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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 14169 ***
+
+           Ethel Hollister's Second Summer as a Campfire Girl
+
+                        By IRENE ELLIOTT BENSON
+
+                                 1912
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+SYNOPSIS OF PRECEDING BOOK
+
+      I--ETHEL'S PLANS
+
+     II--ETHEL ENTERS COLLEGE
+
+    III--ETHEL AND HARVEY BECOME FIRM FRIENDS
+
+     IV--ETHEL'S SECOND TRIP
+
+      V--CAMP AGAIN
+
+     VI--UNCLE JOHN'S
+
+    VII--MRS. HOLLISTER'S VISIT TO CAMP
+
+   VIII--THE SCOUTS ARRIVE
+
+     IX--NORA GIVES SERVICE
+
+      X--A HEROINE
+
+     XI--BREAKING UP OF CAMP AND A SURPRISE
+
+    XII--MATTIE MAKES GOOD
+
+   XIII--JUDGE SANDS AND KATE MARRY
+
+    XIV--A BIRTHDAY PRESENT
+
+     XV--MRS. HOLLISTER ENTERTAINS
+
+    XVI--CHRISTMAS EVE
+
+   XVII--CHRISTMAS DAY
+
+  XVIII--ANOTHER SURPRISE
+
+    XIX--MR. CASEY BUYS A HOUSE
+
+     XX--ARCHIBALD'S CHANGE FOR THE BETTER
+
+
+
+
+SYNOPSIS OF PRECEDING BOOK
+
+
+Ethel would have never become a Camp Fire Girl excepting for her
+great-aunt Susan.
+
+Susan Carpenter was her Grandmother Hollister's only sister, living in
+Akron, Ohio. Her family consisted of Mr. Thomas Harper and herself. Tom's
+parents had been her friends, and when they were taken Aunt Susan legally
+adopted him and his little brother Fred, but the younger one died before
+graduating, while Tom went through college and was now a rising young
+lawyer.
+
+Aunt Susan Carpenter was a philanthropist. At the time of her adopting
+the boys she was reputed to be a millionaire. She gave her beautiful home
+to the city for an Asylum for partially insane people and endowed it with
+fifty thousand dollars, after which the leading men in town raised fifty
+thousand more, thereby making it self-supporting. She was also on the
+board of managers of many other charities, and was adored by her
+townspeople.
+
+Four years previous to her visit to New York, she had lost every penny of
+her immense fortune,--lost it through the rascality of a large and well
+advertised concern calling itself the "Great Western Cereal Company." The
+whole thing was a rotten affair from the first and was floated by ten
+unscrupulous men who after obtaining all the money they could fled from
+the country before the exposure came; that is, save three, one of whom
+was arrested while the other two committed suicide. Aunt Susan wrote
+nothing of it to her sister lest it should worry her, and as she had
+never met her nephew's family in New York, and they knowing no one in
+Akron, they were in ignorance of the change in Aunt Susan's affairs and
+still thought her a wealthy woman.
+
+Mrs. Archibald Hollister--Ethel's mother--was worldly and ambitious;
+not so much for herself as for her daughter. Grand-mother Hollister,
+whose husband had belonged to one of New York's oldest families, owned
+the house in which they lived, free and clear. It was an old-fashioned
+brown-stone affair near Riverside Drive. Archibald, her son, paid the
+taxes in lieu of rent, but as his salary was only three thousand a year
+it was extremely difficult to make both ends meet, and Grandmother had no
+money save what was in the house. But Mrs. Archie was clever. She could
+make a dollar do the work of five. With her own hands she would fashion
+for Ethel the most dainty and up-to-date gowns, wraps, hats, etc.,
+imaginable.
+
+The Hollisters kept but one maid. She always appeared trim and tidy, yet
+she did the entire housework. Upon the days that Mrs. Archie gave bridge
+parties or afternoon teas for Ethel's young friends, she hired two extra
+girls who had been so perfectly trained that the guests never once
+doubted but that they were part of the household--allowing to Mrs.
+Archie's clever management.
+
+Ethel attended a fashionable school costing her father more money than he
+could afford, but she met there the very best class of girls and really
+formed for herself the most desirable acquaintances. Her mother scrimped
+and saved in every way possible, while the guests who came to the
+old-fashioned house with its handsome antique furniture and portraits
+were wont to declare that "the Hollisters were certainty aristocratic and
+of blue blood, as their house showed it--so severe and yet elegant." So
+Mrs. Archie felt that the Hollister name alone should procure for Ethel a
+monied husband, and she held it constantly before the girl. She must
+associate only with those in the "upper circle," and marry a man who
+could give her a "fine establishment."
+
+Among Ethel's school friends was a girl--Nannie Bigelow by name--of
+whom she was very fond. Nannie had a brother in Yale whom she (Ethel)
+disliked. He was a member of the ultra fashionable set and was desirous
+of making a wealthy match, as his family as well had little but their
+name. One of his sisters had married a titled man and lived abroad. It
+was Mrs. Hollister's ambition to have Ethel like Harvey Bigelow, although
+she knew that he had as little money as she. She tried to adjust things
+satisfactorily, and being a clever woman she hit upon a plan which we
+shall reveal later. Of course, the girl was only sixteen and must first
+graduate. Ethel, who had imbibed many of her mother's fallacies, did not
+openly rebel. She was quite a little snob in her way, nor did she realize
+what the family daily sacrificed for her, although her heart smote her
+when she saw how her father was aging, for she adored him; nor were her
+eyes opened until after she had joined the Camp Fire.
+
+Grandmother Hollister had two sons, John and Archie. Kate Hollister was
+the daughter of the former. They lived in Columbus, Ohio, and Kate had
+been invited to visit her New York relatives. She was a tall, handsome
+girl much older than Ethel, for she was over thirty. Kate was the
+Guardian of a company of eight Camp Fire Girls called the "Ohio." She had
+told her grandmother and Ethel all about the new movement one evening,
+and Ethel who loved the romantic side of camping out was crazy to have
+Kate obtain permission from her mother to let her join, as her father had
+said that she might visit Columbus that coming summer. But lo! when she
+spoke to Mrs. Archie--or Aunt Bella--about it she was politely snubbed.
+When Kate tried to explain how wonderful was the organization and what
+benefit a girl--especially a delicate girl like Ethel--could derive from
+belonging, the lady sneered and likened it to the Salvation Army and
+forbade her guest from mentioning it to the girl or even speaking of it
+in her presence. But alas! the deed had been done and Ethel knew of it;
+but while in New York Kate had refrained from again touching on the
+subject. At that time an aunt of one of Ethel's schoolmates had formed a
+company and many of the swell set had joined. Ethel longed to belong but
+dared not offend her mother.
+
+Now for Mrs. Hollister's plan. She suddenly conceived the idea of
+inviting Aunt Susan on for a visit, supposedly to give Grandmother a
+chance to see her only sister once more, but in reality to have Ethel
+ingratiate herself with the old lady, thereby causing her to leave the
+girl the bulk of her fortune. Ethel read between the lines and at first
+refused, but after listening to her mother for a while and thinking
+perhaps she was right, she allowed herself to promise to further the
+plan.
+
+Aunt Susan was a woman with fine eyes and teeth, as well as a charming
+manner, but her style of dressing dated back to the eighties--full
+skirts, flat hats with strings, beaded plush dolmans, etc. Ethel was
+ashamed to be seen with her but she had promised to help and she had to
+do her share. In the meanwhile her mother had spread the report that Aunt
+Susan was a millionaire and that Ethel was to have her fortune at her
+death. Everyone fell in love with Aunt Susan and ascribed her peculiar
+dressing to the eccentricities of a wealthy woman.
+
+Mrs. Hollister's joy knew no bounds when Aunt Susan invited Ethel to
+return with her to Akron. Her scheme was beginning to work. Ethel was a
+lovely girl. Aunt Susan would grow fond of her and the fortune was
+assured. Besides, as it would cost a small fortune to take Ethel to a
+fashionable summer resort, Mrs. Archie could save money for the winter.
+But, accompanying the invitation, Aunt Susan requested that during July
+and August, Ethel might join her other grand niece's "Camp Fires" and
+live in the woods. "It will be the making of your girl," she added,
+"as now she looks thin and peaked."
+
+At first Mrs. Archie indignantly refused. She almost felt that she had
+been trapped, but Aunt Susan met every objection and even told the lady
+that she feared she was shallow and an unnatural mother to refuse to
+consider her daughter's health. Mrs. Archie dared not let Aunt Susan know
+that she considered the whole organization conspicuous and common, nor
+that she did not wish Ethel to learn to do the work of a servant, etc.,
+or run the risk of meeting girls of humble origin. So after some sharp
+rebukes administered to her by the old lady on the sin of worldliness
+and the fact that she was not doing a mother's duty by her daughter, she
+consented, mentally declaring that she would see that Ethel should forget
+all about it on her return.
+
+While visiting Aunt Susan and living in Camp in a truthful atmosphere
+Ethel Hollister began to change. She saw how the old lady was beloved.
+She heard on every side of the good she had done, and when one day Aunt
+Susan told her that she had been a wife and mother, and what she had
+suffered at the hands of a brutal husband, she was spellbound. For years
+she had been deserted, but when one day he was supposed to be dying she
+was sent for that he might beg her forgiveness. She went and found that
+for four years he had been stone blind and that he had sunk so low that
+she shrank from the squalid house in which he was living. She took him
+away and stayed with him until his death, making the last days of his
+life more bearable.
+
+As the girl listened and thought of the old lady's goodness and how she
+was visiting her and making over her old gowns, hats, etc., into
+fashionable ones to ingratiate herself for an object she saw herself as
+she was--a hypocrite--and she fell on her knees to Aunt Susan confessing
+everything and begging her forgiveness, whereupon the old lady took her
+in her arms and told her that she knew everything--that Grandmother and
+she had made up their minds that Ethel might lose her worldliness under
+different environments. Then she told her of the loss of her fortune and
+the girl was glad, saying as she kissed her, "Now you know that I love
+you for yourself, Aunt Susan."
+
+Ethel liked Tom Harper. He was a fine young man. He supported Aunt Susan
+and gave her a liberal allowance but she banked nearly all of it, as she
+told Ethel "to have something at her death to leave to those whom she
+loved."
+
+After visiting her Uncle John's family, whom she liked at once, Kate,
+Ethel, and the eight girls started for Camp. It was situated in a stretch
+of woods on the banks of the Muskingum river. One of the girls--Patty
+Sands--became Ethel's chum. She was motherless and the only child of
+Judge Sands, ex-congressman of Ohio, and greatly respected. The rest of
+the girls were also congenial save two--one a Mattie Hastings, whom Ethel
+avoided saying that her eyes were too close together. Mattie's parents
+were poor people but she was one of Kate's Sunday School class and has
+asked to be allowed to join the "Ohios." The other girl was a large,
+raw-boned Irish girl, or rather of Irish parentage. Her voice was shrill
+and unpleasant, while her hair was black and her eyes dark blue and
+lovely, her face was covered with freckles and she dressed loudly and in
+bad taste. Pat Casey--her father---was one of the wealthiest men in town.
+He was a contractor and an honest, respectable man, but his wife was
+a pusher, trying to bluff her way into society. She was ignorant and
+disagreeable. People refused to receive her. Nora had been only half
+educated at a convent. Mrs. Casey, hearing of the Camp Fire Girls,
+bethought herself that it would be an opening for Honora, so she boldly
+called upon Miss Kate and asked--yes, begged--that Nora might belong; and
+Kate, who was kind-hearted, received the girl to the great joy of Mrs.
+Pat. Having been born in the old country, both parents spoke with a
+brogue. Occasionally, from association, Nora would use it; then she would
+stop suddenly, turn red, and speak perfect English. Ethel disliked her
+even more than she did Mattie.
+
+One day as she was helping wash dishes she lost a valuable diamond ring.
+It had been her Grandmother's engagement ring and she was heart-broken.
+Although they searched everywhere no trace of it could they find, but as
+they were walking up the hill a week or so afterwards they thought they
+saw Mattie Hastings through the trees. They called as a jest, "We've seen
+you and you're discovered--come out!" Whereupon someone shrieked, and
+proceeding to the spot they found Mattie lying upon the ground. She had
+walked in the sun and had started to run and had fallen over some stumps.
+Instantly they saw that she had been prostrated by the heat, and having
+recently studied "First aid to the injured" they proceeded to remove her
+blouse and open her corset, when lo! there upon a silver chain around her
+neck was not only Ethel Hollister's ring but another belonging to Honora
+Casey. She had missed it a few days after Ethel had lost hers, but she
+wisely refrained from speaking of it to anyone but Patty Sands, adding,
+"Shure, it would only be afther worryin' Miss Kate, and it might turn up.
+I'll bide me time."
+
+Mattie, upon recovering consciousness and seeing that her secret had been
+discovered handed the rings to Ethel saying that she should kill herself.
+The girls, seeing that she was desperate, replied that as one of their
+"seven laws" was to "render service," if she would confess why she had
+taken the rings they would shield her. Overjoyed, the girl did so. She
+told everything. She had done it for her young sister who had dislocation
+of the spine, whereby she might be converting them into money have the
+child placed in the Cripples Hospital and treated. A physician had
+assured her that the case was not incurable, and for two hundred dollars
+the child could be watched and nursed, and eventually her spine might be
+straightened. She said that since the accident that had made the child
+as she was, her mother had become a drug fiend. One evening her cousin--a
+young man who was a chauffeur--invited her mother to join a party and
+they took a joy ride. On their way home, being under the influence of
+wine, they knocked down and ran over a child near Mrs. Hasting's house.
+Letting her out, they sped quickly on for fear of arrest. Upon
+discovering that it was her own child, and what was worse, that from that
+night she was to be a hopeless cripple, the mother nearly went insane.
+Still she kept her secret and no one suspected that she had been one of
+the parties in the car. Her remorse drove her to take the drug. Under its
+influence she told Mattie. At that time the girl was earning six dollars
+a week, three of which she was paying to her mother, supposing her to be
+buying food for the invalid. When she discovered the truth she threatened
+her with exposure and tried to buy little Mollie nourishing delicacies
+herself, but three dollars would barely pay for the necessities of life,
+and she became discouraged and desperate. In the store she saw a customer
+drop her purse. She placed her foot upon it and when the lady had gone
+she picked it up. The purse contained forty dollars and some cards, etc.
+After depositing thirty-five dollars in the bank she took five and bought
+the child fruit, books, and ice cream. It seemed to put new life into
+Mollie. She took small articles from time to time, and pretending that
+they had been given her she sold them. Her remorse was terrible. She was
+unhappy. If only she could work harder and earn more. At that time she
+heard of the Camp Fire Girls--of the useful and wonderful things that
+they learned so that in time they became competent to demand and receive
+large salaries. She loved Miss Kate and asked her if she might join. Kate
+assented, and it was then that the girls first met her. Gradually the
+desire to collect the two hundred dollars for Mollie came back, and with
+it the temptation to steal. She took money from every girl. She was even
+willing, after placing Mollie in the Hospital, to go to prison, if only
+the child could be cured. She felt that some day she would be caught with
+the goods. She adored Miss Kate and took nothing from her. Finally she
+began taking jewelry to sell.
+
+This morning she was on her way to find a hiding place for the two rings
+and a diamond locket taken from another girl, when she heard Ethel and
+Patty call. Then she was sure that they had discovered her secret, and
+trying to run away she tripped and lost consciousness. "Now that I have
+told you all," she added, "your father--Judge Sands--will send me up,"
+and she sobbed piteously. Her grief was sincere. She had not stolen for
+herself. She had been desperate. Pity crept into the hearts of the two
+girls and they constituted themselves her friends. They made her replace
+the jewelry in Nora's and Edna's suit cases. They found the lady's card
+from whom she had taken the purse and had Mattie return the money and bag
+with a note withholding her name. They had her draw out the money
+obtained from the sale of the purloined articles and return it to the
+head of the Department Store saying that the things had been taken and
+sold under great provocation for a sick child, enumerating them and the
+prices, after which she felt happier, for she knew that the girls would
+remain her friends. "Some day," she said, "I may make good."
+
+Ethel wrote and got Aunt Susan interested in little Mollie. Being a
+manager of a Cripples School that lady at once placed her free of charge
+in one of the wards as a boarder and pupil. The resident physician
+said that in a year's time he should send her out cured. Poor Mr. and
+Mrs. Hastings were overjoyed, while Mattie's gratitude knew no way to
+express itself. She simply regarded Ethel and Patty with looks of
+adoration, while in time they overcame their prejudice, Ethel even
+kissing her goodbye.
+
+There had been wrought in Ethel Hollister a great change. Much of her
+pride and worldliness had dropped from her. She had gradually become an
+earnest believer in truth despising all subterfuges and shams.
+
+Upon her arrival home, Mrs. Hollister, while noting her new and splendid
+health, was appalled at the change. From an obedient child, easily
+convinced that no matter what her mother said was right, she had become
+a girl of great character with ideas of her own. Mrs. Hollister angrily
+denounced her mother-in-law and Aunt Susan, saying that it was their work
+and that her child, for whom she had slaved all of her life, had become
+wilful, stubborn and disobedient. "She even refuses to go into Society
+this winter. She talks of taking up low down settlement work. She'll
+end in becoming a suffragette, and standing on a soap box she'll address
+the street rabble, perhaps wearing a large bonnet and standing beside a
+kettle holiday time ringing a bell and holding out a tambourine,--a
+Salvation Army woman. Oh! what a fool I was to let her go away from my
+influence," and she sobbed,--"to toil and save for her to make a
+brilliant match. See the way she rewards me. Why did I bring into this
+world such an ungrateful child! It's all that wretched Camp Fire
+business."
+
+Then Ethel gently put her arm around her mother and told her that only
+since she had been a Camp Fire girl had she appreciated how hard she had
+worked for her. "I know, Mamma," she said, "how you and Papa, and even
+Grandmamma, have sacrificed for me. I see myself as I have been, (not as
+I am now)--a selfish, wicked girl, not even appreciating what you have
+done for me, and I am appalled. I am going to do for you now. I am going
+to see the roses come back into your cheeks and the wrinkles leave your
+pretty face. Uncle John is Papa's senior by ten years but he looks much
+younger--why? Because Papa is bent and worn getting money for me--for
+us to make a show on. Everything is sham, Mamma, and let us give it
+up--let us keep only friends who care for us ourselves and we shall be
+happier. I shall take you up to camp next summer. You can help us so
+much; you are so clever and can teach the girls. And as for a grand
+marriage for me, I'll promise never to marry at all unless you approve of
+the man, and I may make a better marriage than you dream of. So just let
+us be happy and natural and live within our means," and she took her
+sobbing mother in her arms.
+
+
+
+
+Ethel Hollister's Second Summer as a Camp Fire Girl
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+ETHEL'S PLANS
+
+
+The morning after Ethel had declared herself her mother came up to her
+room. She could see that Mrs. Hollister had not slept and her eyes were
+red from weeping. Ethel kissed her, saying:
+
+"Mamma, we are going to be very happy together--you and I. I don't want
+to disappoint you, dear, nor would I do so willingly; but I simply can
+not live as I've been living. Sit down and let us talk."
+
+Then she told of Aunt Susan,--of her kindness, unselfishness and
+self-sacrifice. She told of Mattie and how they had helped her, and
+of her Uncle John; of Patty and Judge Sands; and lastly of Kate and
+what a wonderful character she was.
+
+"Wait, dear, I want to show you my ceremonial gown," and she quickly
+slipped it on. The girl's hair was still hanging unbound, having slept in
+it that way, and she hooked about it her coronation band. Said her
+mother:
+
+"Well, I must say it is becoming. What a Pocahontas you would make in
+private theatricals!" she exclaimed with maternal pride; "But then, why
+should I speak of theatricals? You've given up all such things."
+
+"Why, Mamma," laughed Ethel, "I'm not going into a convent. I have given
+up nothing but the unreal part of life."
+
+"I suppose you'll tell everyone how poor we are, and how I have put you
+forward under false colors. Then people will despise me."
+
+"No, Mamma, I shall not do a thing to put you in any awkward position.
+Keep on. Give your teas for me if you wish,--even have the two extra
+maids. It costs very little and we have a social time; it cheers
+Grandmamma and there's no need to stop them. But this is what I shall
+not do: First I shall tell Harvey Bigelow that Aunt Susan was once a
+millionaire but that she lost all of her money. I shall tell of her
+wonderful gifts to Akron,--of her charities, and how well she is beloved,
+but that I shall inherit no money from her. Harvey will tell his mother
+and she'll spread the news. If people care any the less for us after
+hearing it, let them go; but I don't propose to tell what Papa's salary
+is, or that you--poor dear--sit until morning sewing for me,--a thing
+that I'm not going to allow you to do any longer.
+
+"Then I shall give up attending Madam's. Yes, don't start. Every bill
+Papa pays is a nail in his coffin, I know. Tomorrow I shall go to Barnard
+and try to pass an examination, and for one quarter what Madam charges I
+can get a sound and solid education, and were Papa to die I can leave
+with my teacher's diploma knowing something that will be of use to me.
+I could help support you and Grandmamma. What could I do were I forced
+to support myself after leaving Madam's. Why, an education such as her
+girls receive is of no earthly account unless for music or such
+accomplishments; but with a degree from Barnard I can earn good money.
+I am so glad that I am young and that I shall have a chance. You'll be
+proud of me, Mamma,--just wait and see," and she kissed her mother
+affectionately.
+
+They went down to breakfast. Archibald Hollister listened to his
+daughter's plans. He was proud of her and his face showed it.
+
+"You see, Papa," continued Ethel, "every penny is spent on me. Do you and
+Mamma ever go to a theatre? No. Do you ever take a drive? Never,--why?
+Because you can't spare the money. Now at least we shall be able to go
+to the moving picture shows and take Grandmamma. I bet you'd enjoy it,
+wouldn't you, Grandmamma? And, do you know, the best people go, and a
+quarter is the highest priced seat."
+
+The girl chatted on until the postman delivered the mail.
+
+"Oh! a letter from Kate. Let's see what news she has written," and she
+gave a gasp as she read the first page.
+
+"Poor Mrs. Casey died Saturday from pneumonia. Nora is heartbroken, and
+poor Pat Casey acts as though he knew not which way to turn. Nora looks
+really refined in black,--almost handsome. She loved Mrs. Casey, who in
+spite of her peculiarities was a good wife and mother. Later: Mr. Casey
+wishes to take Nora away. He suggested New York, so you may see her,
+etc."
+
+Then Ethel described Honora.
+
+"It is strange but I can never like that girl. There's something about
+her that's antagonistic to me, and yet when she comes here I must be
+polite and ask her to visit me."
+
+"If she's in mourning she'll not expect to meet people," said Mrs.
+Hollister quickly, "nor to go to any places of amusement, thank heavens."
+
+"Oh, she's very generous. Probably she'd invite us, Mamma. Well, poor
+Nora, she loved her mother. I'm sorry for her."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+ETHEL ENTERS COLLEGE
+
+
+The next morning Ethel Hollister walked up to Barnard and put in her
+application for admittance. The following week upon her first examination
+she failed, but she entered the class with conditions. The girl studied
+hard and soon made good.
+
+She liked the girls of her class. They were intelligent, athletic, and
+agreeable.
