By ten o’clock the grounds were jammed with visitors. Penny knew that her father must have arrived for the exercises, but although she searched everywhere, she could not find him. In roving about, she did meet Mr. Blake, who pretended not to see her.
How matters had been arranged, the girls did not know. However, promptly at ten-thirty, the dedication exercises began, exactly as scheduled. Mr. Blake occupied the platform with other members of the board, and at the proper time made a brief and rather curt speech.
“Everything seems to have turned out rather well,” Louise remarked in relief. “Mr. Blake may not be such a bad sort after all.”
“Don’t you believe it,” Penny returned. “He’s just clever enough never to put himself in a bad light if he can help it. I only hope Mrs. Van Cleve didn’t give in to him and sign another cheque.”
Following the dedication exercises, a portion of the crowd dispersed, but many persons remained to enjoy picnic lunches. Penny and Louise ate their own sandwiches, and then watched the orphans at play.
“The new camp director seems very efficient,” Louise remarked, her gaze upon a young man who supervised the children.
Presently, as the girls watched, the camp supervisor announced that he would take several boys and girls for a sail on the river. The boat, a twelve-foot dinghy, had been the gift of a well-to-do Riverview department store owner.
Immediately there was a great clamor from the children, for everyone wanted to take the first ride.
“Only six may go,” the director said, and called off the names.
Penny and Louise wandered down to the water’s edge to watch the loading of the boat. Adelle had been one of the orphans chosen, and they waved reassuringly to her.