CHAPTER XVII
THE RETURN
The entire house party was down at the landing to meet the little boat which was to bring the Camp Fire guardian back to the "House by the Blue Lagoon."
She was seen standing on the deck looking younger and slighter than ever with Miss Patricia Lord's tall, gaunt figure beside her.
The instant the boat reached the shore, after receiving an enthusiastic welcome, Alice Ashton and Vera Lagerloff took Miss Patricia by the arm in an effort to separate her from the others, while Bettina, Sally, Mary Gilchrist, Marguerite Arnot and the two younger girls, Elce and Maida, surrounded Mrs. Burton.
Mrs. Graham seized the opportunity to whisper as she kissed her friend.
"Hail, the conquering hero comes, Polly!" to have the other woman murmur:
"Oh, do be careful, please, Betty. I'll tell you everything when we are alone. You don't know what I have been through and how little like a conqueror I feel."
Then Mrs. Graham left her and supplanted Alice by Miss Patricia's side.
"Don't you think Polly is looking pretty well, Aunt Patricia?"