+
+Her former friends and companions from La Rue's declared that of
+late--in fact, since she had become a Camp Fire Girl--Ethel Hollister
+had developed fads. This Barnard was one. But as Ethel kept on
+steadily progressing in college, and she was so very young--not yet
+seventeen--people began to consider her a girl of great ability and
+intelligence. Mrs. Hollister grew to be proud of hearing her praised
+on every side and Archibald seemed less worried over money matters.
+She was rather glad that things had changed. Perhaps it was all for
+the best, and people would respect them no less.
+
+Grandmother never wearied of hearing her grandchild tell of her visit.
+"And to think," she'd say, "that Susan has had all the trouble she tells
+of and has made no sign. How gladly would I have helped her. Still, had
+I done so we would have had no house. Well, the Lord knows what's best.
+We could only have offered her a home. I'm glad the Insane Asylum was
+endowed and the boys educated before the crash came."
+
+Nora did not visit New York in the winter. She went South with her
+father. The girls--Kate and Ethel--corresponded, and in that way Ethel
+heard all of the news. The Judge came often and took Patty and Kate on
+long motor trips. Mattie was doing nicely. She was employed in a Woman's
+Exchange where she received twelve dollars a week and taught cooking and
+sewing. Mollie was improving daily. Mr. Hastings had a fine position with
+Judge Sands. Honora was away, but the rest of the girls were as usual.
+The Camp Fires met weekly and everyone missed Ethel, but no one missed
+her as did Aunt Susan. "Why," wrote Kate, "she says the light has gone
+out of her life, and Tom roams around disconsolate. But," she added, "you
+should see the up-to-date way in which he dresses. He is the pink of
+fashion, I tell you."
+
+Ethel laughed, and while reading would stop every now and then to
+explain.
+
+Then Ethel answered:
+
+"I have joined Miss Westcott's Camp Fire Girls, and if you believe it,
+Mamma goes with me. She doesn't like it, but she's a great help to me and
+to the girls, for she teaches them so much. She's consistent and it will
+take her some time to overcome her prejudices. Nanny Bigelow belongs,
+and Harvey takes us when Mamma can not go. By the way, Harvey seems
+quite interested in medicine, and after graduating he is going to study
+it. We call him 'Doctor' Bigelow.
+
+"Dorothy Kip's Day Nursery has proved a great success. It is the dearest
+little flat, and the babies are sweet. Dorothy's old woman is a great
+help, and I want you to know that Dorothy works hard. Why, she almost
+runs the place on contributions and her allowance, and the little ones
+are just as happy and comfortable as possible. She has books and toys,
+and we girls take turns in going in and reading to the elder children, as
+well as amusing the younger ones. That is a good charity, and Grandmother
+(Kate noticed that Ethel had begun to call Mrs. Hollister 'Mother' and
+the old lady 'Grandmother') goes nearly every pleasant day and takes
+flowers. She generally spends the afternoon with them, so in a small way
+Dorothy Kip is emulating Jane Addams. Who knows but some day she may be
+her equal,--Oh!"
+
+The second letter said:
+
+"I must tell you something. The other evening Harvey Bigelow called. You
+know I never liked him any more than I liked Mattie nor Nora. Now I like
+Mattie and I am beginning to like Harvey. I hope I shall change towards
+Nora, but I see no sign now. Well, Harvey began.
+
+"'Miss Ethel,' he said, 'I've determined to become a physician. I presume
+you've heard that, and I'm determined to become a good one, too. You may
+not know it, but I have always liked boys. I don't say that I dislike
+girls,--but I do like boys. (Harvey is developing a sense of humor.)
+When I visited my college chum--Joe Atkinson--this last summer, I was
+surprised to learn that he was the Scout Master to a troop of eight boys.
+He lives in Springfield, Illinois. I had a corking visit and a fine time
+with the kids, two of whom are his young brothers.
+
+"'Do you know, I became mightily interested in the movement. I have
+studied and watched it and I think it's the finest thing ever started.
+I came home quite enthusiastic and I talked of it to the two younger
+Kip boys and Alan McAllister,--Grace's brother. If you'll believe it,
+before I realized what I'd done, these boys had formed a troop and began
+to importune me to be the Scout Master of it. There's the two Kips, Tom
+Wilder (Sara Judson's cousin), a brother of Grace McAllister, Tommy
+Westcott, and my cousin, Jack Atwater, besides two other boys from the
+East Side Y.M.C.A. Miss Westcott, the Guardian of the Camp Fire Girls,
+asked that they might be allowed to join, making eight in all.'
+
+"I caught him by the hand and I said:
+
+"'Harvey Bigelow, I take off my hat to you. I never liked you so well in
+my life."
+
+"He blushed awfully and seemed embarrassed, but he simply said:
+
+"'Don't you think it about time that I became in earnest over something
+in life? The opportunity presented itself and I grasped it--that's all.'
+
+"Well, to make a long story short, several of these boys are desirous
+of going West next summer and spending their vacations instead of East,
+and he called to ask me about the Muskingum Camp. He is going there,
+Kate, and he'll be near us. I made him write to Mr. Adams--your father's
+man--who did everything for us, and ask him to reserve a place for the
+Scouts. I'm just wild for summer to come. I'm going to bring Mother and
+Grandmother. Grandmother will visit Aunt Susan, and Mother can spend her
+time between Aunt Susan's, your house, and the Camp. She doesn't say
+much but I really think the change is a relief to her--poor dear little
+mother. I was the selfish juggernaut who made her sacrifice everyone for
+me. I realize it now, and thank God it's not too late to mend.
+
+"I am doing finely at college. I should like to form from some of my
+class another Company of Camp Fire Girls, but the trouble is they are too
+busy with study. They say that they're worn out when summer comes and
+have to go away to rest, but they intend to join during their third year.
+Then it won't be such a continuous _grind_ as it is now.
+
+"I am so glad that I had the good sense to start in college. I intend to
+be self-supporting after I graduate. I consider it a glorious thing for
+an unmarried woman--don't you?
+
+"Well, dear, I must close. Kiss Uncle John, etc."
+
+That was great news for Kate--that Harvey Bigelow should have become a
+man. It was too good to be true. She sent the letter to Aunt Susan, whom
+she knew would be interested in it.
+
+"I tell you, Ethel is made of good stuff!" ejaculated Uncle John. "She
+was in the right church but in the wrong pew--that's all."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+ETHEL AND HARVEY BECOME FIRM FRIENDS
+
+
+Vacation arrived. Ethel had acquitted herself well, and her examinations
+were excellent. She and her mother began making preparations to go West.
+
+This time it was Grandmother and Mrs. Hollister whose wardrobes needed
+replenishing. Ethel bought for herself two new suits and some blouses.
+She had actually outgrown hers of the preceding summer.
+
+"My dear, I am spending very little money now," said Mrs. Hollister, "and
+I'm going to put some by for your trousseau."
+
+Ethel laughed merrily.
+
+"Why, Mother, where's the man?"
+
+"Never mind," replied her mother, "he'll come."
+
+"Mother, you're a born matchmaker!" exclaimed the girl. "I wish you had
+had other daughters."
+
+"Heaven forbid!" ejaculated Mrs. Hollister with a funny little smile.
+"One is enough."
+
+"Is that intended for a compliment?" laughed the girl. "If so it's a
+doubtful one."
+
+During the month of May, Harvey would invite her to go horseback riding
+up to Van Cortlandt Park. They had to make it Saturdays, as that was
+Ethel's only free day. They usually started early. On the country roads
+the apple and peach blossoms were like pictures. To the girl they brought
+back the previous spring at Aunt Susan's, and especially the morning when
+she had revealed to Ethel the sad story of her married life. On one of
+these excursions the girl related it to Harvey.
+
+"By George!" he ejaculated when she had finished, "that old lady is
+a sport and no mistake. She's all right. I imagined she was made of
+different stuff from other women, and do you know I sort of suspected
+that she hadn't all the money that your mother thought she had. She was
+too refined and showed good blood. Had she been so wealthy, from her
+dressing people might have taken her for a miser, and gentle folks are
+seldom misers. I thought that it was necessity that caused her to wear
+those old-fashioned clothes, so I argued that though Mrs. Hollister
+imagined her wealthy and that you were in a line to inherit her money
+there was a great mistake somewhere. But pshaw! as for that every mother
+is ambitious for her daughter. Why, my mother left no stone unturned
+until she had married Edith to Lord Ashurst, and I must admit that I was
+easily led by my mother. Why, I've been out for a rich wife ever since I
+left school; but, Ethel, I've changed. Now I propose to pay my bills with
+the money I earn, not with hers; nor shall I allow her to buy what she
+wears."
+
+"Does your mother realize how you feel?" asked Ethel, pushing her fair,
+curling locks from her eyes.
+
+"Bless you, yes. She and I had one long talk, and after it I tell you
+there was something doing in the Bigelow family; but Nannie who has lots
+of horse sense sided with me, and together we were too many for mother.
+She saw that it was up to her to make the best of it and she did, but
+like your mother she still cherishes her ambitions. Nan said to her:
+
+"'You have one daughter who has done the grand marriage stunt and she's
+some class. Do let us choose for ourselves."
+
+"What did your mother say to that?" laughed Ethel.
+
+"I think she boxed Nannie's ears and then apologized. She loses her
+self-control sometimes. Poor mother," and Harvey laughed. "Nannie has
+some temper, too, and don't you make any mistake."
+
+Ethel was beginning to have a real friendly feeling for Harvey. He asked
+many questions about her cousin Kate.
+
+"She rings true," he said. "I liked her from the first."
+
+"She _is_ true," replied Ethel. "You'll see her this summer, and I'm sure
+you'll like Uncle John and his wife. He's just a dear."
+
+Those were red letter days for Ethel. She enjoyed the air, the
+scenery, and the rides; and she enjoyed talking to Harvey, for now
+that he understood she could talk to him as though he were one of
+the family--without restriction and without embarrassment.
+
+"What puzzles me," said Ethel, "is the way our mothers argue. When they
+plan our marriages it's only money and position. Love never seems to
+enter into their heads. Oh! I grew so tired of it. Thank God it's over,
+and our family are now normal. Even Grandmother wished me to marry well.
+I had far rather be an old maid than to be tied to a man for whom I care
+nothing, and have to sit opposite and pour tea for him three hundred and
+sixty-five days in a year. Imagine the horrible monotony of that. I heard
+that advice given to a girl in a play and I never forgot it; and if only
+girls could be brought to realize beforehand the sin of it there would be
+fewer unhappy marriages."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+ETHEL'S SECOND TRIP
+
+
+The time arrived for the Hollisters to start. There were tears in
+Archibald Hollister's eyes as he kissed them goodbye at the train. Within
+the last year his life had been happier. He had seen more of his wife and
+had grown to love her better than he had since Ethel was a child. She and
+he were together nearly all of the time, and it was like reading over a
+forgotten love story.
+
+"Don't you worry, papa," said Ethel, patting his cheek. "We're going
+to keep well and have a lovely summer, and when you come up for your
+vacation you'll be like a boy again."
+
+"Yes, Archie," spoke up Mrs. Hollister "Be sure that Mirinda gives you
+good things to eat and has them well cooked. She'll have little else to
+do, and you go out and call on the Bigelows and Judsons. Take in the
+moving pictures and roof gardens. I'll trust you," she laughed, "but
+don't fail to write me three times a week, will you, telling me how
+things are going on. And don't let Mirinda's young man come to the house
+but once a week and on Sundays."
+
+"Remember everything," laughed Ethel.
+
+Grandmother kissed her son and murmured:
+
+"God bless you, Archie. I expect to take on a new lease of life."
+
+"Do mother," said the man, "we all need you."
+
+The trip was pleasant. The scenery was fine and the country looked as
+though it had been freshly swept and dusted, everything seemed so clean.
+Grandmother's eyes glistened with pleasure. They were to stop at Akron
+first, where they were to leave Grandmother, and after a visit of a week
+Ethel and her mother were to go on to Columbus and hence to Camp.
+
+As the train drew into the depot at Akron, there stood Tom with Aunt
+Susan, but what a metamorphosis! Tom just escaped being a fashionably
+dressed swell. He was too manly for that. He wore a blue serge suit,
+colored negligee shirt with tie to match, a Panama hat, and russet ties.
+His handsome face was so full of character that Mrs. Hollister whispered
+to Ethel:
+
+"What a remarkably distinguished looking man he is. You never told me of
+his being so."
+
+Ethel blushed when Tom took her up and kissed her as he might have done
+had she been his sister, and as for Aunt Susan, even Grandmother gazed
+at her with amazement. She was attired in a modish little automobile
+bonnet, close fitting and of grey, while her grey linen suit gave her
+an up-to-date air, for now, she proudly informed Ethel, Tom owned his
+own car.
+
+"Aunt Susan, you look out of sight," said Ethel, kissing her. "I never
+knew you."
+
+Mrs. Hollister was happy. Ethel had not half told her, and she was
+agreeably disappointed. They took their seats in the new and commodious
+car and soon reached the little house. The ingrain and rag carpets had
+disappeared. In their places were Oriental rugs. Striped red awnings
+shaded the windows and piazzas. The porch had been converted into the
+cosiest of lounging places with willow furniture, scarlet cushions, rugs,
+birds, plants, etc., as well as small tables filled with the latest
+magazines and Aunt Susan's sewing baskets. They had a hammock at either
+end, and altogether it was lovely. Mrs. Hollister simply raved over it
+and the artistic interior with its fine old furniture.
+
+"Ethel is responsible for this change," said Tom, removing his hat and
+wiping his handsome brow. "Last summer when she came here I dressed like
+a countryman, but in the most tactful manner she suggested high collars,
+different ties, and fairly talked my army hat right off my head, saying
+that I looked like a G.A.R. Little by little she's converted Aunt Susan
+into a fashionable woman. But how careless of me. Let me get you a cup of
+tea," he said to Mrs. Hollister, placing a table before her and a stool
+under her feet.
+
+He soon returned, bringing the tray and a plate of delicious jumbles.
+
+"You see," he continued, "Aunt Susan will not keep two girls, so I have
+to be waitress now and then. She is attached to Jane, who though is a
+good cook, but her trouble is she's set in her way and refuses to stay
+if we allow another girl to enter the house. We are handicapped, you
+see, for we can't spare Jane, nor could we replace her."
+
+Gradually he took Mrs. Hollister into his confidence and told her of
+his early life and of Aunt Susan's misfortunes. "But bless you," he
+continued, "the Lord is good to us. She'll never need a penny for my
+income is increasing and my practice is more than I can attend to. I
+should have a partner but she won't hear of my taking one. She is too
+cautious. So I have several young students who study law in my office
+and help me as well."
+
+Then he proceeded to extol Ethel.
+
+"Mrs. Hollister," he said, "she's a girl of wonderful character and
+she'll make a magnificent woman. I notice she's improved since she was
+here."
+
+"Yes, it's her college," replied her mother, "and the life at camp last
+summer. I must admit she knew more than I when she broke loose from my
+foolish and unwise influence. I was not fit to guide her, Mr. Harper,
+I realize it now."
+
+"Never mind, madam; it's to you she owes her beauty. Why, you and she
+look exactly like sisters," whereupon Mrs. Hollister capitulated to Tom
+Harper. She couldn't speak of him with enough enthusiasm and praise. She
+wrote pages to Archibald.
+
+"My dear, everyone says he'll yet be Governor, and while I wouldn't have
+you breathe it for the world I'm sure he's in love with Ethel. What a
+couple they'd make. Of course she has no suspicion of such a thing, nor
+would I hint it to her; but you wait and see."
+
+Mr. Hollister smiled as he read his wife's letter, and his heart was
+glad. He had known Tom Harper's father and had respected him highly.
+
+"Well," he thought, "this time Bella is on the right tack. I'll not
+interfere," and he softly whistled "Comin' Thro' the Rye."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+CAMP AGAIN
+
+
+"Aunt Susan, you've grown so young," said Ethel, "and as for Tom, well
+he's the glass of fashion and mould of form. He looks fine. Oh! I'm so
+glad to be back and to have Mother and Grandmother with me; and Father
+will be here soon. It seems like a dream--too good to be true. Hasn't
+Mother grown lovely?"
+
+"Never saw anything like the change," replied the old lady. "In fact,
+you've worked wonders in us all, my dear," she said. "Look at me. Why! I
+feel like an up-to-date fashion plate."
+
+Ethel laughed.
+
+"Yes, Madam, you're up-to-date all right and no mistake. I didn't know
+you that day at the depot."
+
+"I often wonder," continued the elderly woman, "if people think I'm
+putting on airs. Really, Jane told me of some woman who said 'old Mrs.
+Carpenter was mighty upraised, dressing like a young girl.' It's funny,
+isn't it, what dress will do. But I should look young for I'm so happy
+to have Alice here again, and to think that we shall be together all
+summer. I don't yet seem to realize it."
+
+"Did you notice how Grandmother cried as this house came to view,--her
+birthplace?"
+
+"No wonder. She hasn't been here," said Aunt Susan, "since Mother's
+funeral, I presume it brought it all back to her. Poor Alice! I ought
+not to say it, but Archie Hollister was not the man to make her happy.
+He ran through with nearly all of her money. It slipped through his
+fingers just like water, and I guess her life with his family was none
+too peaceful and happy. They had the name of being great fighters. Of
+course she has her recompense in John and Archibald--that's something.
+A woman needs peace. Now take your mother, for instance. Why has she
+grown young? Because she's quit worrying--that is the secret."
+
+"Yes, and when I think that she did it all for me--why, Aunt Susan,
+I can't lay up anything against her; I love her too well. She sees
+now how useless it all was. But what do you know about Harvey Bigelow?
+Isn't he developing into a fine man?"
+
+"He certainly is," replied Aunt Susan, "and I always liked him. He looked
+one squarely in the eye, and such a man can be trusted."
+
+"I don't know," answered Ethel, "of late everyone seems to be changing
+for the better. The whole world appears different to me. It makes me
+happy to see others happy," and the girl went out to call her mother and
+Tom in to tea.
+
+"I'm transferring my allegiance to your mother, young woman," said Tom.
+
+"I'm not a bit jealous," replied Ethel. "Mother is really more
+interesting to men than I, and what's more, she's always been. But
+hurry in; Jane will be furious if her biscuits grow cold."
+
+The two weeks passed only too quickly. They spent their days touring
+all over Ohio, so it seemed to Ethel, and at night the young people came
+in shoals to see her, while the grown-ups had bridge parties. Said Mrs.
+Hollister:
+
+"How hospitable and lovely these Westerners are. I had no idea that they
+were so refined."
+
+"What did you expect to meet, Mother?" laughed Ethel--"not cowboys?"
+
+"Susan," said Grandmother one morning, "I notice that you curl your hair.
+It's very becoming, I think."
+
+"Alice, you don't consider me too old, do you? Sometimes I wonder if I'm
+not sort of making a fool of myself, but Ethel got me in the way of it
+and I try to keep the front as fluffy as possible, for she asked me to.
+And I've another confession to make," said Aunt Susan. "Alice, I blue my
+hair--regular bluing water so as to keep it white. There now--what do you
+think of that?"
+
+"So do I, Susan," laughed her sister. "I've done it for several years. It
+certainly does improve the color. Grey hairs grow so yellow looking. The
+child is right. We ought to keep ourselves up while we're able. We polish
+up old mahogany and keep it fresh and clean--why not old women?" and the
+two laughed merrily.
+
+"I think the Camp Fire business has made a woman of Ethel, don't you?"
+
+"How could it fail to?" said Aunt Susan. "Women are coming into
+their own, Alice. They're growing sensible and self-reliant. Look
+at our Grandmothers and at us. Do you notice the difference? And
+our grandchildren will be just as far ahead of us as we are of our
+grandmothers. Isn't it wonderful?"
+
+"I like you Western people," said Mrs. Hollister, coming in at that
+moment followed by Ethel.
+
+"I've just told Mother," said the girl, "that Western people can give
+points to us. They are natural, kind-hearted, hospitable, and they seldom
+measure their friendship by the amount of people's bank accounts. With
+them it's character that talks."
+
+"How did you like my sanitarium, Bella?" asked Aunt Susan.
+
+"I couldn't half express myself," replied Mrs. Hollister. "You're a
+wonderful woman, Aunt Susan, and the people here have cause to bless
+you. I've never before admitted this to Ethel, but I'm very glad that
+she came here last summer. I see my short-sightedness every day when
+I look back and realize how I was bringing her up," and Mrs. Hollister
+wiped her eyes.
+
+"You've been a lovely and kind mother to me," replied Ethel. "You have
+sacrificed far too much for me and I never half appreciated it."
+
+"I have been an unwise mother my dear," said she, "and you stopped
+me just in time. I only now begin to realize my limitations. I've been
+self-centered and conceited."
+
+Ethel kissed her mother affectionately, and the two old ladies coughed
+and knitted vigorously.
+
+"We are all liable to make mistakes, Bella," said Aunt Susan. "Yours has
+been in loving your child too dearly."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+UNCLE JOHN'S
+
+
+They arrived in Columbus where Uncle John greeted them affectionately and
+insisted upon kissing his sister-in-law. Mrs. Hollister was persuaded not
+to go to camp until after a few days, when the girls should be settled.
+Then Uncle John was to take her up. So Ethel, Kate, and the girls, with
+one new member, went alone.
+
+Save that Nora Casey wore mourning and seemed quiet, everything was the
+same as the summer before. Patty Sands was wild with delight upon seeing
+Ethel. Edna Whitely was the same happy-go-lucky Edna as of old. Mollie
+Long and Edith Overman had grown very tall, while Sallie Davis had become
+a perfect roly poly. She had gained twenty pounds and was constantly
+dieting and taking long walks.
+
+Mattie Hastings cried when she beheld Ethel. Mattie had grown quiet and
+dignified, while in her face she showed more character.
+
+Ethel looked at them all, especially at Honora.
+
+"Can I not put my dislike of that girl behind me?" she thought. "Why
+can't I be nice to her?"
+
+She tried hard. She began asking her of her mother, and tears filled
+Nora's eyes, but after a while her voice began to take on its old shrill
+tones, while in her manner there came that indescribable something that
+had always repelled Ethel.
+
+"That girl is my cross," she thought. "I must like her, and yet I can't.
+I shall never become worthy to be a Camp Fire Girl until I overcome it.
+I wonder if she'll affect Mother as she does me."
+
+Ethel was now a Fire Maker. In addition to her Wood Gatherer's ring she
+wore the pretty silver bracelet of the Fire Maker.
+
+The second evening they had a Council Fire. The wood and kindling
+had been gathered and brought by Edna Whitely and a new girl named
+Kate Winthrop, who had never been to Camp before. Edna couldn't seem
+to advance. She was actually too lazy to work for honors and it worried
+Kate Hollister not a little.
+
+"What's the difference?" she would say. "Someone will have to gather
+wood and we have but one new girl--that's Kate. You may be glad that
+I stayed."
+
+The girls looked pretty in their brown ceremonial gowns and their long
+hair banded with the ceremonial band. Ethel advanced and lighted the
+fire, intoning the usual Fire Makers' song. Then they had the exercises.
+Honors were awarded and several girls advanced to the next higher grade.
+This is the Fire Makers' ode to Fire that they intoned as Ethel lighted
+the Council Fire: "Oh, Fire, long years ago when our fathers fought with
+the great animals you were their protection. From the cruel cold of
+winter you saved them. When they needed food you changed the flesh of
+beasts into savory meat for them. During all the ages your mysterious
+flame has been a symbol to them for Spirit. So (tonight) we light our
+fire in remembrance of the great Spirit who gave you to us."
