Mrs. Vernon, “we ought to take you to luncheon and see how much you can eat for the money we are willing to spend on you.”
“Now! that’s more to my fancy,” retorted Mr. Gilroy. “I’ll never refuse an invitation to eat. But, then, you know that, after having hiked the Rockies in my company last summer.”
Mr. Gilroy, as he spoke, escorted the scouts to the taxi-stand. They drove from the station and went along Michigan Boulevard to a well-known caterer’s and there enjoyed the luncheon. Although Mr. Gilroy had been the invited guest of the scouts he managed to turn the tables on them when the check was delivered by the waitress. In spite of all protests, he paid the bill and then laughed at the would-be hostesses.
After leaving the restaurant, Mr. Gilroy secured a large seven-passenger car and took the scouts for a sight-seeing trip. They passed the Museum and Public Library, and then drove up the Lake Shore Drive to Lincoln Park. At the Edgewater Beach hotel they stopped for afternoon tea.
“As this is the last chance you have for the summer to enjoy the social cup, I advise you to make the most of it,” suggested Mr. Gilroy, as he led his party out upon the vast balcony that extends over the Lake.