"Say, what's the matter with that! Isn't it great?" cried she, impatiently.
"Who wants to camp on a farm?" said Nita, derisively.
"You were crazy to go there last summer—since when have you changed your mind?" asked Zan, frowning.
"A camp's not a camp unless it is the wilderness, and you certainly can't claim that for your old farm," pouted Nita.
"My dears, I wish to say a word about the offer," interceded Miss Miller. "I think the doctor's offer at this opportune time is splendid! Hilda was saying just before you came in, Zan, that she didn't see where she could earn enough money to pay her fare to the Adirondacks and back this summer. And Mrs. Marsh won't consent to Elena's going so far away. She's worried for fear Elena will become ill and need her. Then, too, girls, I would rather not spend so much of my salary on car-fare this season, as I have had extra expenses to carry for my mother's illness this spring."
"Have you thought of anything else, Miss Miller?" asked Jane, who seemed to be as pleased with Zan's idea as any other.
"Not yet, for Zan told me this noon before school that she had a place just made to order for us. Woods, water, gardens and all that heart could desire! I suspected the location of this Eden so did not try to find anything else until after this meeting."
"If Elena's mother doesn't want her to go too far off, the farm will be just the place for her," said Zan.
"But, Zan, I don't want mother popping in on us all summer just as we get interested in swimming or climbing. She'd make me come out of the water and roll myself in hot blankets to keep off a chill!" complained Elena, dolorously.
The girls laughed sympathetically, for they all knew of Mrs. Marsh's fears and foibles.