+
+In the darkness of the woods with the bright flames shooting upward the
+effect of the chanting was weird, mysterious and unusual.
+
+Then Kate showed Ethel the typed copy of the Legend of Ohio which had
+been attached to each count book, handing her a copy for her own.
+
+The roll was called, reports read of the last Council Fire, and of the
+weekly meeting. Edna Whitely had really exerted herself and had written
+it in clever rhyme.
+
+Then to their surprise a report of Ethel's and Patty's kindness to Mattie
+Hastings was read. It seems that Mattie's conscience had troubled her and
+at one of the meetings she had confessed it all and how she had been
+saved by the two girls. She also requested that it should be read upon
+Ethel's return. It told how under unusual distress she had been tempted
+to do a great wrong,---how the two girls caused her to make restitution,
+and how after that they placed Mollie in the Cripples School, and that
+now she was on her way to recovery. It said that she began from then to
+try and lead a better life and that with God's help she was doing so.
+
+The girls looked at one another, but although they made no sign they knew
+what the wrong was. But they smiled at Mattie in the most friendly way,
+Nora grasping her by the hand said:
+
+"I hope yere sister will be after walkin' soon."
+
+Then came the Wohelo ceremony. Mattie came forward and lighted a
+branch, throwing it on the ashes, while Patty Sands knelt and lighted
+it chanting:
+
+"Wohelo means work. We glorify work because through work we are free. We
+work to win, to conquer, to be masters. We work for the joy of working
+and because we are free."
+
+Then she stepped back and Edith Overman came forward chanting and
+lighting another branch.
+
+"Wohelo means health. We hold on to health because through health we
+serve and are happy; in caring for the health and beauty of our persons
+we are caring for the very shrine of the Great Spirit. Wohelo means
+health."
+
+Then Sallie Davis stepped forward while Edith retired. She lighted the
+third branch which crackled and threw up numberless red sparks, after
+which she chanted the last verse:
+
+"I light the light of love, for Wohelo means love. We love Love, for
+love is life and light and joy and sweetness. And love is comradeship
+and motherhood and fatherhood, and all dear kinship. Love is the joy
+of service so deep that self is forgotten. Wohelo means love."
+
+After that this song was sung:
+"Lay me to sleep in thy sheltering flame.
+    O Master of the Hidden Fire.
+Wash pure my heart and cleanse for me
+    My Soul's desire.
+In flame of sunrise bathe my soul
+    O Master of the Hidden Fire.
+That when I wake clear-eyed may be
+    My Soul's desire."
+
+This is by Fiona Macleod.
+
+They stood around talking to Miss Kate for a little while, who walking
+over to Mattie kissed her tenderly, after which each girl followed her
+example before retiring, and poor Mattie was all broken up over it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+MRS. HOLLISTER'S VISIT TO CAMP
+
+
+When the morning dawned on the day Mrs. Hollister was expected, great
+were the preparations made for that lady.
+
+"Listen to me, girls; she's the cleverest woman you ever met," said
+Cousin Kate. "She has not been exactly in favor of our organization,
+so I wish each of you girls to do your best, and Mrs. Hollister can
+teach you so many useful things."
+
+"Yes, indeed," said Ethel. "Cousin Kate is right. There's very little
+that Mother can not do."
+
+Old Mr. Adams came up with a load of delicacies which had been ordered by
+the thoughtful Uncle John.
+
+He paid no attention to the girls but as on previous occasions he gave
+his entire attention to his horses. He wiped off their foaming sweat with
+his hands. Last year it had been his handkerchief varied with bundles of
+grass and leaves. After cleaning them to his satisfaction he calmly
+walked to the clear brook and washed his hands thoroughly.
+
+"Isn't that awful?" whispered Patty to Miss Kate. "I shall never feel
+like drinking water from that brook again."
+
+"Why my dear," laughed Kate, "that water changes every minute. It's gone
+now and in its place there's fresh--don't worry."
+
+"Here they are!" called Nora, and there came to view Uncle John and a
+lady whom from Ethel's resemblance to her they at once knew and fell
+deeply in love with, especially Mattie.
+
+And everything pleased Mrs. Hollister,--the girls, their costumes, their
+tents, and the delicious dinner cooked over an open fire interested her
+greatly. She even held one of the forked branches on which reposed the
+chicken and broiled it as well as a chef, but she thought the green corn
+was the most delicious thing that she'd ever tasted. After dinner she
+said:
+
+"Now girls, see if I have it correct: 'After tying a string to the end
+of each ear, soak the corn in water for an hour. Then lay it on the hot
+coals, turning frequently. Draw it out by the string and eat with salt
+and melted butter.' Well, it's simply great. I wish I were young again.
+I think I'd like to be a Camp Fire Girl." She was as enthusiastic as a
+child. Ethel looked at Kate and they smiled over the change that had
+taken place since the day Kate wished to explain to her aunt what the
+Camp Fire Girl was.
+
+"Don't you think that Mother grows young?" asked Ethel proudly of her
+cousin.
+
+"She's a changed woman," replied Kate, "in every way. She's simply
+lovely."
+
+Mrs. Hollister adapted herself and made friends quickly. She became
+tactful, a quality that had hitherto been unknown. She liked Nora and
+the girl loved Mrs. Hollister. Ethel marveled. That her mother who
+disliked anything savoring of loudness could tolerate Nora seemed
+wonderful.
+
+"The fault must lie with me," she thought. "Even Mother likes her."
+
+Mrs. Hollister went right to work and taught the girls how to cut and
+fit. She taught them many of the little arts and niceties of dressmaking,
+and the girls became proficient and at the next Council meeting each
+received several honors. Then she taught them to trim hats and make the
+daintiest bows; and after she had taught them how to crochet and make
+Irish lace their gratitude was boundless.
+
+She also taught them how to cook--how to make delicious corn bread
+with one egg, where they had been in the habit of using two, insisting
+upon their first scalding their meal. Then she made them delicious
+gingerbread, using cold coffee left from breakfast in place of milk
+or cream and many other dishes of which they had never heard.
+
+"Really, Aunt Bella," said Kate, as the girls were receiving their
+honors, "I feel that you deserve some of these beads."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE SCOUTS ARRIVE
+
+
+Great was the surprise of the girls when the next afternoon they beheld
+walking towards the Camp two young men in Scout costume. They were none
+other than Harvey Bigelow and young Teddy Kip, the Master and assistant
+Scout Master of the "Flying Eagles" Scout Patrol. Each wore a small flag,
+and upon a red ground was a black and white eagle. As they advanced they
+gave their cry--"Yeh--yeh--yeh!"
+
+"Oh! Harvey," screamed Ethel, and rushed forward, greeting them warmly.
+
+Then Cousin Kate came and welcomed them cordially, introducing them to
+the nine girls.
+
+"Why, Mrs. Hollister," said Harvey, catching sight of her in her tent,
+"it does seem good to see you here," and he gazed at her thoughtfully
+and curiously. "'Pon my word you've grown so young I thought you were
+Ethel at first."
+
+She wore one of her daughter's costumes and really she did look
+wonderfully youthful.
+
+"Well, you can't complain. The Camp life has done you some good, and
+there you were so down on it."
+
+"Yes, I was, but people change. Look at yourself," replied she seriously.
+
+"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.
+
+"Yes, I do notice that she seems more quiet," replied Ethel.
+
+"But you still dislike her though?" asked Kate.
+
+"I don't know," replied Ethel. "I'm ashamed to admit it, Cousin Kate,
+but I can never seem to overcome that antipathy to her. If only her voice
+would lower a little, and if she'd cease to come up and slap one on the
+back I might feel differently, but she's so rough and unladylike."
+
+"Ethel, environments may have had much to do with that. She seems to love
+your mother. But here comes Patty with young Kip."
+
+"What a dandy site you have here for a Camp," said the young man. "Gee!
+it's choice. It beats ours."
+
+When dinner was ready how they ate! They pronounced it equal to the
+best shore dinner ever prepared, and when finished there was nothing
+left excepting clam shells and corn cobs.
+
+That was Mrs. Hollister's last day in Camp. She had been with the girls
+for two weeks. After leaving Camp she was to spend half of her time with
+Kate's parents and the remaining with Aunt Susan.
+
+Harvey and Teddy stayed until nearly five o'clock, and it was with regret
+on both sides that they had to go.
+
+The next day being Sunday, Kate read the prayers while they all sung
+several hymns, after which each girl was left to do as she chose. Ethel
+proposed to ride horseback. Several joined together and hired a buckboard
+for the afternoon.
+
+"We'll meet you at the Lake," they said to Ethel, and off they went.
+
+It was a warm afternoon. The sky looked alternately bright, then cloudy,
+but they started not minding though it rained.
+
+Nora declined to join the buckboard party and strolled off by herself.
+She looked almost pretty in her clean, white linen suit and her hair
+tightly bound by a broad black ribbon. The goldenrod and sumac were
+opening, but the summer flowers looked old and tired, as though they
+needed new gowns and freshening up a bit. The girl thought of how alone
+she was and sighed. Then her mother came into her mind. To think that
+she had to be taken while so young--not yet forty-five, and the tears
+rolled down her cheeks. But "Thank God," she thought, "I never caused
+her any unhappiness, and I still have my dear, kind father," and Nora
+wiped her eyes. "It's Miss Ethel who dislikes me. No matter what I say
+to her nor how friendly I am, she won't like me. And when I try to joke
+or do her a little kindness, if she smiles sure her smile chills me. It's
+like a piece of ice going down me back. And her 'thank you, Honora' is
+as cold as charity. I like her mother the best. And yet Miss Ethel kissed
+me goodbye at the train last summer; but she was kissing everyone and I
+suppose she had to kiss me, for she's too much of a lady to slight a
+body. Yet she'd be glad to see the last of me--that I know."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+NORA GIVES SERVICE
+
+
+Honora was an unconscious lover of Nature. She turned and beheld the sun
+slowly sinking.
+
+"Ah! it must be nearly six o'clock," she thought. "I must make haste,"
+but she stood spellbound, watching the glowing crimson, purple and yellow
+changing into orange, green, and greyish pink, and she gazed at the fiery
+ball sinking slowly behind the hills.
+
+"How lovely!" she thought, "and it's gone down in a cloud. That means
+rain. It's growing very dark. Me for a quick walk down these hills before
+I lose my way."
+
+She started down the path not a little worried. She had strayed off the
+main road and was on a side one leading through the woods. If only it
+would keep light until she reached Camp, and then if she could strike
+the broad road she'd be all right.
+
+Walking rapidly through the woods she suddenly fancied that she hard a
+low moan, as though from someone in pain.
+
+"It's a tramp perhaps," she thought. "He may be in trouble. Well, tramp
+or no tramp I must help him. I'll see."
+
+Unafraid, Nora walked to the spot whence the cry had proceeded. Her eye
+fell upon an object huddled together on the ground. As it was out of the
+beaten path she stepped from branches and logs to stones and rocks
+before she reached it. She stooped down and gazed at it intently; then
+she uttered an exclamation of surprise.
+
+"It's Miss Ethel!" she gasped. "God help her."
+
+She was right. There lay Ethel Hollister--the girl who had never liked
+her--the girl from whom, no matter how hard she might try, Nora could
+get nothing beyond a cool "Thank you very much, Nora."
+
+From the arm of this young woman trickled a stream of bright, red blood.
+Honora wondered if she was dead. She gently shook her.
+
+"Miss Ethel!" she called once and twice, "Are ye much hurt?" Then she
+half lifted her to a sitting posture and Ethel opened her eyes.
+
+"Oh, Miss Casey--Honora!" she gasped feebly. "Thank God it is you who
+have found me. I have been so frightened. Two men were searching for
+me. I passed them on the road before my horse took fright and threw me.
+I heard them say: 'It must be the same girl. She rode a white horse.
+Now I know who she is. She's the niece of John Hollister. Her father
+is a rich New Yorker. We can sell the horse. We've got him safe, and
+we can keep the girl for a ransom. Probably she's injured and is lying
+somewhere around here.' Nora, I dared not breathe lest they should find
+me. I prayed to God as I've never prayed before to let them pass me and
+to send me help. He has answered my prayer and I'm grateful. When I heard
+your footsteps I thought they had returned. Oh! I am so glad that it's
+you," and she burst into tears.
+
+Nora knelt down and took her by the hand.
+
+"Where is your pain, my dear?" she asked.
+
+"My leg. I guess it must be broken, and my arm---I have had that nearly
+cut off. The horse became frightened and unmangeable. He turned into
+these woods and started to run. I was knocked off by the branch of a
+tree. I don't know how long I've lain here--it seems for hours. I must
+have fainted, but Nora the pain in my arm and leg is terrible. Whatever
+can we do?"
+
+The girl's hat hung from the tree. Her hair was unloosed and hanging
+about her face. Evidently she was suffering agony, and to make matters
+worse upon the leaves overhead Nora heard a pattering of rain.
+
+"This will never do," she said to herself. Not a sign of a house or a
+vehicle in sight. A damp chill pervaded the air. They were too far from
+the main road to seek assistance.
+
+"Your arm has been cut by this jagged stone, Miss Ethel," said Nora,
+kneeling and starting to roll from the girl's arm the sleeve of her
+blouse. "I don't think there are any bones broken. But first I must stop
+its bleeding."
+
+Nora, having had considerable experience with cuts, wounds and bruises,
+went to work as though she were about to teach the girls "first aid."
+
+Her handkerchief was soiled. Ethel had lost hers. Both women wore silk
+petticoats. How could she manage to secure a bandage?
+
+Suddenly her mother wit came to the rescue. She slipped off her linen
+skirt. It was perfectly clean. With her strong teeth she tore into strips
+the front breadth.
+
+"Hark!" she exclaimed. "Glory be to God! I think I hear running water."
+She said it devoutly and in gratitude, for now it was water that she
+needed. Taking Ethel's hat from the tree she started up the road where to
+her joy she beheld a watering trough that was fed by a little waterfall
+trickling down the side of the rocks.
+
+After thoroughly washing the long linen strips so as to be sure that the
+starch was out of them she filled Ethel's hat with water and hurried
+back.
+
+"Here, dearie," she said, "Let me wash your face. I brought the water in
+your hat," and with the balance of her skirt she washed the girl's face
+and then proceeded to tear open the sleeve, cleansing the wound with a
+fresh hatful of water. She did it carefully and thoroughly, with the
+skill of a surgeon. It was an ugly wound, but she bound the arm firmly
+with the strips.
+
+"There now! So much for that," ejaculated Nora, rising and pushing back
+from her brow one curly lock that always insisted upon falling over her
+eyes.
+
+"Oh, Honora! you are an angel," exclaimed Ethel, "and I have always been
+so unfriendly."
+
+Nora appeared not to hear but went on:
+
+"Can you stand, my dear?" she asked.
+
+"No," sobbed the girl, "I guess my leg must be broken. However are we
+to reach Camp? Oh, Nora, for God's sake don't leave me. I should die of
+fright were you to do so, and the men may be hiding near even now. Don't
+go, I beseech. I know I am selfish and I've been unkind to you, but
+forgive me, Nora. I'll be your slave after this if only you'll stay with
+me. Don't go for help. Just stay here until I die," and the girl fell to
+sobbing.
+
+"I'm cold," she murmured--"I'm so chilly, Nora," and she shivered.
+
+Quickly Nora removed her heavy white sweater that she had just put on,
+and raising Ethel to a sitting posture she first put in her good arm.
+Then she fastened the sweater about the girl's neck.
+
+"There, dear, that will keep you warm, and I'll not be after leaving
+you--never fear--not if we stay together all night in these woods. But
+I must think how we can manage with you and your injuries. Faith it's
+raining and you may catch your death."
+
+"And I have your sweater on, Nora!" exclaimed Ethel. "Oh, how selfish I
+am."
+
+"Keep still," replied Nora. "I couldn't wear it now, for I'm going to try
+and carry you home."
+
+For a moment Nora gazed tentatively at Ethel. Then suddenly there
+appeared a dawn of hope in her strong honest face.
+
+"Miss Ethel, listen," she began. "When a child did ye ever play
+pig-a-back? Perhaps I might get you home that way."
+
+"Yes, Nora. Papa always carried me up to bed that way," and the girl
+burst into tears.
+
+"Ye mustn't cry," said Nora. "If ye do I shan't be able to carry ye. Now
+wipe your pretty eyes and help me carry ye as Papa used to. Forget your
+pain and try to be patient, for, Ethel, we must reach camp some way.
+Doubtless they are searching for us even now, but this is a side road far
+from the main one. They'll never think to look here, nor could they hear
+us were we of call. And then those men you spoke of. They may be near.
+There's no time to lose. Get on my back and cling for dear life."
+
+Nora had great sense. She realized that until she had thoroughly
+frightened Ethel she would not exert herself and forget her pain. Then,
+too, if what she had told her were true, the men might really be lying in
+wait to capture the supposed wealthy New York girl.
+
+Sitting on the ground with her back before Ethel she first gently raised
+the wounded arm, bringing the other one around to meet it. Thanks to the
+low branch of a tree and to Nora's recent physical culture exercises,
+making an almost superhuman effort she arose with her burden on her
+back. Then grasping the girl's knees she held them firmly, thereby
+supporting her injured leg, and started for the road, stopping now and
+then by a fence or stone to take breath and rest. On and on in that
+failing light she bravely walked.
+
+As she descended the hill she seemed to have gained new strength. Now and
+then she'd speak cheering words to the wounded girl, trying to encourage
+her to bear her pain. The rain pelted in Honora's face, often blinding
+her. The thunder rolled and the lightning played, but she showed no
+sign of faltering. Onward she went, even faster.
+
+Soon to her joy she beheld the main road, and after a few more rods a
+light from the Camp Fire.
+
+"Shure," she thought, "now I know why men in olden times looked for the
+fire from their camps. It does cheer a body and give them new life."
+
+She was ready to drop when she reached Camp. Ethel was no light weight.
+While in Camp she had gained, and now she weighed nearly a hundred and
+thirty-seven pounds. As Nora neared home she saw parties of men about to
+start on searching tours. They had sent word by Mr. Adams to Harvey, and
+there he and his patrol stood ready to start. Uncle John with the second
+party were there as well. In some way the horse had escaped from the two
+men and had returned to Camp, but without Ethel. Then they knew that she
+had been thrown. And as for Nora, something dreadful must have happened
+to her, for Nora was so strong and self-reliant.
+
+A shout rent the air when they beheld Nora Casey drenched to the skin,
+hatless, coatless, with nearly all of her skirt missing, and carrying on
+her back a hysterical, shrieking girl, while with no apparent effort
+she walked steadily towards them. Harvery Bigelow's admiration for one so
+strong and courageous showed itself on every line of his face.
+
+Uncle John took Ethel from Nora and laid her on the Camp bed that had
+been brought from the tent.
+
+"By Jove!" ejaculated Harvey as he examined Ethel's ankle and pronounced
+it a compound fracture, "you're all right, Miss Casey, first to staunch
+the blood and bandage her arm, and second to bind her ankle in such a
+surgeon-like manner, say nothing of carrying her on your back for over a
+mile and a half and holding her leg so that you saved her pain. I take
+off my hat to you, Miss Casey. You have the nerve and strength of a man."
+
+"I don't see," said Uncle John, "how in the name of heaven you managed to
+raise her, wounded as she was, upon your back--let alone bringing her
+through the pouring rain a dark night like this. Why! it's been a regular
+thunder shower. I'm glad that her mother knows nothing of it."
+
+Nora sighed. She was very tired. Miss Kate came forward and put her arm
+around her.
+
+"My dear, you are an honor to the Camp Fires. We owe a vote of thanks to
+this brave girl," and taking Nora's face between her hands she kissed her
+affectionately.
+
+"I've done nothing wonderful," replied Nora simply, taking her sweater
+from Patty Sands. "Luckily I heard her moan and found her. I couldn't go
+away and leave her helpless and alone in a blinding storm, and two men
+waiting to seize her." Then she told Ethel's story of the conversation
+that she had overheard.
+
+"Nor could we stay in the woods over night alone."
+
+A buckboard appeared and Mrs. Hollister jumped out. She had heard of the
+accident through Mr. Adams and had made him bring her up.
+
+After seeing Ethel for a few moments she rushed out and threw her arms
+about Nora.
+
+"You are a dear brave girl," she sobbed, kissing her. "You have saved
+Ethel's life. Never while I live shall I forget it."
+
+"Nor I," broke in Uncle John, grasping the hands of the girl. "Miss Nora,
+you're a fine young woman and you're father has cause to be proud of his
+daughter."
+
+"Miss Nora," ejaculated Harvey, "allow me to congratulate you. You're a
+dead game sport," and he wrung her hands heartily, after which Teddy Kip
+grasped her by the arm saying:
+
+"Why, Miss Casey, you're a regular Scout--you are, and no mistake."
+
+Nora smiled faintly.
+
+"Thank you all," she said. "I am very tired. I think I shall go to bed.
+Good night."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+A HEROINE
+
+
+So Nora Casey became the heroine of the Camp. An account of her bravery
+was in all the papers and the entire Camp was written up. The once
+neglected and disliked girl was now in a fair way to be spoiled. But
+Nora could not be spoiled. She was too sensible.
+
+"I say, Miss Nora," exclaimed Harvey the next day, "I don't think I'd
+dare marry a woman with your strength. You'd put me to shame."
+
+Nora laughed good naturedly.
+
+"Quit yere blarney," she said.
+
+As for Ethel, she couldn't bear to let Nora out of her sight, and Nora
+whose heart was tender and whose nature was forgiving devoted herself to
+the girl, reading aloud, relating funny stories of her father, and when
+tired of talking Patty, Mattie, she and Ethel would play bridge.
+
+The men considered that Ethel had had a narrow escape. Uncle John
+consulted with Judge Sands as to what was best to do about the kidnapers.
+A few days later two suspicious looking creatures were arrested. They had
+escaped from Joliet jail and admitted having been for days in the woods.
+Ethel rode to the trial and identified their voices but she had not seen
+their faces. They were returned to jail in Joliet and before they left
+they confessed that they had contemplated finding the girl and holding
+her for a ransom. They were intending to sell the horse but they had not
+tied him securely and he had broken loose. They were ugly looking
+customers.
+
+The next week before the breaking up of camp, when Mr. Casey came to
+take Nora home, everyone flocked around him telling of his daughter's
+brave act. He took Ethel by the hand and remarked simply:
+
+"It was like Honora to do that. There's none more brave than she--God
+bless her."
+
+From that day Nora had no better friend than Ethel. She felt that the
+girl had saved her life and her gratitude was boundless.
+
+"Tell me," asked; Nora, "why did you dislike me so?"
+
+"I was wicked, Nora," replied Ethel, "I am ashamed of it now."
+
+"But," persisted the girl, "did you think me vulgar?"
+
+"No," replied Ethel. "I thought you had a loud voice, and there's
+something about a loud voice that I dislike. But even so I should have
+overlooked that, had I been a good girl. You are so far above me, Nora,
+that I am ashamed to even acknowledge it."
+
+"Miss Ethel--" said Nora.
+
+"Call me Ethel in future," said the girl--"please do."
