“I propose we adjourn,” said the excited Priscilla, “and go down and tell the news to Aunt Nan and Mr. Hunter. That is, if there’s no more business,” she added, looking toward the president.
The president declared the meeting adjourned, and they started homeward. By a large spruce they stopped for a moment. The ground beneath the tree was a garden, glad with blossoming flowers. Virginia’s gray eyes looked at them, then sought the distant mountains.
“I never thought,” she said softly, “that I’d love to come up here the way I do. Of course I know Jim isn’t here. He’s gone on to make others happy 160 Somewhere Else. But I like to remember how we used to climb up here and look off at the country. He always loved it so. I used to be so lonely without him, but now I’m glad—glad he’s having all the wonderful things that just must happen after we—go on! That’s why I like William’s flowers so! They’re so glad, too!”
“I like William for taking such good care of them,” said Mary. “I saw him coming up here yesterday with his garden tools.”
“William!” cried Virginia gladly. “Why, William’s always been next best to Jim!”
CHAPTER XI
“EVER VIGILANT”
“There’s no reason in the world why more than three of us should go back,” said Virginia. “I know just exactly where she left it. It’s on the table just back of the jars of raspberries. All right, Vivian, if you insist and are sure you’re not too tired. It’s all of six miles there and back, you know. It’s not a bit necessary, Carver, but we’d love to have you come if you want to. Sagebrush Point, Don—at the open place? All right, we’ll be there.”