Leaning over, the older woman gave Tory a sudden, unexpected embrace. Demonstration was unusual with her.
“You flatter and scold in the same breath, Tory. I am glad you think I am prettier. No woman ever grows too old or too sensible not to wish to hear this compliment.
“Now I am convinced I hear our visitors; please open the front door, if I am not to be allowed to do it.”
An hour later eight girls, their hostess and Sheila Mason, the Scout Captain, were seated close together, facing the log fire.
“I think you might tell your dream now, Tory,” Miss Frean suggested, half amused and half serious.
“My dream?” Tory answered, bright spots of color showing in her ordinarily pale cheeks. “I studied the background of my dream on the long winter night when I stayed here alone awaiting Memory Frean’s return.”
CHAPTER V
CHRISTMAS EVE
NOT long after, the Christmas holidays began. Any number of entertainments would be given in Westhaven in which the Girl Scouts of the Eagle’s Wing would be included. One evening they intended to make peculiarly their own.
In several homes in the village they felt perfectly privileged to hold their meetings, to give parties, or do whatever the occasion required.