+
+"Well--Ethel--you are not the first one who has criticised my voice. My
+teachers have always done so, and even my mother used to say, 'Not so
+loud, Nora dear. Speak more gentle like.'"
+
+"Did she?" asked Ethel.
+
+"Yes, my mother had her faults, Ethel, but at heart she was a lady. So
+your dislike of me was not so strange after all."
+
+"But," interrupted Ethel, "Nora, perhaps I wasn't thankful to hear your
+loud voice when I lay there wounded and helpless, and I'm ashamed to even
+have told you."
+
+"I wish you to help me," broke in Nora. "I wish to make myself
+different--more of a lady. Will you tell me when I talk too loud?
+It will be a favor if you will."
+
+Ethel assented and kissed Nora affectionately.
+
+Nannie Bigelow arrived and the girl became a general favorite. She at
+once fell in love with Nora.
+
+"Why, she's a heroine," she said. "She'd give her life for another. I
+think she's splendid."
+
+Nannie had much to say of their New York Camp Fire, and of the girls who
+belonged.
+
+"You know some of them are quite unlike us, but Miss Westcott says
+they'll improve--that being with us will make them more gentle. And
+you have no idea how they _are_ improving. And as for Dorothy's nursery,
+it's just booming. There is a waiting list a mile long," and she chatted
+on, entertaining the girls with her talk.
+
+At the next and last Council Meeting, the girls received honors for
+having slept three months out of doors, for learning to swim, and rowing
+twenty miles on the Muskingum River, and for sailing a boat without
+help for fifty miles. They also received extra honors for cooking, and
+for learning and making a mattress out of the twigs of trees; for long
+walks, and for washing and ironing, which the girls did well.
+
+Whenever she looked at Nora, Ethel's conscience troubled her. She seemed
+to feel her own unworthiness. Mrs. Hollister suggested to Mr. Casey that
+Nora should visit them for a couple of months in the city.
+
+"I'll gladly let her go to ye next winter, Ma'am, but not to visit. I
+would like her to be wid a grand lady like yourself, and if you'll let
+me pay her board I'll consider it a great favor. And if she might go to
+some fine school, Ma'am, where she could learn how to be a lady and stay
+at your house I would pay any price."
+
+At first Mrs. Hollister objected to the money part, but Mr. Casey begged
+so hard that, realizing what Nora had done for Ethel, she felt she should
+be willing to do anything to benefit her. So she consented.
+
+"You can put me anywhere," said Nora, "I will be like one of your
+family."
+
+Mrs. Hollister put her arm around the girl.
+
+"My dear," she said, "the best I have ought not to be good enough for
+you. It's little enough for me to take you, and I should like to do so
+without having your father pay me a penny."
+
+So it was all arranged. In November, Nora was to become an inmate of the
+Hollister household.
+
+Ethel had made up her mind to give the girl her room, she taking one on
+the top floor.
+
+"I would gladly sleep on bare boards for her," she said to her
+mother,--"the brave girl to whom I have been so unjust. I'm glad
+she's coming. I'll devote all my extra time to her happiness."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+BREAKING UP OF CAMP AND A SURPRISE
+
+
+The time had arrived for the girls to separate. The Scouts came up and
+carried Nannie off. She had become a great favorite. As Patty expressed
+it, Nannie was a comfortable visitor because she seemed to "belong." She
+made no fuss and adapted herself to their ways.
+
+She promised to return the following summer and Harvey pronounced their
+camp as fine as any place they might select.
+
+"So there's no reason why we boys should not come back, too; but you
+must let us entertain you Camp Fire girls next year. It's been all on
+your side this."
+
+So they all went to the train to see them off, and people crowded around
+as though they might be a circus troupe, staring curiously at them and
+making remarks.
+
+Then after saying goodbye the different members went to their homes.
+Ethel and her cousin Kate were to go to Akron for a week or so, as
+Uncle Archie Hollister was coming up to spend his vacation.
+
+The girls met him at the train and Ethel was overjoyed.
+
+"Oh, Papa," she said, "if only you could have been here before Camp
+broke up. But we are going up for the day and give you a regular Camp
+Fire dinner," and she kissed him affectionately.
+
+"Next year I'll get off earlier," replied Mr. Hollister, "but our
+President was very ill and none of us liked to leave."
+
+They gave Mr. Hollister a rousing dinner. Nearly all of the girls were
+present. They did their cooking like desserts, bread, etc., at home, but
+the meat, corn and potatoes were roasted on the coals. They had Uncle
+John, Judge Sands, Mr. Casey and Mr. Hollister for guests, and everything
+went off finely. Mr. Hollister was loud in his praises of the cooking,
+and in fact, the whole organization.
+
+"It's great," he said, smacking his lips. "I think the person who
+invented it should have a gold medal."
+
+They spent a few days at Columbus. Ethel went to see Mattie and her
+mother. She also spent the night with Nora. Their home was very handsome
+and Ethel could not help but respect kind-hearted Mr. Casey, who tried
+to make it so pleasant for her. She had grown very fond of Nora. She saw
+her good traits,--her splendid unselfishness, and her tenderness towards
+her father as she tried to take her mother's place with him.
+
+"What a narrow, selfish girl I've been," she thought, "never to have
+noticed them before. Why, the way Nora shielded Mattie when the girl took
+her ring was a lesson to me, and I never took it."
+
+During their stay at Uncle John's Mrs. Hollister came up, and the meeting
+between her husband and self was like lovers. Ethel was glad.
+
+"And it was I that kept them apart," she told Kate--"I with my society
+and expensive schools. Poor Father! what could he do but grind from
+morning until night; and Mother with her hopes and ambitions--what
+could she do? Why, they had no time to speak to each other except on
+business and money. It was all so false and wrong. Now they are as
+they should have been, but think of the lost years, and all for me."
+"Never think of it, Ethel," said Kate, "it's past and over. Everything
+has come smooth. Forget it, dear; you were not to blame."
+
+Judge Sands called nearly every evening. He and Uncle Archie struck
+up quite a friendship. The Judge took him on auto trips far into the
+country, Kate, Patty, and Ethel going along.
+
+One evening, after they all had gone back to Akron, Judge Sands called
+Patty into the library.
+
+"I wish to have a little talk with you, my dear," he said.
+
+"Are you going to scold me for running over my allowance last month?"
+she replied, "because if you are I just couldn't help it. I wanted to
+give all of the girls a little remembrance, and--"
+
+"Patty, my child, have I ever scolded you for anything--think? Haven't
+you done exactly as you chose since your childhood?"
+
+"Yes," replied the girl, "but I know that there are times when you should
+scold me, Papa, for I know I am self-willed and disobedient."
+
+"Well, we shall forget that. You're a pretty good girl considering that
+you have but one parent. Now this is what I wish to see you about. Your
+mother died when you were three, dear, and you've been with me ever
+since. It's been lonely for both of us at times, and for me especially
+so while you are away at school. Patty, how should you like a mother? Of
+course, no one can take the place of her who has gone, but I mean another
+one."
+
+The girl began to cry.
+
+"I should not like it, Papa."
+
+Then she looked at him. He was a handsome man, and if ever she were to
+marry he would be alone, in the prime of life.
+
+"I suppose I'm selfish," she sobbed, clinging to him, "but I should hate
+a stepmother. Think of her taking Mamma's place. Oh, Papa! I couldn't
+bear it."
+
+"But supposing she was a woman of whom you were fond. Would you feel that
+way then?"
+
+"I couldn't be fond of her."
+
+"You might be fond of her already," said the Judge.
+
+"Who--who can it be?" asked Patty, wiping her eyes and pushing back her
+hair.
+
+The Judge smiled.
+
+"Think, my dear."
+
+"Is it Miss Kate Hollister?" cried the girl joyfully. "Tell me quick."
+
+Then Judge Sands blushed like a schoolboy.
+
+"Yes," he said, "she is the only woman who can take your mother's place,
+Patty. No--not that--no one can take her dear place; but she is the only
+woman upon earth whom I should ask to be my wife."
+
+Then Patty jumped up and kissed her father many times.
+
+"Oh, Papa!" she said, "why didn't you tell me at first and not frighten
+me to death. Oh! I should love her so, and I should never be jealous of
+her. Are you engaged?"
+
+"No," laughed the Judge, "I have never asked her. I thought you deserved
+the compliment of being first consulted on the matter."
+
+"But, Papa, perhaps she'll refuse you."
+
+"That's my end of it," laughed her father, "but when I do ask her I wish
+to say that you desire it, too, for Kate might not think it agreeable to
+you."
+
+"Papa, she's got to say 'yes.' I'll go along and make her if you wish.
+I'd just love her for a mother," and the girl clung to his neck and wept.
+"I only now realize how lonely you must have been all these years, and
+you've done it for me. But don't let her refuse. Tell her I desire it
+above all things."
+
+"All right, dearie," said the Judge. "I'll go tonight."
+
+"And wake me up, Papa. I shall be so anxious."
+
+Judge Sands laughed and promised.
+
+That night no matter how hard Patty tried she couldn't keep awake. Now
+that she knew who it was that her father desired she was happy, and one
+can always sleep when one is happy.
+
+The Judge ran up the stairs two steps at a time and woke his daughter
+with a kiss.
+
+"Will she, Papa?"
+
+"Yes, dear," he answered. "She has been good enough to say 'yes.' We'll
+make her happy, won't we, Patty?"
+
+"We shall," replied the girl. "And how young you seem to have grown!"
+she gasped. "I never noticed it before. I'm glad for you and I'm glad
+for her. She's a dear. I've always loved her and she's such a stunning
+looking woman, too. I tell you, we'll be proud of her, Papa."
+
+They talked for half an hour over the virtues of Miss Kate, and each went
+to sleep thinking of how lovely she was.
+
+When Kate and Patty met they said not a word, but from the quiet, sincere
+embrace each knew that the other would try and make her happy.
+
+Congratulations poured in from all sides. Archie and his wife with Aunt
+Susan, Grandmother and Tom, motored all the way over to Columbus to offer
+theirs. Ethel was wild with joy.
+
+"Why," she exclaimed, "everything is getting better! People are doing
+such sensible things lately, just as they should do. Isn't it wonderful?
+But, Tom, I always thought that you cared for Cousin Kate."
+
+"So I have all along, but just as I was considering, in walked the Judge
+and took her off under my very nose. While I was a poor lawyer I felt
+that she might refuse me and I took no chances, but I never imagined
+she'd look at a man of his age. She's certainly met the one for her. What
+a splendid couple they'll make."
+
+"You always were slow, Tom; that's your fault," laughed Ethel, "and
+you'll always get left. It serves you right."
+
+"Yes, that's going to be my fate, I fear. Before I can muster up courage
+to propose, these girls will be snatched up--every one of them."
+
+Judge Sands and Kate were to be married in November. They were to go to
+New York, Washington, etc., on a wedding trip, after which they were to
+meet Patty and sail for Egypt to be gone indefinitely.
+
+"Oh, dear! who can take your place at Camp?" said the girls. "We'll never
+find another Guardian like you."
+
+"I'll ask Louise Morehouse," said Miss Kate. "She's lovely, and very much
+interested in this Camp Fire movement. She'll be one of you just as I
+have been."
+
+"Yes, and then she'll meet someone and go off and marry," said Mollie
+Long. "There should be a law against it. A Guardian should be obliged to
+serve for five years unmarried--it isn't fair," and the girls voted that
+Mollie was correct.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+MATTIE MAKES GOOD
+
+
+After Camp had broken up, Mattie Hastings, who was now associated with a
+Woman's Exchange in Columbus, started one afternoon to call for Patty
+Sands. It was Saturday and the Exchange closed early. Mattie was doing
+well. She received a good salary and her heart was light. Her sister was
+beginning to walk. The doctors considered that next year she could
+discard her brace. The child was not only attending school but she was
+learning many useful things and Mattie was happy. Her mother had entirely
+given up the drug habit; her father was with Judge Sands and everything
+seemed as though it had come straight like a fairy story.
+
+This lovely autumn afternoon they were going to Sallie Davis's to look at
+a wonderful centerpiece done by her mother. Mattie, whose fingers were
+extremely clever, had offered to do the work of copying it, while Patty
+was to pay for the silks, linen, etc. Then, jointly, they were to give it
+to Miss Kate for an engagement present. In case the servant should be out
+Sallie had given Patty her latch key.
+
+"This is Sophronia's day out, and mother is going to a bridge party.
+I have an engagement, so here's the key. When you leave the flat, put
+it on the hall stand. Sophronia and mother will be back before I am,
+and they will let me in. I'll leave the centerpiece on the piano."
+
+The apartment was on the seventh story and commanded a wonderful view
+of the city. After looking at the centerpiece and studying the different
+stitches the girls went to a window and looked out.
+
+"Have you put the key on the hall stand?" asked Mattie.
+
+"Yes," replied Patty. "I put it there when I first came in."
+
+Suddenly Mattie exclaimed:
+
+"I smell smoke."
+
+They looked around. The odor was plainly perceptible.
+
+"Let's go into the kitchen," said Patty.
+
+Together they ran through the pantry and opened the kitchen door. The
+smoke was very thick.
+
+"Why, Mattie, the house is afire!" said Patty Sands. "Let's get out
+quickly."
+
+They opened the hall door, closing it tightly after them. They had
+far better have stayed in the apartment and have descended by the
+fire escape, but they thought of it too late. The hall door had locked
+behind them. The outer halls were black with smoke. People were rushing
+wildly up and down. The entrance leading to the roof was locked. The
+elevator boy called "last trip," and opened the iron doors. Frightened
+women and little children crowded in with servants and elderly people.
+
+"Room for one more," yelled the boy, "quick, for God's sake!"
+
+"You go, Mattie," said Patty.
+
+"You go." Then Mattie Hastings lifted Patty Sands up bodily and fairly
+threw her into the crowded elevator.
+
+"If the cable holds I'll come back, Miss," cried the boy half choked with
+smoke.
+
+Through the smoke Mattie peered at the cable. Through the shaft she saw
+the angry flames shooting upward. The sparks were flying. The elevator
+had made its last trip and she realized it. She turned to the hall window
+and looked down upon the crowd. A ladder was raised. Someone had seen
+her.
+
+"Thank God!" she said, "I may yet be saved."
+
+The smoke was now black and the flames came nearer and nearer to the
+brave girl, who so unselfishly had given her place to her friend. She
+leaned out of the window. She watched the fireman ascending. Then she
+knew no more but fell back into the flames unconscious.
+
+"I've got her," said the fireman, "but I guess she's gone. No one could
+live in the smoke up there. She's badly burned, too, poor girl--her back
+and arms. Lift her carefully, boys."
+
+Patty rushed forward. "She has given her life for me," she shrieked.
+"Mattie, Mattie dear! don't you hear me? Speak--oh! speak to Patty."
+
+The dying girl opened her eyes and half smiled. Patty knelt beside her
+and put her ear close to Mattie's mouth.
+
+"Patty," she whispered, "tell Ethel that I made good."
+
+Then she closed them wearily and the brave soul of Mattie Hastings passed
+on.
+
+It took Patty Sands many years to recover from the shock of her friend's
+death. She was too ill to even know when the funeral took place. She had
+told her father and Kate of Mattie's last words. Ethel Hollister sent a
+telegram requesting that Mattie's funeral might be postponed until she
+arrived. The Camp Fire girls were the pallbearers.
+
+Fortunately the cruel flames had left Mattie's face untouched and she
+looked lovely. The church was crowded to overflowing, as well as the
+street. The text of the sermon was:
+
+"Greater love hath no man than he who lays down his life for a friend."
+
+Mattie had "given service" as well as laying down her life for a friend,
+and the whole town marvelled at her bravery.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+JUDGE SANDS AND KATE MARRY
+
+
+In November Kate was married. The wedding was quiet, as Patty was still
+an invalid. They took her with them and left her at Mrs. Hollister's
+while they went on their trip. Nora had arrived for the winter two weeks
+before. Mrs. Hollister had entered her in Madam La Rue's school. Ethel
+had insisted upon giving Nora her room and had moved up stairs.
+
+The three girls were sad. They talked of Mattie and Patty cried
+constantly. So after a while they avoided speaking of her in her
+presence.
+
+Nora looked like one to the manner born. Mrs. Hollister, having carte
+blanche to buy for her anything she saw fit, purchased the loveliest
+second mourning costumes imaginable, and Nora wore them remarkably
+well. She had grown more quiet since Mattie's death. A great change
+seemed to have come over her. She was one of Madam's brightest pupils and
+very popular. Mrs. Hollister was genuinely fond of her and they went
+everywhere together.
+
+When Mr. Casey came to New York he was surprised at the change. He'd say
+to Mrs. Hollister:
+
+"Faith, ma'am, it's a perfect lady you're afther makin' of my girl. Her
+mother would bless you were she here," and Mrs. Hollister would reply:
+
+"She is naturally a perfect lady, Mr. Casey, so it's not hard work. I
+consider Nora a very superior girl and I'm very fond of her," at which
+the father's eyes would grow half tearful, and he'd seem proud to hear
+it.
+
+Nannie Bigelow and Nora became very intimate and she was made much of
+by Dorothy Kip and Sara Judson. Nora took an active interest in the Day
+Nursery and donated generously for its maintenance. Twice a week she'd
+go and read to the elder children and get on the floor and play with
+the younger ones, for she adored babies. She was especially sweet and
+generous to Grandmother, spending hours with her lest she should become
+lonely. It was like a mother and daughter, instead of a girl and
+chaperon, to see Mrs. Hollister and Nora go about together.
+
+"I wish I had a son, Nora," said that lady one day. "Then I should never
+have to see you leave me."
+
+Nora blushed rosy red, saying:
+
+"I wish you had, Mrs. Hollister. I dislike to think of our separation."
+
+Mr. Casey sent the most wonderful barrels of apples and potatoes from
+his own place to the Hollisters, and when he came to New York he'd order
+fruit from the most expensive fruiterers to be sent three times a week,
+say nothing of boxes of flowers which came regularly throughout the
+entire winter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+A BIRTHDAY PRESENT
+
+
+On one of Mr. Casey's flying trips to the city it happened to be Mrs.
+Hollister's birthday. Nora told him of the fact and after school together
+they whisked away in a taxi to shop. Upon their return he presented Mrs.
+Hollister with a large box, and in the most delicate manner begged her to
+accept it as a slight token of his gratitude for her interest in and
+kindness to Nora.
+
+"Ye've been a mother to my girl and she loves ye well. Her own
+mother--God rest her soul--as I've often told ye, would be proud of
+her, and she'd know better what to give a lady, but if ye'll accept
+these, ma'am, Nora and I will be pleased."
+
+Mrs. Hollister was visibly affected. She actually wiped her eyes.
+
+"I will accept them with pleasure, Mr. Casey," she said, "but don't
+forget Nora is a great comfort to all of us. We have grown to love her
+as our own," and she opened the box thinking it might contain a pretty
+waist or something of that sort when to her surprise there she beheld a
+most magnificent set of sables. She couldn't speak. The poor woman had
+never dared to dream of owning such a thing. Her heart stood still and
+she turned and took Nora in her arms, kissing her fondly. Then she shook
+Mr. Casey's hand as though she would never stop.
+
+"Mr. Casey, you are too generous. I have always loved sables, but I never
+expected to own a set. I don't know how to thank you for your kindness."
+
+"Say nothing about it," replied the man. "Nora and I consider it a
+privilege if ye'll wear our gifts, don't we, Nora?"
+
+"Indeed we do," replied the girl. "There are so many things that you do
+for me, Mrs. Hollister, that money can not compensate."
+
+Ethel was now eighteen. One evening Harvey Bigelow invited her to the
+theatre. On their way home he asked her if she ever could care for him
+enough to become his wife.
+
+"Oh, Harvey!" gasped Ethel, "I am so sorry. Why did you spoil our
+lovely friendship? I'll have to answer 'no,' and I dislike to hurt
+your feelings."
+
+"That's all right, little girl," said Harvey, swallowing hard. "I was an
+ass to even imagine that you could care for me, but you see I'm coming on
+so well that I shall soon put out my sign, and I felt that you might be
+such a help to me; that is, if you could care for me a little bit."
+
+"And there are so many nice girls," she said, "waiting for just such a
+good man as yourself."
+
+"But, Ethel, I don't want any girl. I want one. If I can't have her I
+guess I'll stay single. Anyway, I suppose a man needs to practice a lot
+before he marries. There's a couple of years in the Hospital. But I'm
+glad I know the truth, Ethel. By Jove! it's off my chest. I've tried to
+speak of it before but I couldn't."
+
+"I wish I could say 'yes,' Harvey; but can't we still remain the good
+pals that we are?"
+
+"Why, sure," replied the man, and he took her hand. "A man needs a woman
+friend, don't you think?"
+
+"Yes," replied Ethel, "and I hope to prove my friendship for you."
+
+Ethel never spoke of her proposal, nor did Harvey; but there was a firmer
+bond between them than formerly.
+
+Patty wrote often. "You never saw two people so in love as Papa and
+Kate. It is wonderful and remarkably right. I only feel sorry to think
+that through all of these years they might have been so happy, and I'm
+sure papa kept single for me. How selfish daughters are, Ethel; and at
+the same time how little they realize that they are selfish."
+
+Ethel folded the letter and said:
+
+"What she writes is true. You and Papa might have had all of the years
+of my youth to be happy in, but you sacrificed them for me, and they'll
+never, never come back."
+
+"That's all right," said her mother, kissing her. "My happiness since you
+entered college has compensated for it, believe me, my dear little girl,"
+and she kissed her tenderly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+MRS. HOLLISTER ENTERTAINS
+
+
+That winter Mrs. Hollister again had her teas and bridge parties, but
+there was no more worry about where the money was coming from; in fact,
+thanks to Mr. Casey's generosity she was able to pay all of her bills
+and put some away for a rainy day. Her little functions were delightful
+as usual, and the young people came in throngs to the house.
+
+Ethel was happy in seeing her mother so contented, and in knowing that
+her father had no more worries. Grandmother had grown younger, and better
+than all, after Christmas Tom was coming to bring Aunt Susan. He had
+business East and he was to leave her for three weeks, after which he
+was to return for her.
+
+Nora seemed less sad. She had developed into a very stylish up-to-date
+young woman and everyone admired and liked her.
+
+Mrs. Hollister was in her glory. Things for her were now so comfortable
+and easy that she couldn't believe but what it was a dream from which
+she might awaken and find everything the same old way.
+
+Mrs. Bigelow made much of Nora, taking her around and introducing her
+to her friends. Harvey called regularly and invited her twice a week
+to the theatre. He was now a young surgeon in Roosevelt Hospital on the
+ambulance, with a fine career open before him, and what's more he worked
+very hard--often until late at night. People prophesied a great future
+for Harvey and his parents were delighted, but none more so than Ethel,
+whose encouragement was genuine and like the encouragement of a sister.
+
+Teddy Kip kept up a great correspondence with Patty, who sent him postals
+from every place.
+
+"By George!" he said to the Hollisters, "do you know I correspond
+with three girls who are abroad and they never write letters--only
+postals--and if you believe it, I've got nearly a hamper filled with
+them--'pon my word I have. If only Miss Patty would write a fellow a
+real letter once in a while I'd be grateful."
+
+Nora received a letter from Edna Whitely.
+
+"I have some news for all of your girls. Mollie Long and Sallie Davis are
+going to marry clergymen. They are brothers. Sallie's husband is going to
+be a missionary to China."
