“Mrs. Hollister,” said he, “I’ve been here only one week, but I already feel that I’m another man. It’s splendid for both boy and girl. It’s a boon to be able to get away from city people and fashionable resorts. Nan has put up a big fight and, Ethel, she’s coming out to see you next month,” he said.
“Oh, how lovely! Kate, hear this: Nannie Bigelow is coming here to see us next month.”
“I shall be here until the middle,” said Harvey, “and she’ll go home with us. I’ve an aunt in Springfield and she’ll go there for a visit first. After that she’ll come on here and spend a few days if you girls want her to.”
“I’m so glad,” said Ethel, and she ran to tell her mother.
Teddy Kip was a handsome lad of about eighteen. Immediately Patty Sands suggested that he must see everything, so she took him off under her wing. The rest sat on the ground while Harvey related several anecdotes and funny experiences that had befallen his patrol since they came to Camp.
“Now you must stay and dine with us,” said Kate. “Our cooking may not surprise you, as it is the Scouts’ way as well, but we’ll give you a change—a shore dinner. Father sent up some very fresh clams. We’ll steam them, and we’ll have roasted potatoes, corn, and broiled chicken, a little salad and a ripe watermelon to finish.”
“Well, I declare—’pon my word, one might imagine himself in Rhode Island. We’ll stay,” and he smacked his lips.
“Nora, will you take Mr. Bigelow and show him our cellar. And the boys—perhaps they’ll help us to prepare our meal,” said Kate.
The young fellows were delighted to help the girls. Nora arose slowly and Harvey followed.
Kate remarked to Ethel that Nora had changed so since her mother’s death and asked her if she had noticed it.