When the nine o'clock bell rang the visitors promptly rose to go, nor were they detained by any overwhelming entreaties to prolong their stay.
"Of all the sticks," began Ned, when they were at a safe distance.
"Hush, Neddie, Rosabel is being properly brought up," interrupted Mrs.
White with more smiles than frowns.
"Properly! Save the mark! And if I had been a girl would you have done that to me? I did hope that Dorothy might be made comfortable here for some time, but if that is contagious I'll take her home myself. A case like that must be fatal," and Ned shook his head seriously.
"And her cheeks?" asked Nat, "what do you call that?"
"The very best," replied Tavia, "I know that kind is two dollars an ounce. I saw it in Rochester."
"Then we'll fix her out at camp," decided Nat. "We will put up some kind of a game that calls for a face wash and a forfeit. If Rosy objects I'll get the boys to wash it for her."
"Oh, that would be rude," insisted Dorothy.
"Not for campers," insisted the unquenchable Nat, "It might be for ministers, but not for campers."
It was not late enough to leave the porch, so the talk drifted to
Dalton matters.