+
+"Isn't that awful?" said Mrs. Hollister. "Sallie will be massacred as
+sure as fate--that's the end of missionaries. I had a second cousin who
+went and both she and her husband were victims. I wouldn't allow a child
+of mine to marry one. Let him stay in his own country, but to drag a
+young girl out into those heathen places--it's an outrage."
+
+"Well, our Ohio Camp Fire will resolve itself into only half, I fear,"
+said Nora. "There's poor Mattie, Miss Kate, Sallie and Mollie from right
+there. I wonder who's going to take their places."
+
+"Perhaps," said Ethel, "little Mollie Hastings if she's pronounced cured.
+It may be of great benefit to her. Let's see what can be done."
+
+"Dorothy Kip might become an Ohio girl and spend her summers up there
+with us too," suggested Nora. "And if Dr. Bigelow goes with the Scouts
+Nannie can join."
+
+"We'll see," replied Ethel. "It's quite a few months before next summer.
+'Sufficient unto the day, etc.'"
+
+Ethel was getting along famously at Barnard.
+
+"What profession shall you follow--the law or ministry?" Harvey would ask
+jokingly.
+
+"Something that shall enable me to become self supporting," Ethel would
+reply seriously.
+
+"There's where you make a mistake," said Harvey. "A woman was made to be
+supported by a man--not to support herself."
+
+"Why not?" asked Ethel. "How many wives today support their husbands?
+Have you any idea of the number?"
+
+"Oh, well, then it's because the men are lazy or sick. No decent,
+self-respecting man would allow it."
+
+"Supposing a woman can not marry. She can't propose to a man. What can
+she do in that case--starve? No, Dr. Bigelow, you can't even argue. Every
+woman should have in her hand, say, a weapon or trade with which to take
+care of herself. Then when the time comes she's ready to start in the
+battle of life, and not sit around helpless while others do for her, or
+become dependent upon charity, or worse. The day of Elsie Dinsmores has
+gone. In her place we have strong, capable, broad-minded women. Seldom do
+we hear of a woman fainting today, yet look back sixty years and recall
+the Lydia Languish females with long ringlets and wasp waists, who
+invariably carried smelling salts. I'm proud to belong to the women of
+today--healthy, strong, athletic, and brave--women who _do_ and are not
+ashamed of it. Look at Aunt Susan. There's a woman who is an example. I
+hope I may amount to as much as she before I die."
+
+"Ethel, I fear you are strong-minded," laughed Harvey.
+
+"Don't fear, but know it. I try to be strong in mind and body. I believe
+in a woman getting all that's coming to her and working for that end."
+
+Harvey laughed.
+
+"Well, I shan't argue with you."
+
+"Because you agree with me, and you know it," said Ethel quietly. "You
+have made yourself amount to something. Look where you were three years
+ago. What were your views of life then? A rich marriage. Behold the
+change! Now you are a man."
+
+"Thanks," said Harvey, rising and making a low bow.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+CHRISTMAS EVE
+
+
+Christmas was near. The Hollisters wrote and invited Mr. Casey to spend
+the Christmas holidays with them. They also wrote Tom Harper to see if it
+were possible to bring Aunt Susan to be with them during the holidays.
+Tom replied he would make it possible. So they were to have a house full.
+
+Nora and Ethel vied in dressing up the rooms tastefully with holly and
+mistletoe. Every chandelier and door had a piece of mistletoe fastened
+above it.
+
+"What a grand kissing time there'll be," said Archibald. "When do we
+begin--on Christmas morning?"
+
+"Now, Papa, don't you get gay," laughed Ethel. "You've led an exemplary
+life for fifty years. Please keep on and don't let this mistletoe make of
+you a different man."
+
+Well--first came Mr. Casey. Every day he and Nora boarded a taxi and went
+shopping, returning with huge boxes and parcels which gradually filled
+Nora's closets as well as under her bed.
+
+Then came Tom and Aunt Susan, even looking younger than before.
+
+"Really it's ridiculous, Aunt Susan," said Ethel, "for you to keep
+growing so much younger and more stylish. You've got to stop."
+
+And the bell rang so often that Mrs. Hollister was obliged to hire an
+extra maid for Christmas week. Everyone was so perfectly happy that it
+was a joy to enter the house. Harvey was there as often as his hospital
+practice would admit of, and he was the first to kiss Aunt Susan under
+the mistletoe; and Aunt Susan, if you please, now appeared in the
+daintiest of gowns--up-to-date and rather youthful. Ethel and Grandmother
+laughed over it.
+
+"Why, Grandmother, how old is Aunt Susan?"
+
+"She's about sixty-one," said her sister--"why?"
+
+"Nothing, but I've been thinking wouldn't it be funny if she should marry
+again? She's mighty attractive in her up-to-date gowns."
+
+"I don't see whom she could marry," said Grandmother with some asperity,
+"unless Mr. Casey or Dr. Bigelow." Ethel laughed.
+
+Christmas eve arrived. They had a large tree and distributed the gifts.
+Everyone received exactly what he or she desired. Mr. Casey's generosity
+was boundless. He gave Mrs. Hollister a small limousine with the
+understanding that all bills should be sent to him.
+
+"Madam," he said, "you and Nora have a great deal of shopping and social
+duties to perform. Nora tells me that you go by the cars and rarely in a
+taxi, and that you seldom allow her to pay her fare. Now this will set
+everything right, and Grandmother--God bless her--must have her ride
+daily. It is money well invested, for you and Nora can take comfort. I
+have engaged a good chauffeur and have made arrangements with a garage
+near by. All bills are to be sent to me. Nora will attend to the sending
+of them."
+
+Mrs. Hollister couldn't speak. They stood under the mistletoe. She just
+raised herself up and gave Mr. Casey two hearty smacks, at which there
+arose a shout.
+
+"I shan't try to thank you," she said, "for I can not."
+
+Then another surprise came in shape of a wonderful diamond la valliere or
+pendant, and poor Mrs. Hollister was most embarrassed.
+
+"Mr. Casey," she said, "you are going to get me in wrong. People may
+criticise me."
+
+Then Tom's present came--a lovely grey silk evening wrap trimmed with
+chinchilla, and verily Mrs. Hollister was nearly off her head.
+
+Grandmother received a long silk coat lined with fur and trimmed with a
+large lynx collar and cuffs--from Mr. Casey also.
+
+"Don't think that I bought out a furrier," he said, "but I know people
+always need them."
+
+Ethel received a lovely pendant from Mr. Casey and one from Tom, while
+Nora presented her with a beautiful diamond ring.
+
+Everyone was happy this Christmas eve and strange to say Mr. Casey took
+Aunt Susan right under the mistletoe and kissed her, which made
+Grandmother laugh immoderately.
+
+During one of the moments when people were rather quiet, Harvey Bigelow
+took Nora by the hand and walked up to Mr. Casey who was standing under
+the mistletoe; in fact, he had stood nowhere else during the evening.
+
+"Mr. Casey," he said, "I ask of you the most valuable gift that a father
+can give. I ask the hand of this dear girl," and he kissed Nora gently.
+
+Mr. Casey, who had imbibed somewhat plentifully of punch, and who was
+quite warm, looked at the two for a moment.
+
+"An' is it this that ye two have been up to?" he said. "Nora, me child,
+do ye wish it to be?"
+
+"Yes, Papa," faltered the girl, "I love Harvey."
+
+"An' suppose I withhold my consent--what then?"
+
+"Then I shall still love him, but I shall never marry without it."
+
+"Hear that now. Nora, my good girl," and taking her hand he placed it in
+Harvey's, "I give her to ye. All I ask is that ye shall make her happy.
+Let her niver regret this day--that's all," and he wiped his eyes.
+
+Nora flung her arms around him while Harvey wrung his hand.
+
+"You'll never have cause to regret, nor shall she," he said. "I'll love
+and cherish her until death parts us, and I'll work for her so that
+she'll be proud of me."
+
+Ethel kissed them both; in fact, so did everyone. Aunt Susan and Tom were
+delighted.
+
+"I always liked him," she said. "Anyone who looks me square in the eye,
+Mr. Casey, I'll bank on every time."
+
+It was long after midnight when the Xmas party broke up. The young man
+who had always played at Mrs. Hollister's teas for the sum of three
+dollars played the Virginia Reel, and everyone danced,--even Grandmother.
+Mr. Casey took so many funny fancy steps that it was hard to get him
+through with the figures, after which Nora and Ethel showed the elderly
+people how to dance the turkey trot, which of course was shocking. When
+the young musician left he was richer by fifty dollars--gifts of Mr.
+Casey, Tom Harper, and Mrs. Hollister, for she told of how lovely his
+mother was and how she had been her bridesmaid.
+
+"And here's a gift for her," said Mr. Casey. "Take it and buy her a
+fur-lined coat," at which everyone shouted, for poor Mr. Casey's gifts
+had all been so comfortable and warm.
+
+"Niver mind," he laughed, "I bet she'll like one. And give her me
+compliments and a Merry Christmas. And let me have your address, sir."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+CHRISTMAS DAY
+
+
+It was a typical Christmas day. There was even snow on the ground. The
+pretty limousine stood before the Hollisters' door and a well-groomed
+good-looking chauffeur was taken in and presented to Mrs. Hollister,
+his future mistress. Grandmother, in her handsome new cloak, and Aunt
+Susan with Mr. Casey, took the first ride. Mr. Casey was in high spirits
+over Nora's choice.
+
+"Shure they till me that he has a great future."
+
+"Of course he has," said Grandmother. "Why, he's advanced to the
+operating room and he is in line to be second assisting surgeon. Think,
+Mr. Casey, of the lives he may save. I think Nora has made a wise choice,
+and he cared for her for herself--not for her money--for he's always said
+that his wife's money should be settled on herself--that only the husband
+should pay the bills. And Nora, dear child, has improved so. She's grown
+so handsome and has a face full of character."
+
+"That's so, ma'am. I would that her poor mother--God rest her soul--could
+but see her."
+
+"She does," said Aunt Susan. "I firmly believe that our loved ones see
+us and are near us constantly. Wait a bit; I have to stop," and Mr. Casey
+got out at a market.
+
+"Now what is he up to?" said Grandmother. "Susan, he's the
+kindest-hearted and most generous man that I ever knew."
+
+They could catch a glimpse of him now and then. Presently he emerged with
+an immense basket containing a large turkey, a pair of ducks, and paper
+bags of vegetables, and in one corner a smaller basket of delicious
+fruit and a couple of wreaths. From a card he read an address to the
+chauffeur, who placed the Christmas basket beside him.
+
+"Now where is he going, I wonder?" said Aunt Susan. "Perhaps some of his
+poor relations."
+
+The chauffeur drove up before a cheap flat, alighted, and left the
+basket. Returning he nodded "yes" to Mr. Casey.
+
+Mr. Casey said in a hesitating manner:
+
+"The young piano player,--I thought I'd surprise him and his mother. Mrs.
+Hollister speaks highly of the mother and I need just such a young man
+with me in Columbus. I think I can find an opening for him in my office;
+if not, in the office of some of my friends. There are too many young men
+in New York; there are not enough places for them all. Now wid me they
+have a chance to advance, and when I'm gone they'll take my place. I've
+no son."
+
+"Yes," said Grandmother, "this young musician supports his mother. My
+daughter-in-law says that the mother comes from a good old family. She
+and Mrs. Hollister were at school together in Elmira, New York state.
+Then when my son married Bella this lady was her bridesmaid. Bella said
+she was a raving beauty, but she married a man who drank himself to
+death, leaving her with her child alone in the world and without a penny.
+The boy was musical and someone taught him how to play. He used to go to
+school through the day and practice at night. Then he graduated and
+obtained a position as clerk, receiving a very moderate salary. Bella
+met them one night in the cars and had them come up to the house. She
+did all that she could for them, and employed him every time she had a
+tea or needed music. He played well and was glad to get his little three
+dollars. I know that Bella always sent home a box of refreshments to the
+mother."
+
+"Well, I shall persuade them to go back wid me, and they'll have enough
+then, I'm thinkin'."
+
+"Mr. Casey, you are a good man," said Aunt Susan. "The world would be
+better if we had more like you."
+
+"But, Mrs. Carpenter, I think this way. The Lord has been good to me. He
+has caused me to prosper. Why should I consider it all me own? No, I
+think whenever I can help a fellow man He expects me to do so--that's
+all--and I try to make good."
+
+The elderly women made no reply. He was a rough self-made man--a Roman
+Catholic, although not a churchman, who could give them points on charity
+and who did his good deeds quietly and without boasting. Mr. Casey was a
+Scout, although not a young one, for that was the way they were taught to
+do their good deeds.
+
+Upon their arrival home he directed the chauffeur to get his dinner or
+luncheon and return, and after the Hollister luncheon, Nora, Harvey,
+Ethel and Tom went to Van Courtlandt Park, where there was skating,
+returning in time for six o'clock dinner.
+
+"I think, ma'am," said Mr. Casey, "we have monopolized your car pretty
+well, and you never have been inside of it."
+
+"But I'm too busy, Mr. Casey. Today is Christmas and I love to view it
+from the window. Just to think that it belongs to me! I can't realize it.
+Mr. Casey, you are my fairy Godfather and nothing else. How can I ever
+repay you?"
+
+"By always being a mother to my girl, ma'am, as ye have been since she
+met ye. Why, ye deserve a whole garage of automobiles for the kindness
+ye've shown her, and see the good man she now has through ye. Don't thank
+me, ma'am. It's ourselves who can't thank ye enough."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+ANOTHER SURPRISE
+
+
+After a delicious Christmas dinner the Bigelows came over. They welcomed
+and embraced Nora. Mrs. Bigelow really seemed sincere on this occasion.
+Mr. Casey liked them at once, especially Mr. Bigelow and Nannie.
+
+"They'll make her happy all right. My girl has chosen wisely," he
+thought.
+
+Tom and Ethel went out together during Christmas week. They skated and
+visited all the art galleries, enjoying every moment. They had many
+serious talks, and Ethel took Tom to call on several of her friends.
+The girls voted him delightful and Ethel was proud of him. They spoke of
+Mattie Hastings.
+
+"Tom, Patty will never get over it," she said, "of that I'm sure."
+
+"Ethel, don't you see, Patty witnessed it, and the shock is indelibly
+stamped on her memory. Time will help remove it--nothing else."
+
+"But what a brave act, wasn't it?" continued Ethel. "Patty sends orders
+for flowers once a week for her grave, and they say it looks very lovely.
+And I even disliked her once. I said her eyes were too close together and
+I misjudged her. Then I fairly hated Nora--think!--she who saved my life.
+Each one has done something. What have I done? Whom have I benefited?
+Who is better for having had me for a friend?"
+
+They were sitting on a bench in the picture gallery of the Metropolitan
+Museum Ethel looked very lovely. She wore a bunch of Tom's orchids and a
+grey velvet suit. Her eyes were bright and her cheeks were burning red.
+She was visibly excited. Tom saw that she felt her life had been a
+failure.
+
+"Ethel," he said, taking her hand, "think of the joy you have brought
+to Aunt Susan. Can't you see how much happier she is today than when
+you first knew her? Look at Nora. Through you she has changed from an
+awkward girl into a cultivated and charming woman, engaged to a fine
+young physician belonging to one of New York's oldest families.
+Indirectly you are responsible for it all. Look at little Mary Hastings.
+Through you she has been, or will be completely cured of her spine
+trouble. And lastly, look at me, Ethel, you have brought sunshine and
+happiness into my life. It is not always the big things that go to make
+happiness. It is the small things as well; and in your sweet, quiet way
+you have scattered light and joy in many paths. I had not intended, my
+dear, to speak to you of my love. I wished to wait until I had more of
+a name for you, and until you had come out and had a chance to choose
+from many men more worthy perhaps than I, but I can not keep my secret.
+I love you, dear, and I would have you for my wife. Can I hope? Do you
+care for me a little?"
+
+Ethel's eyes shone like stars. She looked up into his face and said:
+
+"I care for you a great deal,--until you spoke I never knew how much. If
+you wish I will be your wife."
+
+Then Tom lifted her hand to his lips.
+
+"I will make you as happy as I know how," he said. "I had a feeling that
+I couldn't keep my secret back after today. Come, dear, let us go and
+tell them all; and never under-rate yourself again."
+
+People stared at the handsome couple and at their beaming faces. Joy was
+stamped on their countenances and happiness shone from their eyes.
+
+When they arrived home, Tom walked up to Mrs. Hollister, and kissing her
+he said:
+
+"I have asked Ethel to be my wife. Will you and Mr. Hollister give her to
+me?"
+
+Mrs. Hollister gasped.
+
+"Why Tom! Ethel! Is it true?"
+
+Ethel put her arm around her mother.
+
+"Yes, Mamma, Tom has asked me to marry him and I said 'yes,' for I know
+that you and Papa like him. Now you say 'yes'--do dear."
+
+"Yes, I will say it gladly. Tom, I have always liked you and I'm sure
+you and Ethel will be happy. I give my consent with all my heart," and
+Tom took her in his arms and kissed her tenderly.
+
+"Thank you," he said, "you have given me a precious gift. You shall never
+regret it."
+
+Then they sought Mr. Hollister and were closeted with him for a long
+time, after which Grandmother and Aunt Susan had to be told, and lastly
+Nora.
+
+So that Christmas brought two engagements in the Hollister circle.
+
+Ethel decided to finish college before marrying, and Nora her school. The
+men had to be content.
+
+"We'll have one more year at Camp anyway," said Nora. "I shall be glad to
+spend my last single summer there."
+
+"And Tom and Harvey will practically be with us," said Ethel. "Nora, are
+you not a happy girl?"
+
+"I am," said Nora.
+
+"So am I," rejoined Ethel.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+MR. CASEY BUYS A HOUSE
+
+
+Aunt Susan at once began to make plans. In the meanwhile Mr. Casey asked
+Mr. Hollister and his mother to give him a few moments conversation on
+business.
+
+"I understand that ye own this house, ma'am," he began. "What would ye
+sell it for?"
+
+Mrs. Hollister looked at her son.
+
+"Why?" she asked.
+
+"Because I'm about to buy a house for Nora and the Doctor, and I want to
+buy one in this neighborhood. I also have a proposition to make to ye,
+Mr. Hollister. Frankly, what might be yere salary?"
+
+Mr. Hollister reddened.
+
+"I mean no disrespect or pryin', sir. It is a business proposition I have
+to make to ye, before I do to anyone else."
+
+"My salary is three thousand a year, Mr. Casey," said Archibald
+Hollister. "I'm with an old and respected firm and have been with them
+for thirty years."
+
+"Thin they don't value your services as they should,--pardon my sayin'.
+This minnit they ought to give ye more. Now I need a man like yourself
+to be me representative in New York. I give you the first option. Will
+ye come and accept the position for six thousand a year?"
+
+Mr. Hollister acted dazed. Grandmother spoke up:
+
+"Answer, Archibald,"
+
+But still Archibald kept quiet.
+
+"Is it because ye think it not honorable to leave them? Thin tell thim
+that I have offered ye more and see if they will do the same. I'll give
+you a week to see."
+
+"And now, ma'am, I have heard that ye wished to sell. Yere Granddaughter
+will marry and this house will be too big for the three of yees. A pretty
+apartment on the Park will be far better for ye. What is yere price for
+the house?"
+
+"We refused thirty thousand for it in 1900," replied Mrs. Hollister, "and
+real estate has increased in value since that."
+
+"Very well," said Mr. Casey, "I know what ye say is true, and I will pay
+a fair price. I will give ye fifty thousand for this house, ma'am, and I
+will have it remodeled for my girl."
+
+"I will accept," said Mrs. Hollister, in a prompt businesslike way.
+"There is no mortgage on the house," she added.
+
+"Yere more of a business woman than yere son. Faith, he's worryin' over
+hurtin' feelings of his employers I do be thinkin'," and Mr. Casey laid
+back and laughed.
+
+But Archibald felt as though the earth was slowly slipping from under his
+feet. His luck was changing too rapidly. It was coming upon him too late
+in life, and Mr. Casey! Well, he was indeed the fairy Godfather. He and
+his wife had so longed for an apartment overlooking the Park, but
+Grandmother would never hear of selling.
+
+"When I die will be time enough," she would say, and now she had actually
+seemed glad. And to think she would have fifty thousand dollars to live
+on for the rest of her life. Then this new offer from Mr. Casey, double
+the salary he was now receiving--it was like a dream. And his girl
+engaged to one of the finest men in the West. God was too good to him--he
+didn't deserve it.
+
+His wife was overjoyed.
+
+"Oh, Archie," she said "how wonderful it all is. It seems to have
+happened since Ethel joined the Camp Fire girls. I'm sure they have
+brought her luck. They have brought Nora to us and her dear father,
+who has been so generous, and but for the Camp Fire she never would
+have met Nora. Isn't it strange?"
+
+Archibald Hollister laid the case before the Company by which he had been
+employed for thirty years, not telling how much his new salary was to
+be.
+
+"Mr. Hollister," they said, "we can not afford to increase your salary.
+To be sure you have served us faithfully, but you are no longer young,
+and you know we need young blood in business. There are plenty waiting
+for your place."
+
+That was a terrible blow to Archibald. He had not expected to get
+three thousand extra, but he had looked for an increase of a thousand
+rather than they should let him go, and to hear them calmly sit and
+tell him that they needed young blood was too much. He left the office,
+and the next morning in place of Archibald Hollister there arrived his
+resignation. So thirty years of faithfulness to their interests and
+strict attention to business didn't count with them, and there he had
+been so loyal to the concern!
+
+"Ah!" said Mr. Casey, "what did I tell ye? Do ye think these corporations
+care for the man? No. It's for what they can get out of him--for the
+amount of work he can do, and for how small a salary. Let them hire their
+young blood and you come along with me, and we'll see how much better off
+they'll be!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+ARCHIBALD'S CHANGE FOR THE BETTER
+
+
+So Archibald Hollister found himself the New York manager of a large
+Ohio Realty Company, with four clerks under him and a couple of handsome
+offices; and Mr. Casey was proud of his personal appearance, for
+Archibald was a handsome man. One of the clerks was the young fellow
+who on Christmas eve had played Money Musk for them to dance the
+Virginia Reel, and whose mother received on the following morning the
+Christmas basket from Mr. Casey.
+
+"Now yere where ye belong," said the kind-hearted man. "I tell ye, Mr.
+Hollister, an honest employee should have been appreciated, and ye were
+not."
+
+The family moved from the house and took a pretty apartment overlooking
+the Park. They were delighted with the change and every day Ethel took
+long walks around the reservoir.
+
+Mr. Casey began to renovate the interior of the house and modernize the
+outside.
+
+The family lived in the limousine, and everyone seemed happy. Aunt Susan
+did not go home with Tom but stayed on until the family were settled in
+their new house. Then Tom who only wished for an excuse came on East for
+her. It was nearly Easter. They persuaded him to stay over, which he
+did.
+
+And so here we shall leave them. After one more year there will be a
+double wedding, and Ethel and Nora will marry. We see Harvey making rapid
+strides in his profession, and Tom building a pretty home for his Ethel,
+while Aunt Susan will be busy embroidering towels, napkins, etc., for
+their linen chest; and not only for them, but for Nora as well, for was
+it not through Nora and Mr. Casey that much of their happiness came?
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Ethel Hollister's Second Summer as a
+Campfire Girl, by Irene Elliott Benson
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 14169 ***
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Ethel Hollister's Second Summer as a
+Campfire Girl, by Irene Elliott Benson
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Ethel Hollister's Second Summer as a Campfire Girl
+
+Author: Irene Elliott Benson
+
+Release Date: November 26, 2004 [EBook #14169]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAMPFIRE GIRL ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Audrey Longhurst, Mary Meehan, and the PG Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+           Ethel Hollister's Second Summer as a Campfire Girl
+
+                        By IRENE ELLIOTT BENSON
+
+                                 1912
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+SYNOPSIS OF PRECEDING BOOK
+
+      I--ETHEL'S PLANS
+
+     II--ETHEL ENTERS COLLEGE
+
+    III--ETHEL AND HARVEY BECOME FIRM FRIENDS
+
+     IV--ETHEL'S SECOND TRIP
+
+      V--CAMP AGAIN
+
+     VI--UNCLE JOHN'S
+
+    VII--MRS. HOLLISTER'S VISIT TO CAMP
+
+   VIII--THE SCOUTS ARRIVE
+
+     IX--NORA GIVES SERVICE
+
+      X--A HEROINE
+
+     XI--BREAKING UP OF CAMP AND A SURPRISE
+
+    XII--MATTIE MAKES GOOD
+
+   XIII--JUDGE SANDS AND KATE MARRY
+
+    XIV--A BIRTHDAY PRESENT
+
+     XV--MRS. HOLLISTER ENTERTAINS
+
+    XVI--CHRISTMAS EVE
+
+   XVII--CHRISTMAS DAY
+
+  XVIII--ANOTHER SURPRISE
+
+    XIX--MR. CASEY BUYS A HOUSE
+
+     XX--ARCHIBALD'S CHANGE FOR THE BETTER
+
+
+
+
+SYNOPSIS OF PRECEDING BOOK
+
+
+Ethel would have never become a Camp Fire Girl excepting for her
+great-aunt Susan.
+
+Susan Carpenter was her Grandmother Hollister's only sister, living in
+Akron, Ohio. Her family consisted of Mr. Thomas Harper and herself. Tom's
+parents had been her friends, and when they were taken Aunt Susan legally
+adopted him and his little brother Fred, but the younger one died before
+graduating, while Tom went through college and was now a rising young
+lawyer.
+
+Aunt Susan Carpenter was a philanthropist. At the time of her adopting
+the boys she was reputed to be a millionaire. She gave her beautiful home
+to the city for an Asylum for partially insane people and endowed it with
+fifty thousand dollars, after which the leading men in town raised fifty
+thousand more, thereby making it self-supporting. She was also on the
+board of managers of many other charities, and was adored by her
+townspeople.
+
+Four years previous to her visit to New York, she had lost every penny of
+her immense fortune,--lost it through the rascality of a large and well
+advertised concern calling itself the "Great Western Cereal Company." The
+whole thing was a rotten affair from the first and was floated by ten
+unscrupulous men who after obtaining all the money they could fled from
+the country before the exposure came; that is, save three, one of whom
+was arrested while the other two committed suicide. Aunt Susan wrote
+nothing of it to her sister lest it should worry her, and as she had
+never met her nephew's family in New York, and they knowing no one in
+Akron, they were in ignorance of the change in Aunt Susan's affairs and
+still thought her a wealthy woman.
+
+Mrs. Archibald Hollister--Ethel's mother--was worldly and ambitious;
+not so much for herself as for her daughter. Grand-mother Hollister,
+whose husband had belonged to one of New York's oldest families, owned
+the house in which they lived, free and clear. It was an old-fashioned
+brown-stone affair near Riverside Drive. Archibald, her son, paid the
+taxes in lieu of rent, but as his salary was only three thousand a year
+it was extremely difficult to make both ends meet, and Grandmother had no
+money save what was in the house. But Mrs. Archie was clever. She could
+make a dollar do the work of five. With her own hands she would fashion
+for Ethel the most dainty and up-to-date gowns, wraps, hats, etc.,
+imaginable.
+
+The Hollisters kept but one maid. She always appeared trim and tidy, yet
+she did the entire housework. Upon the days that Mrs. Archie gave bridge
+parties or afternoon teas for Ethel's young friends, she hired two extra
+girls who had been so perfectly trained that the guests never once
+doubted but that they were part of the household--allowing to Mrs.
+Archie's clever management.
+
+Ethel attended a fashionable school costing her father more money than he
+could afford, but she met there the very best class of girls and really
+formed for herself the most desirable acquaintances. Her mother scrimped
+and saved in every way possible, while the guests who came to the
+old-fashioned house with its handsome antique furniture and portraits
+were wont to declare that "the Hollisters were certainty aristocratic and
+of blue blood, as their house showed it--so severe and yet elegant." So
+Mrs. Archie felt that the Hollister name alone should procure for Ethel a
+monied husband, and she held it constantly before the girl. She must
+associate only with those in the "upper circle," and marry a man who
+could give her a "fine establishment."
+
+Among Ethel's school friends was a girl--Nannie Bigelow by name--of
+whom she was very fond. Nannie had a brother in Yale whom she (Ethel)
+disliked. He was a member of the ultra fashionable set and was desirous
+of making a wealthy match, as his family as well had little but their
+name. One of his sisters had married a titled man and lived abroad. It
+was Mrs. Hollister's ambition to have Ethel like Harvey Bigelow, although
+she knew that he had as little money as she. She tried to adjust things
+satisfactorily, and being a clever woman she hit upon a plan which we
+shall reveal later. Of course, the girl was only sixteen and must first
+graduate. Ethel, who had imbibed many of her mother's fallacies, did not
+openly rebel. She was quite a little snob in her way, nor did she realize
+what the family daily sacrificed for her, although her heart smote her
+when she saw how her father was aging, for she adored him; nor were her
+eyes opened until after she had joined the Camp Fire.
+
+Grandmother Hollister had two sons, John and Archie. Kate Hollister was
+the daughter of the former. They lived in Columbus, Ohio, and Kate had
+been invited to visit her New York relatives. She was a tall, handsome
+girl much older than Ethel, for she was over thirty. Kate was the
+Guardian of a company of eight Camp Fire Girls called the "Ohio." She had
+told her grandmother and Ethel all about the new movement one evening,
+and Ethel who loved the romantic side of camping out was crazy to have
+Kate obtain permission from her mother to let her join, as her father had
+said that she might visit Columbus that coming summer. But lo! when she
+spoke to Mrs. Archie--or Aunt Bella--about it she was politely snubbed.
+When Kate tried to explain how wonderful was the organization and what
+benefit a girl--especially a delicate girl like Ethel--could derive from
+belonging, the lady sneered and likened it to the Salvation Army and
+forbade her guest from mentioning it to the girl or even speaking of it
+in her presence. But alas! the deed had been done and Ethel knew of it;
+but while in New York Kate had refrained from again touching on the
+subject. At that time an aunt of one of Ethel's schoolmates had formed a
+company and many of the swell set had joined. Ethel longed to belong but
+dared not offend her mother.
+
+Now for Mrs. Hollister's plan. She suddenly conceived the idea of
+inviting Aunt Susan on for a visit, supposedly to give Grandmother a
+chance to see her only sister once more, but in reality to have Ethel
+ingratiate herself with the old lady, thereby causing her to leave the
+girl the bulk of her fortune. Ethel read between the lines and at first
+refused, but after listening to her mother for a while and thinking
+perhaps she was right, she allowed herself to promise to further the
+plan.
+
+Aunt Susan was a woman with fine eyes and teeth, as well as a charming
+manner, but her style of dressing dated back to the eighties--full
+skirts, flat hats with strings, beaded plush dolmans, etc. Ethel was
+ashamed to be seen with her but she had promised to help and she had to
+do her share. In the meanwhile her mother had spread the report that Aunt
+Susan was a millionaire and that Ethel was to have her fortune at her
+death. Everyone fell in love with Aunt Susan and ascribed her peculiar
+dressing to the eccentricities of a wealthy woman.
+
+Mrs. Hollister's joy knew no bounds when Aunt Susan invited Ethel to
+return with her to Akron. Her scheme was beginning to work. Ethel was a
+lovely girl. Aunt Susan would grow fond of her and the fortune was
+assured. Besides, as it would cost a small fortune to take Ethel to a
+fashionable summer resort, Mrs. Archie could save money for the winter.
+But, accompanying the invitation, Aunt Susan requested that during July
+and August, Ethel might join her other grand niece's "Camp Fires" and
+live in the woods. "It will be the making of your girl," she added,
+"as now she looks thin and peaked."
+
+At first Mrs. Archie indignantly refused. She almost felt that she had
+been trapped, but Aunt Susan met every objection and even told the lady
+that she feared she was shallow and an unnatural mother to refuse to
+consider her daughter's health. Mrs. Archie dared not let Aunt Susan know
+that she considered the whole organization conspicuous and common, nor
+that she did not wish Ethel to learn to do the work of a servant, etc.,
+or run the risk of meeting girls of humble origin. So after some sharp
+rebukes administered to her by the old lady on the sin of worldliness
+and the fact that she was not doing a mother's duty by her daughter, she
+consented, mentally declaring that she would see that Ethel should forget
+all about it on her return.
+
+While visiting Aunt Susan and living in Camp in a truthful atmosphere
+Ethel Hollister began to change. She saw how the old lady was beloved.
+She heard on every side of the good she had done, and when one day Aunt
+Susan told her that she had been a wife and mother, and what she had
+suffered at the hands of a brutal husband, she was spellbound. For years
+she had been deserted, but when one day he was supposed to be dying she
+was sent for that he might beg her forgiveness. She went and found that
+for four years he had been stone blind and that he had sunk so low that
+she shrank from the squalid house in which he was living. She took him
+away and stayed with him until his death, making the last days of his
+life more bearable.
+
+As the girl listened and thought of the old lady's goodness and how she
+was visiting her and making over her old gowns, hats, etc., into
+fashionable ones to ingratiate herself for an object she saw herself as
+she was--a hypocrite--and she fell on her knees to Aunt Susan confessing
+everything and begging her forgiveness, whereupon the old lady took her
+in her arms and told her that she knew everything--that Grandmother and
+she had made up their minds that Ethel might lose her worldliness under
+different environments. Then she told her of the loss of her fortune and
+the girl was glad, saying as she kissed her, "Now you know that I love
+you for yourself, Aunt Susan."
+
+Ethel liked Tom Harper. He was a fine young man. He supported Aunt Susan
+and gave her a liberal allowance but she banked nearly all of it, as she
+told Ethel "to have something at her death to leave to those whom she
+loved."
+
+After visiting her Uncle John's family, whom she liked at once, Kate,
+Ethel, and the eight girls started for Camp. It was situated in a stretch
+of woods on the banks of the Muskingum river. One of the girls--Patty
+Sands--became Ethel's chum. She was motherless and the only child of
+Judge Sands, ex-congressman of Ohio, and greatly respected. The rest of
+the girls were also congenial save two--one a Mattie Hastings, whom Ethel
+avoided saying that her eyes were too close together. Mattie's parents
+were poor people but she was one of Kate's Sunday School class and has
+asked to be allowed to join the "Ohios." The other girl was a large,
+raw-boned Irish girl, or rather of Irish parentage. Her voice was shrill
+and unpleasant, while her hair was black and her eyes dark blue and
+lovely, her face was covered with freckles and she dressed loudly and in
+bad taste. Pat Casey--her father---was one of the wealthiest men in town.
+He was a contractor and an honest, respectable man, but his wife was
+a pusher, trying to bluff her way into society. She was ignorant and
+disagreeable. People refused to receive her. Nora had been only half
+educated at a convent. Mrs. Casey, hearing of the Camp Fire Girls,
+bethought herself that it would be an opening for Honora, so she boldly
+called upon Miss Kate and asked--yes, begged--that Nora might belong; and
+Kate, who was kind-hearted, received the girl to the great joy of Mrs.
+Pat. Having been born in the old country, both parents spoke with a
+brogue. Occasionally, from association, Nora would use it; then she would
+stop suddenly, turn red, and speak perfect English. Ethel disliked her
+even more than she did Mattie.
+
+One day as she was helping wash dishes she lost a valuable diamond ring.
+It had been her Grandmother's engagement ring and she was heart-broken.
+Although they searched everywhere no trace of it could they find, but as
+they were walking up the hill a week or so afterwards they thought they
+saw Mattie Hastings through the trees. They called as a jest, "We've seen
+you and you're discovered--come out!" Whereupon someone shrieked, and
+proceeding to the spot they found Mattie lying upon the ground. She had
+walked in the sun and had started to run and had fallen over some stumps.
+Instantly they saw that she had been prostrated by the heat, and having
+recently studied "First aid to the injured" they proceeded to remove her
+blouse and open her corset, when lo! there upon a silver chain around her
+neck was not only Ethel Hollister's ring but another belonging to Honora
+Casey. She had missed it a few days after Ethel had lost hers, but she
+wisely refrained from speaking of it to anyone but Patty Sands, adding,
+"Shure, it would only be afther worryin' Miss Kate, and it might turn up.
+I'll bide me time."
+
+Mattie, upon recovering consciousness and seeing that her secret had been
+discovered handed the rings to Ethel saying that she should kill herself.
+The girls, seeing that she was desperate, replied that as one of their
+"seven laws" was to "render service," if she would confess why she had
+taken the rings they would shield her. Overjoyed, the girl did so. She
+told everything. She had done it for her young sister who had dislocation
+of the spine, whereby she might be converting them into money have the
+child placed in the Cripples Hospital and treated. A physician had
+assured her that the case was not incurable, and for two hundred dollars
+the child could be watched and nursed, and eventually her spine might be
+straightened. She said that since the accident that had made the child
+as she was, her mother had become a drug fiend. One evening her cousin--a
+young man who was a chauffeur--invited her mother to join a party and
+they took a joy ride. On their way home, being under the influence of
+wine, they knocked down and ran over a child near Mrs. Hasting's house.
+Letting her out, they sped quickly on for fear of arrest. Upon
+discovering that it was her own child, and what was worse, that from that
+night she was to be a hopeless cripple, the mother nearly went insane.
+Still she kept her secret and no one suspected that she had been one of
+the parties in the car. Her remorse drove her to take the drug. Under its
+influence she told Mattie. At that time the girl was earning six dollars
+a week, three of which she was paying to her mother, supposing her to be
+buying food for the invalid. When she discovered the truth she threatened
+her with exposure and tried to buy little Mollie nourishing delicacies
+herself, but three dollars would barely pay for the necessities of life,
+and she became discouraged and desperate. In the store she saw a customer
+drop her purse. She placed her foot upon it and when the lady had gone
+she picked it up. The purse contained forty dollars and some cards, etc.
+After depositing thirty-five dollars in the bank she took five and bought
+the child fruit, books, and ice cream. It seemed to put new life into
+Mollie. She took small articles from time to time, and pretending that
+they had been given her she sold them. Her remorse was terrible. She was
+unhappy. If only she could work harder and earn more. At that time she
+heard of the Camp Fire Girls--of the useful and wonderful things that
+they learned so that in time they became competent to demand and receive
+large salaries. She loved Miss Kate and asked her if she might join. Kate
+assented, and it was then that the girls first met her. Gradually the
+desire to collect the two hundred dollars for Mollie came back, and with
+it the temptation to steal. She took money from every girl. She was even
+willing, after placing Mollie in the Hospital, to go to prison, if only
+the child could be cured. She felt that some day she would be caught with
+the goods. She adored Miss Kate and took nothing from her. Finally she
+began taking jewelry to sell.
+
+This morning she was on her way to find a hiding place for the two rings
+and a diamond locket taken from another girl, when she heard Ethel and
+Patty call. Then she was sure that they had discovered her secret, and
+trying to run away she tripped and lost consciousness. "Now that I have
+told you all," she added, "your father--Judge Sands--will send me up,"
+and she sobbed piteously. Her grief was sincere. She had not stolen for
+herself. She had been desperate. Pity crept into the hearts of the two
+girls and they constituted themselves her friends. They made her replace
+the jewelry in Nora's and Edna's suit cases. They found the lady's card
+from whom she had taken the purse and had Mattie return the money and bag
+with a note withholding her name. They had her draw out the money
+obtained from the sale of the purloined articles and return it to the
+head of the Department Store saying that the things had been taken and
+sold under great provocation for a sick child, enumerating them and the
+prices, after which she felt happier, for she knew that the girls would
+remain her friends. "Some day," she said, "I may make good."
+
+Ethel wrote and got Aunt Susan interested in little Mollie. Being a
+manager of a Cripples School that lady at once placed her free of charge
+in one of the wards as a boarder and pupil. The resident physician
+said that in a year's time he should send her out cured. Poor Mr. and
+Mrs. Hastings were overjoyed, while Mattie's gratitude knew no way to
+express itself. She simply regarded Ethel and Patty with looks of
+adoration, while in time they overcame their prejudice, Ethel even
+kissing her goodbye.
+
+There had been wrought in Ethel Hollister a great change. Much of her
+pride and worldliness had dropped from her. She had gradually become an
+earnest believer in truth despising all subterfuges and shams.
+
+Upon her arrival home, Mrs. Hollister, while noting her new and splendid
+health, was appalled at the change. From an obedient child, easily
+convinced that no matter what her mother said was right, she had become
+a girl of great character with ideas of her own. Mrs. Hollister angrily
+denounced her mother-in-law and Aunt Susan, saying that it was their work
+and that her child, for whom she had slaved all of her life, had become
+wilful, stubborn and disobedient. "She even refuses to go into Society
+this winter. She talks of taking up low down settlement work. She'll
+end in becoming a suffragette, and standing on a soap box she'll address
+the street rabble, perhaps wearing a large bonnet and standing beside a
+kettle holiday time ringing a bell and holding out a tambourine,--a
+Salvation Army woman. Oh! what a fool I was to let her go away from my
+influence," and she sobbed,--"to toil and save for her to make a
+brilliant match. See the way she rewards me. Why did I bring into this
+world such an ungrateful child! It's all that wretched Camp Fire
+business."
+
+Then Ethel gently put her arm around her mother and told her that only
+since she had been a Camp Fire girl had she appreciated how hard she had
+worked for her. "I know, Mamma," she said, "how you and Papa, and even
+Grandmamma, have sacrificed for me. I see myself as I have been, (not as
+I am now)--a selfish, wicked girl, not even appreciating what you have
+done for me, and I am appalled. I am going to do for you now. I am going
+to see the roses come back into your cheeks and the wrinkles leave your
+pretty face. Uncle John is Papa's senior by ten years but he looks much
+younger--why? Because Papa is bent and worn getting money for me--for
+us to make a show on. Everything is sham, Mamma, and let us give it
+up--let us keep only friends who care for us ourselves and we shall be
+happier. I shall take you up to camp next summer. You can help us so
+much; you are so clever and can teach the girls. And as for a grand
+marriage for me, I'll promise never to marry at all unless you approve of
+the man, and I may make a better marriage than you dream of. So just let
+us be happy and natural and live within our means," and she took her
+sobbing mother in her arms.
+
+
+
+
+Ethel Hollister's Second Summer as a Camp Fire Girl
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+ETHEL'S PLANS
+
+
+The morning after Ethel had declared herself her mother came up to her
+room. She could see that Mrs. Hollister had not slept and her eyes were
+red from weeping. Ethel kissed her, saying:
+
+"Mamma, we are going to be very happy together--you and I. I don't want
+to disappoint you, dear, nor would I do so willingly; but I simply can
+not live as I've been living. Sit down and let us talk."
+
+Then she told of Aunt Susan,--of her kindness, unselfishness and
+self-sacrifice. She told of Mattie and how they had helped her, and
+of her Uncle John; of Patty and Judge Sands; and lastly of Kate and
+what a wonderful character she was.
+
+"Wait, dear, I want to show you my ceremonial gown," and she quickly
+slipped it on. The girl's hair was still hanging unbound, having slept in
+it that way, and she hooked about it her coronation band. Said her
+mother:
+
+"Well, I must say it is becoming. What a Pocahontas you would make in
+private theatricals!" she exclaimed with maternal pride; "But then, why
+should I speak of theatricals? You've given up all such things."
+
+"Why, Mamma," laughed Ethel, "I'm not going into a convent. I have given
+up nothing but the unreal part of life."
+
+"I suppose you'll tell everyone how poor we are, and how I have put you
+forward under false colors. Then people will despise me."
+
+"No, Mamma, I shall not do a thing to put you in any awkward position.
+Keep on. Give your teas for me if you wish,--even have the two extra
+maids. It costs very little and we have a social time; it cheers
+Grandmamma and there's no need to stop them. But this is what I shall
+not do: First I shall tell Harvey Bigelow that Aunt Susan was once a
+millionaire but that she lost all of her money. I shall tell of her
+wonderful gifts to Akron,--of her charities, and how well she is beloved,
+but that I shall inherit no money from her. Harvey will tell his mother
+and she'll spread the news. If people care any the less for us after
+hearing it, let them go; but I don't propose to tell what Papa's salary
+is, or that you--poor dear--sit until morning sewing for me,--a thing
+that I'm not going to allow you to do any longer.
+
+"Then I shall give up attending Madam's. Yes, don't start. Every bill
+Papa pays is a nail in his coffin, I know. Tomorrow I shall go to Barnard
+and try to pass an examination, and for one quarter what Madam charges I
+can get a sound and solid education, and were Papa to die I can leave
+with my teacher's diploma knowing something that will be of use to me.
+I could help support you and Grandmamma. What could I do were I forced
+to support myself after leaving Madam's. Why, an education such as her
+girls receive is of no earthly account unless for music or such
+accomplishments; but with a degree from Barnard I can earn good money.
+I am so glad that I am young and that I shall have a chance. You'll be
+proud of me, Mamma,--just wait and see," and she kissed her mother
+affectionately.
+
+They went down to breakfast. Archibald Hollister listened to his
+daughter's plans. He was proud of her and his face showed it.
+
+"You see, Papa," continued Ethel, "every penny is spent on me. Do you and
+Mamma ever go to a theatre? No. Do you ever take a drive? Never,--why?
+Because you can't spare the money. Now at least we shall be able to go
+to the moving picture shows and take Grandmamma. I bet you'd enjoy it,
+wouldn't you, Grandmamma? And, do you know, the best people go, and a
+quarter is the highest priced seat."
+
+The girl chatted on until the postman delivered the mail.
+
+"Oh! a letter from Kate. Let's see what news she has written," and she
+gave a gasp as she read the first page.
+
+"Poor Mrs. Casey died Saturday from pneumonia. Nora is heartbroken, and
+poor Pat Casey acts as though he knew not which way to turn. Nora looks
+really refined in black,--almost handsome. She loved Mrs. Casey, who in
+spite of her peculiarities was a good wife and mother. Later: Mr. Casey
+wishes to take Nora away. He suggested New York, so you may see her,
+etc."
+
+Then Ethel described Honora.
+
+"It is strange but I can never like that girl. There's something about
+her that's antagonistic to me, and yet when she comes here I must be
+polite and ask her to visit me."
+
+"If she's in mourning she'll not expect to meet people," said Mrs.
+Hollister quickly, "nor to go to any places of amusement, thank heavens."
+
+"Oh, she's very generous. Probably she'd invite us, Mamma. Well, poor
+Nora, she loved her mother. I'm sorry for her."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+ETHEL ENTERS COLLEGE
+
+
+The next morning Ethel Hollister walked up to Barnard and put in her
+application for admittance. The following week upon her first examination
+she failed, but she entered the class with conditions. The girl studied
+hard and soon made good.
+
+She liked the girls of her class. They were intelligent, athletic, and
+agreeable.
+
+Her former friends and companions from La Rue's declared that of
+late--in fact, since she had become a Camp Fire Girl--Ethel Hollister
+had developed fads. This Barnard was one. But as Ethel kept on
+steadily progressing in college, and she was so very young--not yet
+seventeen--people began to consider her a girl of great ability and
+intelligence. Mrs. Hollister grew to be proud of hearing her praised
+on every side and Archibald seemed less worried over money matters.
+She was rather glad that things had changed. Perhaps it was all for
+the best, and people would respect them no less.
+
+Grandmother never wearied of hearing her grandchild tell of her visit.
+"And to think," she'd say, "that Susan has had all the trouble she tells
+of and has made no sign. How gladly would I have helped her. Still, had
+I done so we would have had no house. Well, the Lord knows what's best.
+We could only have offered her a home. I'm glad the Insane Asylum was
+endowed and the boys educated before the crash came."
+
+Nora did not visit New York in the winter. She went South with her
+father. The girls--Kate and Ethel--corresponded, and in that way Ethel
+heard all of the news. The Judge came often and took Patty and Kate on
+long motor trips. Mattie was doing nicely. She was employed in a Woman's
+Exchange where she received twelve dollars a week and taught cooking and
+sewing. Mollie was improving daily. Mr. Hastings had a fine position with
+Judge Sands. Honora was away, but the rest of the girls were as usual.
+The Camp Fires met weekly and everyone missed Ethel, but no one missed
+her as did Aunt Susan. "Why," wrote Kate, "she says the light has gone
+out of her life, and Tom roams around disconsolate. But," she added, "you
+should see the up-to-date way in which he dresses. He is the pink of
+fashion, I tell you."
+
+Ethel laughed, and while reading would stop every now and then to
+explain.
+
+Then Ethel answered:
+
+"I have joined Miss Westcott's Camp Fire Girls, and if you believe it,
+Mamma goes with me. She doesn't like it, but she's a great help to me and
+to the girls, for she teaches them so much. She's consistent and it will
+take her some time to overcome her prejudices. Nanny Bigelow belongs,
+and Harvey takes us when Mamma can not go. By the way, Harvey seems
+quite interested in medicine, and after graduating he is going to study
+it. We call him 'Doctor' Bigelow.
+
+"Dorothy Kip's Day Nursery has proved a great success. It is the dearest
+little flat, and the babies are sweet. Dorothy's old woman is a great
+help, and I want you to know that Dorothy works hard. Why, she almost
+runs the place on contributions and her allowance, and the little ones
+are just as happy and comfortable as possible. She has books and toys,
+and we girls take turns in going in and reading to the elder children, as
+well as amusing the younger ones. That is a good charity, and Grandmother
+(Kate noticed that Ethel had begun to call Mrs. Hollister 'Mother' and
+the old lady 'Grandmother') goes nearly every pleasant day and takes
+flowers. She generally spends the afternoon with them, so in a small way
+Dorothy Kip is emulating Jane Addams. Who knows but some day she may be
+her equal,--Oh!"
+
+The second letter said:
+
+"I must tell you something. The other evening Harvey Bigelow called. You
+know I never liked him any more than I liked Mattie nor Nora. Now I like
+Mattie and I am beginning to like Harvey. I hope I shall change towards
+Nora, but I see no sign now. Well, Harvey began.
+
+"'Miss Ethel,' he said, 'I've determined to become a physician. I presume
+you've heard that, and I'm determined to become a good one, too. You may
+not know it, but I have always liked boys. I don't say that I dislike
+girls,--but I do like boys. (Harvey is developing a sense of humor.)
+When I visited my college chum--Joe Atkinson--this last summer, I was
+surprised to learn that he was the Scout Master to a troop of eight boys.
+He lives in Springfield, Illinois. I had a corking visit and a fine time
+with the kids, two of whom are his young brothers.
+
+"'Do you know, I became mightily interested in the movement. I have
+studied and watched it and I think it's the finest thing ever started.
+I came home quite enthusiastic and I talked of it to the two younger
+Kip boys and Alan McAllister,--Grace's brother. If you'll believe it,
+before I realized what I'd done, these boys had formed a troop and began
+to importune me to be the Scout Master of it. There's the two Kips, Tom
+Wilder (Sara Judson's cousin), a brother of Grace McAllister, Tommy
+Westcott, and my cousin, Jack Atwater, besides two other boys from the
+East Side Y.M.C.A. Miss Westcott, the Guardian of the Camp Fire Girls,
+asked that they might be allowed to join, making eight in all.'
+
+"I caught him by the hand and I said:
+
+"'Harvey Bigelow, I take off my hat to you. I never liked you so well in
+my life."
+
+"He blushed awfully and seemed embarrassed, but he simply said:
+
+"'Don't you think it about time that I became in earnest over something
+in life? The opportunity presented itself and I grasped it--that's all.'
+
+"Well, to make a long story short, several of these boys are desirous
+of going West next summer and spending their vacations instead of East,
+and he called to ask me about the Muskingum Camp. He is going there,
+Kate, and he'll be near us. I made him write to Mr. Adams--your father's
+man--who did everything for us, and ask him to reserve a place for the
+Scouts. I'm just wild for summer to come. I'm going to bring Mother and
+Grandmother. Grandmother will visit Aunt Susan, and Mother can spend her
+time between Aunt Susan's, your house, and the Camp. She doesn't say
+much but I really think the change is a relief to her--poor dear little
+mother. I was the selfish juggernaut who made her sacrifice everyone for
+me. I realize it now, and thank God it's not too late to mend.
+
+"I am doing finely at college. I should like to form from some of my
+class another Company of Camp Fire Girls, but the trouble is they are too
+busy with study. They say that they're worn out when summer comes and
+have to go away to rest, but they intend to join during their third year.
+Then it won't be such a continuous _grind_ as it is now.
+
+"I am so glad that I had the good sense to start in college. I intend to
+be self-supporting after I graduate. I consider it a glorious thing for
+an unmarried woman--don't you?
+
+"Well, dear, I must close. Kiss Uncle John, etc."
+
+That was great news for Kate--that Harvey Bigelow should have become a
+man. It was too good to be true. She sent the letter to Aunt Susan, whom
+she knew would be interested in it.
+
+"I tell you, Ethel is made of good stuff!" ejaculated Uncle John. "She
+was in the right church but in the wrong pew--that's all."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+ETHEL AND HARVEY BECOME FIRM FRIENDS
+
+
+Vacation arrived. Ethel had acquitted herself well, and her examinations
+were excellent. She and her mother began making preparations to go West.
+
+This time it was Grandmother and Mrs. Hollister whose wardrobes needed
+replenishing. Ethel bought for herself two new suits and some blouses.
+She had actually outgrown hers of the preceding summer.
+
+"My dear, I am spending very little money now," said Mrs. Hollister, "and
+I'm going to put some by for your trousseau."
+
+Ethel laughed merrily.
+
+"Why, Mother, where's the man?"
+
+"Never mind," replied her mother, "he'll come."
+
+"Mother, you're a born matchmaker!" exclaimed the girl. "I wish you had
+had other daughters."
+
+"Heaven forbid!" ejaculated Mrs. Hollister with a funny little smile.
+"One is enough."
+
+"Is that intended for a compliment?" laughed the girl. "If so it's a
+doubtful one."
+
+During the month of May, Harvey would invite her to go horseback riding
+up to Van Cortlandt Park. They had to make it Saturdays, as that was
+Ethel's only free day. They usually started early. On the country roads
+the apple and peach blossoms were like pictures. To the girl they brought
+back the previous spring at Aunt Susan's, and especially the morning when
+she had revealed to Ethel the sad story of her married life. On one of
+these excursions the girl related it to Harvey.
+
+"By George!" he ejaculated when she had finished, "that old lady is
+a sport and no mistake. She's all right. I imagined she was made of
+different stuff from other women, and do you know I sort of suspected
+that she hadn't all the money that your mother thought she had. She was
+too refined and showed good blood. Had she been so wealthy, from her
+dressing people might have taken her for a miser, and gentle folks are
+seldom misers. I thought that it was necessity that caused her to wear
+those old-fashioned clothes, so I argued that though Mrs. Hollister
+imagined her wealthy and that you were in a line to inherit her money
+there was a great mistake somewhere. But pshaw! as for that every mother
+is ambitious for her daughter. Why, my mother left no stone unturned
+until she had married Edith to Lord Ashurst, and I must admit that I was
+easily led by my mother. Why, I've been out for a rich wife ever since I
+left school; but, Ethel, I've changed. Now I propose to pay my bills with
+the money I earn, not with hers; nor shall I allow her to buy what she
+wears."
+
+"Does your mother realize how you feel?" asked Ethel, pushing her fair,
+curling locks from her eyes.
+
+"Bless you, yes. She and I had one long talk, and after it I tell you
+there was something doing in the Bigelow family; but Nannie who has lots
+of horse sense sided with me, and together we were too many for mother.
+She saw that it was up to her to make the best of it and she did, but
+like your mother she still cherishes her ambitions. Nan said to her:
+
+"'You have one daughter who has done the grand marriage stunt and she's
+some class. Do let us choose for ourselves."
+
+"What did your mother say to that?" laughed Ethel.
+
+"I think she boxed Nannie's ears and then apologized. She loses her
+self-control sometimes. Poor mother," and Harvey laughed. "Nannie has
+some temper, too, and don't you make any mistake."
+
+Ethel was beginning to have a real friendly feeling for Harvey. He asked
+many questions about her cousin Kate.
+
+"She rings true," he said. "I liked her from the first."
+
+"She _is_ true," replied Ethel. "You'll see her this summer, and I'm sure
+you'll like Uncle John and his wife. He's just a dear."
+
+Those were red letter days for Ethel. She enjoyed the air, the
+scenery, and the rides; and she enjoyed talking to Harvey, for now
+that he understood she could talk to him as though he were one of
+the family--without restriction and without embarrassment.
+
+"What puzzles me," said Ethel, "is the way our mothers argue. When they
+plan our marriages it's only money and position. Love never seems to
+enter into their heads. Oh! I grew so tired of it. Thank God it's over,
+and our family are now normal. Even Grandmother wished me to marry well.
+I had far rather be an old maid than to be tied to a man for whom I care
+nothing, and have to sit opposite and pour tea for him three hundred and
+sixty-five days in a year. Imagine the horrible monotony of that. I heard
+that advice given to a girl in a play and I never forgot it; and if only
+girls could be brought to realize beforehand the sin of it there would be
+fewer unhappy marriages."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+ETHEL'S SECOND TRIP
+
+
+The time arrived for the Hollisters to start. There were tears in
+Archibald Hollister's eyes as he kissed them goodbye at the train. Within
+the last year his life had been happier. He had seen more of his wife and
+had grown to love her better than he had since Ethel was a child. She and
+he were together nearly all of the time, and it was like reading over a
+forgotten love story.
+
+"Don't you worry, papa," said Ethel, patting his cheek. "We're going
+to keep well and have a lovely summer, and when you come up for your
+vacation you'll be like a boy again."
+
+"Yes, Archie," spoke up Mrs. Hollister "Be sure that Mirinda gives you
+good things to eat and has them well cooked. She'll have little else to
+do, and you go out and call on the Bigelows and Judsons. Take in the
+moving pictures and roof gardens. I'll trust you," she laughed, "but
+don't fail to write me three times a week, will you, telling me how
+things are going on. And don't let Mirinda's young man come to the house
+but once a week and on Sundays."
+
+"Remember everything," laughed Ethel.
+
+Grandmother kissed her son and murmured:
+
+"God bless you, Archie. I expect to take on a new lease of life."
+
+"Do mother," said the man, "we all need you."
+
+The trip was pleasant. The scenery was fine and the country looked as
+though it had been freshly swept and dusted, everything seemed so clean.
+Grandmother's eyes glistened with pleasure. They were to stop at Akron
+first, where they were to leave Grandmother, and after a visit of a week
+Ethel and her mother were to go on to Columbus and hence to Camp.
+
+As the train drew into the depot at Akron, there stood Tom with Aunt
+Susan, but what a metamorphosis! Tom just escaped being a fashionably
+dressed swell. He was too manly for that. He wore a blue serge suit,
+colored negligee shirt with tie to match, a Panama hat, and russet ties.
+His handsome face was so full of character that Mrs. Hollister whispered
+to Ethel:
+
+"What a remarkably distinguished looking man he is. You never told me of
+his being so."
+
+Ethel blushed when Tom took her up and kissed her as he might have done
+had she been his sister, and as for Aunt Susan, even Grandmother gazed
+at her with amazement. She was attired in a modish little automobile
+bonnet, close fitting and of grey, while her grey linen suit gave her
+an up-to-date air, for now, she proudly informed Ethel, Tom owned his
+own car.
+
+"Aunt Susan, you look out of sight," said Ethel, kissing her. "I never
+knew you."
+
+Mrs. Hollister was happy. Ethel had not half told her, and she was
+agreeably disappointed. They took their seats in the new and commodious
+car and soon reached the little house. The ingrain and rag carpets had
+disappeared. In their places were Oriental rugs. Striped red awnings
+shaded the windows and piazzas. The porch had been converted into the
+cosiest of lounging places with willow furniture, scarlet cushions, rugs,
+birds, plants, etc., as well as small tables filled with the latest
+magazines and Aunt Susan's sewing baskets. They had a hammock at either
+end, and altogether it was lovely. Mrs. Hollister simply raved over it
+and the artistic interior with its fine old furniture.
+
+"Ethel is responsible for this change," said Tom, removing his hat and
+wiping his handsome brow. "Last summer when she came here I dressed like
+a countryman, but in the most tactful manner she suggested high collars,
+different ties, and fairly talked my army hat right off my head, saying
+that I looked like a G.A.R. Little by little she's converted Aunt Susan
+into a fashionable woman. But how careless of me. Let me get you a cup of
+tea," he said to Mrs. Hollister, placing a table before her and a stool
+under her feet.
+
+He soon returned, bringing the tray and a plate of delicious jumbles.
+
+"You see," he continued, "Aunt Susan will not keep two girls, so I have
+to be waitress now and then. She is attached to Jane, who though is a
+good cook, but her trouble is she's set in her way and refuses to stay
+if we allow another girl to enter the house. We are handicapped, you
+see, for we can't spare Jane, nor could we replace her."
+
+Gradually he took Mrs. Hollister into his confidence and told her of
+his early life and of Aunt Susan's misfortunes. "But bless you," he
+continued, "the Lord is good to us. She'll never need a penny for my
+income is increasing and my practice is more than I can attend to. I
+should have a partner but she won't hear of my taking one. She is too
+cautious. So I have several young students who study law in my office
+and help me as well."
+
+Then he proceeded to extol Ethel.
+
+"Mrs. Hollister," he said, "she's a girl of wonderful character and
+she'll make a magnificent woman. I notice she's improved since she was
+here."
+
+"Yes, it's her college," replied her mother, "and the life at camp last
+summer. I must admit she knew more than I when she broke loose from my
+foolish and unwise influence. I was not fit to guide her, Mr. Harper,
+I realize it now."
+
+"Never mind, madam; it's to you she owes her beauty. Why, you and she
+look exactly like sisters," whereupon Mrs. Hollister capitulated to Tom
+Harper. She couldn't speak of him with enough enthusiasm and praise. She
+wrote pages to Archibald.
+
+"My dear, everyone says he'll yet be Governor, and while I wouldn't have
+you breathe it for the world I'm sure he's in love with Ethel. What a
+couple they'd make. Of course she has no suspicion of such a thing, nor
+would I hint it to her; but you wait and see."
+
+Mr. Hollister smiled as he read his wife's letter, and his heart was
+glad. He had known Tom Harper's father and had respected him highly.
+
+"Well," he thought, "this time Bella is on the right tack. I'll not
+interfere," and he softly whistled "Comin' Thro' the Rye."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+CAMP AGAIN
+
+
+"Aunt Susan, you've grown so young," said Ethel, "and as for Tom, well
+he's the glass of fashion and mould of form. He looks fine. Oh! I'm so
+glad to be back and to have Mother and Grandmother with me; and Father
+will be here soon. It seems like a dream--too good to be true. Hasn't
+Mother grown lovely?"
+
+"Never saw anything like the change," replied the old lady. "In fact,
+you've worked wonders in us all, my dear," she said. "Look at me. Why! I
+feel like an up-to-date fashion plate."
+
+Ethel laughed.
+
+"Yes, Madam, you're up-to-date all right and no mistake. I didn't know
+you that day at the depot."
+
+"I often wonder," continued the elderly woman, "if people think I'm
+putting on airs. Really, Jane told me of some woman who said 'old Mrs.
+Carpenter was mighty upraised, dressing like a young girl.' It's funny,
+isn't it, what dress will do. But I should look young for I'm so happy
+to have Alice here again, and to think that we shall be together all
+summer. I don't yet seem to realize it."
+
+"Did you notice how Grandmother cried as this house came to view,--her
+birthplace?"
+
+"No wonder. She hasn't been here," said Aunt Susan, "since Mother's
+funeral, I presume it brought it all back to her. Poor Alice! I ought
+not to say it, but Archie Hollister was not the man to make her happy.
+He ran through with nearly all of her money. It slipped through his
+fingers just like water, and I guess her life with his family was none
+too peaceful and happy. They had the name of being great fighters. Of
+course she has her recompense in John and Archibald--that's something.
+A woman needs peace. Now take your mother, for instance. Why has she
+grown young? Because she's quit worrying--that is the secret."
+
+"Yes, and when I think that she did it all for me--why, Aunt Susan,
+I can't lay up anything against her; I love her too well. She sees
+now how useless it all was. But what do you know about Harvey Bigelow?
+Isn't he developing into a fine man?"
+
+"He certainly is," replied Aunt Susan, "and I always liked him. He looked
+one squarely in the eye, and such a man can be trusted."
+
+"I don't know," answered Ethel, "of late everyone seems to be changing
+for the better. The whole world appears different to me. It makes me
+happy to see others happy," and the girl went out to call her mother and
+Tom in to tea.
+
+"I'm transferring my allegiance to your mother, young woman," said Tom.
+
+"I'm not a bit jealous," replied Ethel. "Mother is really more
+interesting to men than I, and what's more, she's always been. But
+hurry in; Jane will be furious if her biscuits grow cold."
+
+The two weeks passed only too quickly. They spent their days touring
+all over Ohio, so it seemed to Ethel, and at night the young people came
+in shoals to see her, while the grown-ups had bridge parties. Said Mrs.
+Hollister:
+
+"How hospitable and lovely these Westerners are. I had no idea that they
+were so refined."
+
+"What did you expect to meet, Mother?" laughed Ethel--"not cowboys?"
+
+"Susan," said Grandmother one morning, "I notice that you curl your hair.
+It's very becoming, I think."
+
+"Alice, you don't consider me too old, do you? Sometimes I wonder if I'm
+not sort of making a fool of myself, but Ethel got me in the way of it
+and I try to keep the front as fluffy as possible, for she asked me to.
+And I've another confession to make," said Aunt Susan. "Alice, I blue my
+hair--regular bluing water so as to keep it white. There now--what do you
+think of that?"
+
+"So do I, Susan," laughed her sister. "I've done it for several years. It
+certainly does improve the color. Grey hairs grow so yellow looking. The
+child is right. We ought to keep ourselves up while we're able. We polish
+up old mahogany and keep it fresh and clean--why not old women?" and the
+two laughed merrily.
+
+"I think the Camp Fire business has made a woman of Ethel, don't you?"
+
+"How could it fail to?" said Aunt Susan. "Women are coming into
+their own, Alice. They're growing sensible and self-reliant. Look
+at our Grandmothers and at us. Do you notice the difference? And
+our grandchildren will be just as far ahead of us as we are of our
+grandmothers. Isn't it wonderful?"
+
+"I like you Western people," said Mrs. Hollister, coming in at that
+moment followed by Ethel.
+
+"I've just told Mother," said the girl, "that Western people can give
+points to us. They are natural, kind-hearted, hospitable, and they seldom
+measure their friendship by the amount of people's bank accounts. With
+them it's character that talks."
+
+"How did you like my sanitarium, Bella?" asked Aunt Susan.
+
+"I couldn't half express myself," replied Mrs. Hollister. "You're a
+wonderful woman, Aunt Susan, and the people here have cause to bless
+you. I've never before admitted this to Ethel, but I'm very glad that
+she came here last summer. I see my short-sightedness every day when
+I look back and realize how I was bringing her up," and Mrs. Hollister
+wiped her eyes.
+
+"You've been a lovely and kind mother to me," replied Ethel. "You have
+sacrificed far too much for me and I never half appreciated it."
+
+"I have been an unwise mother my dear," said she, "and you stopped
+me just in time. I only now begin to realize my limitations. I've been
+self-centered and conceited."
+
+Ethel kissed her mother affectionately, and the two old ladies coughed
+and knitted vigorously.
+
+"We are all liable to make mistakes, Bella," said Aunt Susan. "Yours has
+been in loving your child too dearly."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+UNCLE JOHN'S
+
+
+They arrived in Columbus where Uncle John greeted them affectionately and
+insisted upon kissing his sister-in-law. Mrs. Hollister was persuaded not
+to go to camp until after a few days, when the girls should be settled.
+Then Uncle John was to take her up. So Ethel, Kate, and the girls, with
+one new member, went alone.
+
+Save that Nora Casey wore mourning and seemed quiet, everything was the
+same as the summer before. Patty Sands was wild with delight upon seeing
+Ethel. Edna Whitely was the same happy-go-lucky Edna as of old. Mollie
+Long and Edith Overman had grown very tall, while Sallie Davis had become
+a perfect roly poly. She had gained twenty pounds and was constantly
+dieting and taking long walks.
+
+Mattie Hastings cried when she beheld Ethel. Mattie had grown quiet and
+dignified, while in her face she showed more character.
+
+Ethel looked at them all, especially at Honora.
+
+"Can I not put my dislike of that girl behind me?" she thought. "Why
+can't I be nice to her?"
+
+She tried hard. She began asking her of her mother, and tears filled
+Nora's eyes, but after a while her voice began to take on its old shrill
+tones, while in her manner there came that indescribable something that
+had always repelled Ethel.
+
+"That girl is my cross," she thought. "I must like her, and yet I can't.
+I shall never become worthy to be a Camp Fire Girl until I overcome it.
+I wonder if she'll affect Mother as she does me."
+
+Ethel was now a Fire Maker. In addition to her Wood Gatherer's ring she
+wore the pretty silver bracelet of the Fire Maker.
+
+The second evening they had a Council Fire. The wood and kindling
+had been gathered and brought by Edna Whitely and a new girl named
+Kate Winthrop, who had never been to Camp before. Edna couldn't seem
+to advance. She was actually too lazy to work for honors and it worried
+Kate Hollister not a little.
+
+"What's the difference?" she would say. "Someone will have to gather
+wood and we have but one new girl--that's Kate. You may be glad that
+I stayed."
+
+The girls looked pretty in their brown ceremonial gowns and their long
+hair banded with the ceremonial band. Ethel advanced and lighted the
+fire, intoning the usual Fire Makers' song. Then they had the exercises.
+Honors were awarded and several girls advanced to the next higher grade.
+This is the Fire Makers' ode to Fire that they intoned as Ethel lighted
+the Council Fire: "Oh, Fire, long years ago when our fathers fought with
+the great animals you were their protection. From the cruel cold of
+winter you saved them. When they needed food you changed the flesh of
+beasts into savory meat for them. During all the ages your mysterious
+flame has been a symbol to them for Spirit. So (tonight) we light our
+fire in remembrance of the great Spirit who gave you to us."
+
+In the darkness of the woods with the bright flames shooting upward the
+effect of the chanting was weird, mysterious and unusual.
+
+Then Kate showed Ethel the typed copy of the Legend of Ohio which had
+been attached to each count book, handing her a copy for her own.
+
+The roll was called, reports read of the last Council Fire, and of the
+weekly meeting. Edna Whitely had really exerted herself and had written
+it in clever rhyme.
+
+Then to their surprise a report of Ethel's and Patty's kindness to Mattie
+Hastings was read. It seems that Mattie's conscience had troubled her and
+at one of the meetings she had confessed it all and how she had been
+saved by the two girls. She also requested that it should be read upon
+Ethel's return. It told how under unusual distress she had been tempted
+to do a great wrong,---how the two girls caused her to make restitution,
+and how after that they placed Mollie in the Cripples School, and that
+now she was on her way to recovery. It said that she began from then to
+try and lead a better life and that with God's help she was doing so.
+
+The girls looked at one another, but although they made no sign they knew
+what the wrong was. But they smiled at Mattie in the most friendly way,
+Nora grasping her by the hand said:
+
+"I hope yere sister will be after walkin' soon."
+
+Then came the Wohelo ceremony. Mattie came forward and lighted a
+branch, throwing it on the ashes, while Patty Sands knelt and lighted
+it chanting:
+
+"Wohelo means work. We glorify work because through work we are free. We
+work to win, to conquer, to be masters. We work for the joy of working
+and because we are free."
+
+Then she stepped back and Edith Overman came forward chanting and
+lighting another branch.
+
+"Wohelo means health. We hold on to health because through health we
+serve and are happy; in caring for the health and beauty of our persons
+we are caring for the very shrine of the Great Spirit. Wohelo means
+health."
+
+Then Sallie Davis stepped forward while Edith retired. She lighted the
+third branch which crackled and threw up numberless red sparks, after
+which she chanted the last verse:
+
+"I light the light of love, for Wohelo means love. We love Love, for
+love is life and light and joy and sweetness. And love is comradeship
+and motherhood and fatherhood, and all dear kinship. Love is the joy
+of service so deep that self is forgotten. Wohelo means love."
+
+After that this song was sung:
+"Lay me to sleep in thy sheltering flame.
+    O Master of the Hidden Fire.
+Wash pure my heart and cleanse for me
+    My Soul's desire.
+In flame of sunrise bathe my soul
+    O Master of the Hidden Fire.
+That when I wake clear-eyed may be
+    My Soul's desire."
+
+This is by Fiona Macleod.
+
+They stood around talking to Miss Kate for a little while, who walking
+over to Mattie kissed her tenderly, after which each girl followed her
+example before retiring, and poor Mattie was all broken up over it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+MRS. HOLLISTER'S VISIT TO CAMP
+
+
+When the morning dawned on the day Mrs. Hollister was expected, great
+were the preparations made for that lady.
+
+"Listen to me, girls; she's the cleverest woman you ever met," said
+Cousin Kate. "She has not been exactly in favor of our organization,
+so I wish each of you girls to do your best, and Mrs. Hollister can
+teach you so many useful things."
+
+"Yes, indeed," said Ethel. "Cousin Kate is right. There's very little
+that Mother can not do."
+
+Old Mr. Adams came up with a load of delicacies which had been ordered by
+the thoughtful Uncle John.
+
+He paid no attention to the girls but as on previous occasions he gave
+his entire attention to his horses. He wiped off their foaming sweat with
+his hands. Last year it had been his handkerchief varied with bundles of
+grass and leaves. After cleaning them to his satisfaction he calmly
+walked to the clear brook and washed his hands thoroughly.
+
+"Isn't that awful?" whispered Patty to Miss Kate. "I shall never feel
+like drinking water from that brook again."
+
+"Why my dear," laughed Kate, "that water changes every minute. It's gone
+now and in its place there's fresh--don't worry."
+
+"Here they are!" called Nora, and there came to view Uncle John and a
+lady whom from Ethel's resemblance to her they at once knew and fell
+deeply in love with, especially Mattie.
+
+And everything pleased Mrs. Hollister,--the girls, their costumes, their
+tents, and the delicious dinner cooked over an open fire interested her
+greatly. She even held one of the forked branches on which reposed the
+chicken and broiled it as well as a chef, but she thought the green corn
+was the most delicious thing that she'd ever tasted. After dinner she
+said:
+
+"Now girls, see if I have it correct: 'After tying a string to the end
+of each ear, soak the corn in water for an hour. Then lay it on the hot
+coals, turning frequently. Draw it out by the string and eat with salt
+and melted butter.' Well, it's simply great. I wish I were young again.
+I think I'd like to be a Camp Fire Girl." She was as enthusiastic as a
+child. Ethel looked at Kate and they smiled over the change that had
+taken place since the day Kate wished to explain to her aunt what the
+Camp Fire Girl was.
+
+"Don't you think that Mother grows young?" asked Ethel proudly of her
+cousin.
+
+"She's a changed woman," replied Kate, "in every way. She's simply
+lovely."
+
+Mrs. Hollister adapted herself and made friends quickly. She became
+tactful, a quality that had hitherto been unknown. She liked Nora and
+the girl loved Mrs. Hollister. Ethel marveled. That her mother who
+disliked anything savoring of loudness could tolerate Nora seemed
+wonderful.
+
+"The fault must lie with me," she thought. "Even Mother likes her."
+
+Mrs. Hollister went right to work and taught the girls how to cut and
+fit. She taught them many of the little arts and niceties of dressmaking,
+and the girls became proficient and at the next Council meeting each
+received several honors. Then she taught them to trim hats and make the
+daintiest bows; and after she had taught them how to crochet and make
+Irish lace their gratitude was boundless.
+
+She also taught them how to cook--how to make delicious corn bread
+with one egg, where they had been in the habit of using two, insisting
+upon their first scalding their meal. Then she made them delicious
+gingerbread, using cold coffee left from breakfast in place of milk
+or cream and many other dishes of which they had never heard.
+
+"Really, Aunt Bella," said Kate, as the girls were receiving their
+honors, "I feel that you deserve some of these beads."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE SCOUTS ARRIVE
+
+
+Great was the surprise of the girls when the next afternoon they beheld
+walking towards the Camp two young men in Scout costume. They were none
+other than Harvey Bigelow and young Teddy Kip, the Master and assistant
+Scout Master of the "Flying Eagles" Scout Patrol. Each wore a small flag,
+and upon a red ground was a black and white eagle. As they advanced they
+gave their cry--"Yeh--yeh--yeh!"
+
+"Oh! Harvey," screamed Ethel, and rushed forward, greeting them warmly.
+
+Then Cousin Kate came and welcomed them cordially, introducing them to
+the nine girls.
+
+"Why, Mrs. Hollister," said Harvey, catching sight of her in her tent,
+"it does seem good to see you here," and he gazed at her thoughtfully
+and curiously. "'Pon my word you've grown so young I thought you were
+Ethel at first."
+
+She wore one of her daughter's costumes and really she did look
+wonderfully youthful.
+
+"Well, you can't complain. The Camp life has done you some good, and
+there you were so down on it."
+
+"Yes, I was, but people change. Look at yourself," replied she seriously.
+
+"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.
+
+"Yes, I do notice that she seems more quiet," replied Ethel.
+
+"But you still dislike her though?" asked Kate.
+
+"I don't know," replied Ethel. "I'm ashamed to admit it, Cousin Kate,
+but I can never seem to overcome that antipathy to her. If only her voice
+would lower a little, and if she'd cease to come up and slap one on the
+back I might feel differently, but she's so rough and unladylike."
+
+"Ethel, environments may have had much to do with that. She seems to love
+your mother. But here comes Patty with young Kip."
+
+"What a dandy site you have here for a Camp," said the young man. "Gee!
+it's choice. It beats ours."
+
+When dinner was ready how they ate! They pronounced it equal to the
+best shore dinner ever prepared, and when finished there was nothing
+left excepting clam shells and corn cobs.
+
+That was Mrs. Hollister's last day in Camp. She had been with the girls
+for two weeks. After leaving Camp she was to spend half of her time with
+Kate's parents and the remaining with Aunt Susan.
+
+Harvey and Teddy stayed until nearly five o'clock, and it was with regret
+on both sides that they had to go.
+
+The next day being Sunday, Kate read the prayers while they all sung
+several hymns, after which each girl was left to do as she chose. Ethel
+proposed to ride horseback. Several joined together and hired a buckboard
+for the afternoon.
+
+"We'll meet you at the Lake," they said to Ethel, and off they went.
+
+It was a warm afternoon. The sky looked alternately bright, then cloudy,
+but they started not minding though it rained.
+
+Nora declined to join the buckboard party and strolled off by herself.
+She looked almost pretty in her clean, white linen suit and her hair
+tightly bound by a broad black ribbon. The goldenrod and sumac were
+opening, but the summer flowers looked old and tired, as though they
+needed new gowns and freshening up a bit. The girl thought of how alone
+she was and sighed. Then her mother came into her mind. To think that
+she had to be taken while so young--not yet forty-five, and the tears
+rolled down her cheeks. But "Thank God," she thought, "I never caused
+her any unhappiness, and I still have my dear, kind father," and Nora
+wiped her eyes. "It's Miss Ethel who dislikes me. No matter what I say
+to her nor how friendly I am, she won't like me. And when I try to joke
+or do her a little kindness, if she smiles sure her smile chills me. It's
+like a piece of ice going down me back. And her 'thank you, Honora' is
+as cold as charity. I like her mother the best. And yet Miss Ethel kissed
+me goodbye at the train last summer; but she was kissing everyone and I
+suppose she had to kiss me, for she's too much of a lady to slight a
+body. Yet she'd be glad to see the last of me--that I know."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+NORA GIVES SERVICE
+
+
+Honora was an unconscious lover of Nature. She turned and beheld the sun
+slowly sinking.
+
+"Ah! it must be nearly six o'clock," she thought. "I must make haste,"
+but she stood spellbound, watching the glowing crimson, purple and yellow
+changing into orange, green, and greyish pink, and she gazed at the fiery
+ball sinking slowly behind the hills.
+
+"How lovely!" she thought, "and it's gone down in a cloud. That means
+rain. It's growing very dark. Me for a quick walk down these hills before
+I lose my way."
+
+She started down the path not a little worried. She had strayed off the
+main road and was on a side one leading through the woods. If only it
+would keep light until she reached Camp, and then if she could strike
+the broad road she'd be all right.
+
+Walking rapidly through the woods she suddenly fancied that she hard a
+low moan, as though from someone in pain.
+
+"It's a tramp perhaps," she thought. "He may be in trouble. Well, tramp
+or no tramp I must help him. I'll see."
+
+Unafraid, Nora walked to the spot whence the cry had proceeded. Her eye
+fell upon an object huddled together on the ground. As it was out of the
+beaten path she stepped from branches and logs to stones and rocks
+before she reached it. She stooped down and gazed at it intently; then
+she uttered an exclamation of surprise.
+
+"It's Miss Ethel!" she gasped. "God help her."
+
+She was right. There lay Ethel Hollister--the girl who had never liked
+her--the girl from whom, no matter how hard she might try, Nora could
+get nothing beyond a cool "Thank you very much, Nora."
+
+From the arm of this young woman trickled a stream of bright, red blood.
+Honora wondered if she was dead. She gently shook her.
+
+"Miss Ethel!" she called once and twice, "Are ye much hurt?" Then she
+half lifted her to a sitting posture and Ethel opened her eyes.
+
+"Oh, Miss Casey--Honora!" she gasped feebly. "Thank God it is you who
+have found me. I have been so frightened. Two men were searching for
+me. I passed them on the road before my horse took fright and threw me.
+I heard them say: 'It must be the same girl. She rode a white horse.
+Now I know who she is. She's the niece of John Hollister. Her father
+is a rich New Yorker. We can sell the horse. We've got him safe, and
+we can keep the girl for a ransom. Probably she's injured and is lying
+somewhere around here.' Nora, I dared not breathe lest they should find
+me. I prayed to God as I've never prayed before to let them pass me and
+to send me help. He has answered my prayer and I'm grateful. When I heard
+your footsteps I thought they had returned. Oh! I am so glad that it's
+you," and she burst into tears.
+
+Nora knelt down and took her by the hand.
+
+"Where is your pain, my dear?" she asked.
+
+"My leg. I guess it must be broken, and my arm---I have had that nearly
+cut off. The horse became frightened and unmangeable. He turned into
+these woods and started to run. I was knocked off by the branch of a
+tree. I don't know how long I've lain here--it seems for hours. I must
+have fainted, but Nora the pain in my arm and leg is terrible. Whatever
+can we do?"
+
+The girl's hat hung from the tree. Her hair was unloosed and hanging
+about her face. Evidently she was suffering agony, and to make matters
+worse upon the leaves overhead Nora heard a pattering of rain.
+
+"This will never do," she said to herself. Not a sign of a house or a
+vehicle in sight. A damp chill pervaded the air. They were too far from
+the main road to seek assistance.
+
+"Your arm has been cut by this jagged stone, Miss Ethel," said Nora,
+kneeling and starting to roll from the girl's arm the sleeve of her
+blouse. "I don't think there are any bones broken. But first I must stop
+its bleeding."
+
+Nora, having had considerable experience with cuts, wounds and bruises,
+went to work as though she were about to teach the girls "first aid."
+
+Her handkerchief was soiled. Ethel had lost hers. Both women wore silk
+petticoats. How could she manage to secure a bandage?
+
+Suddenly her mother wit came to the rescue. She slipped off her linen
+skirt. It was perfectly clean. With her strong teeth she tore into strips
+the front breadth.
+
+"Hark!" she exclaimed. "Glory be to God! I think I hear running water."
+She said it devoutly and in gratitude, for now it was water that she
+needed. Taking Ethel's hat from the tree she started up the road where to
+her joy she beheld a watering trough that was fed by a little waterfall
+trickling down the side of the rocks.
+
+After thoroughly washing the long linen strips so as to be sure that the
+starch was out of them she filled Ethel's hat with water and hurried
+back.
+
+"Here, dearie," she said, "Let me wash your face. I brought the water in
+your hat," and with the balance of her skirt she washed the girl's face
+and then proceeded to tear open the sleeve, cleansing the wound with a
+fresh hatful of water. She did it carefully and thoroughly, with the
+skill of a surgeon. It was an ugly wound, but she bound the arm firmly
+with the strips.
+
+"There now! So much for that," ejaculated Nora, rising and pushing back
+from her brow one curly lock that always insisted upon falling over her
+eyes.
+
+"Oh, Honora! you are an angel," exclaimed Ethel, "and I have always been
+so unfriendly."
+
+Nora appeared not to hear but went on:
+
+"Can you stand, my dear?" she asked.
+
+"No," sobbed the girl, "I guess my leg must be broken. However are we
+to reach Camp? Oh, Nora, for God's sake don't leave me. I should die of
+fright were you to do so, and the men may be hiding near even now. Don't
+go, I beseech. I know I am selfish and I've been unkind to you, but
+forgive me, Nora. I'll be your slave after this if only you'll stay with
+me. Don't go for help. Just stay here until I die," and the girl fell to
+sobbing.
+
+"I'm cold," she murmured--"I'm so chilly, Nora," and she shivered.
+
+Quickly Nora removed her heavy white sweater that she had just put on,
+and raising Ethel to a sitting posture she first put in her good arm.
+Then she fastened the sweater about the girl's neck.
+
+"There, dear, that will keep you warm, and I'll not be after leaving
+you--never fear--not if we stay together all night in these woods. But
+I must think how we can manage with you and your injuries. Faith it's
+raining and you may catch your death."
+
+"And I have your sweater on, Nora!" exclaimed Ethel. "Oh, how selfish I
+am."
+
+"Keep still," replied Nora. "I couldn't wear it now, for I'm going to try
+and carry you home."
+
+For a moment Nora gazed tentatively at Ethel. Then suddenly there
+appeared a dawn of hope in her strong honest face.
+
+"Miss Ethel, listen," she began. "When a child did ye ever play
+pig-a-back? Perhaps I might get you home that way."
+
+"Yes, Nora. Papa always carried me up to bed that way," and the girl
+burst into tears.
+
+"Ye mustn't cry," said Nora. "If ye do I shan't be able to carry ye. Now
+wipe your pretty eyes and help me carry ye as Papa used to. Forget your
+pain and try to be patient, for, Ethel, we must reach camp some way.
+Doubtless they are searching for us even now, but this is a side road far
+from the main one. They'll never think to look here, nor could they hear
+us were we of call. And then those men you spoke of. They may be near.
+There's no time to lose. Get on my back and cling for dear life."
+
+Nora had great sense. She realized that until she had thoroughly
+frightened Ethel she would not exert herself and forget her pain. Then,
+too, if what she had told her were true, the men might really be lying in
+wait to capture the supposed wealthy New York girl.
+
+Sitting on the ground with her back before Ethel she first gently raised
+the wounded arm, bringing the other one around to meet it. Thanks to the
+low branch of a tree and to Nora's recent physical culture exercises,
+making an almost superhuman effort she arose with her burden on her
+back. Then grasping the girl's knees she held them firmly, thereby
+supporting her injured leg, and started for the road, stopping now and
+then by a fence or stone to take breath and rest. On and on in that
+failing light she bravely walked.
+
+As she descended the hill she seemed to have gained new strength. Now and
+then she'd speak cheering words to the wounded girl, trying to encourage
+her to bear her pain. The rain pelted in Honora's face, often blinding
+her. The thunder rolled and the lightning played, but she showed no
+sign of faltering. Onward she went, even faster.
+
+Soon to her joy she beheld the main road, and after a few more rods a
+light from the Camp Fire.
+
+"Shure," she thought, "now I know why men in olden times looked for the
+fire from their camps. It does cheer a body and give them new life."
+
+She was ready to drop when she reached Camp. Ethel was no light weight.
+While in Camp she had gained, and now she weighed nearly a hundred and
+thirty-seven pounds. As Nora neared home she saw parties of men about to
+start on searching tours. They had sent word by Mr. Adams to Harvey, and
+there he and his patrol stood ready to start. Uncle John with the second
+party were there as well. In some way the horse had escaped from the two
+men and had returned to Camp, but without Ethel. Then they knew that she
+had been thrown. And as for Nora, something dreadful must have happened
+to her, for Nora was so strong and self-reliant.
+
+A shout rent the air when they beheld Nora Casey drenched to the skin,
+hatless, coatless, with nearly all of her skirt missing, and carrying on
+her back a hysterical, shrieking girl, while with no apparent effort
+she walked steadily towards them. Harvery Bigelow's admiration for one so
+strong and courageous showed itself on every line of his face.
+
+Uncle John took Ethel from Nora and laid her on the Camp bed that had
+been brought from the tent.
+
+"By Jove!" ejaculated Harvey as he examined Ethel's ankle and pronounced
+it a compound fracture, "you're all right, Miss Casey, first to staunch
+the blood and bandage her arm, and second to bind her ankle in such a
+surgeon-like manner, say nothing of carrying her on your back for over a
+mile and a half and holding her leg so that you saved her pain. I take
+off my hat to you, Miss Casey. You have the nerve and strength of a man."
+
+"I don't see," said Uncle John, "how in the name of heaven you managed to
+raise her, wounded as she was, upon your back--let alone bringing her
+through the pouring rain a dark night like this. Why! it's been a regular
+thunder shower. I'm glad that her mother knows nothing of it."
+
+Nora sighed. She was very tired. Miss Kate came forward and put her arm
+around her.
+
+"My dear, you are an honor to the Camp Fires. We owe a vote of thanks to
+this brave girl," and taking Nora's face between her hands she kissed her
+affectionately.
+
+"I've done nothing wonderful," replied Nora simply, taking her sweater
+from Patty Sands. "Luckily I heard her moan and found her. I couldn't go
+away and leave her helpless and alone in a blinding storm, and two men
+waiting to seize her." Then she told Ethel's story of the conversation
+that she had overheard.
+
+"Nor could we stay in the woods over night alone."
+
+A buckboard appeared and Mrs. Hollister jumped out. She had heard of the
+accident through Mr. Adams and had made him bring her up.
+
+After seeing Ethel for a few moments she rushed out and threw her arms
+about Nora.
+
+"You are a dear brave girl," she sobbed, kissing her. "You have saved
+Ethel's life. Never while I live shall I forget it."
+
+"Nor I," broke in Uncle John, grasping the hands of the girl. "Miss Nora,
+you're a fine young woman and you're father has cause to be proud of his
+daughter."
+
+"Miss Nora," ejaculated Harvey, "allow me to congratulate you. You're a
+dead game sport," and he wrung her hands heartily, after which Teddy Kip
+grasped her by the arm saying:
+
+"Why, Miss Casey, you're a regular Scout--you are, and no mistake."
+
+Nora smiled faintly.
+
+"Thank you all," she said. "I am very tired. I think I shall go to bed.
+Good night."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+A HEROINE
+
+
+So Nora Casey became the heroine of the Camp. An account of her bravery
+was in all the papers and the entire Camp was written up. The once
+neglected and disliked girl was now in a fair way to be spoiled. But
+Nora could not be spoiled. She was too sensible.
+
+"I say, Miss Nora," exclaimed Harvey the next day, "I don't think I'd
+dare marry a woman with your strength. You'd put me to shame."
+
+Nora laughed good naturedly.
+
+"Quit yere blarney," she said.
+
+As for Ethel, she couldn't bear to let Nora out of her sight, and Nora
+whose heart was tender and whose nature was forgiving devoted herself to
+the girl, reading aloud, relating funny stories of her father, and when
+tired of talking Patty, Mattie, she and Ethel would play bridge.
+
+The men considered that Ethel had had a narrow escape. Uncle John
+consulted with Judge Sands as to what was best to do about the kidnapers.
+A few days later two suspicious looking creatures were arrested. They had
+escaped from Joliet jail and admitted having been for days in the woods.
+Ethel rode to the trial and identified their voices but she had not seen
+their faces. They were returned to jail in Joliet and before they left
+they confessed that they had contemplated finding the girl and holding
+her for a ransom. They were intending to sell the horse but they had not
+tied him securely and he had broken loose. They were ugly looking
+customers.
+
+The next week before the breaking up of camp, when Mr. Casey came to
+take Nora home, everyone flocked around him telling of his daughter's
+brave act. He took Ethel by the hand and remarked simply:
+
+"It was like Honora to do that. There's none more brave than she--God
+bless her."
+
+From that day Nora had no better friend than Ethel. She felt that the
+girl had saved her life and her gratitude was boundless.
+
+"Tell me," asked; Nora, "why did you dislike me so?"
+
+"I was wicked, Nora," replied Ethel, "I am ashamed of it now."
+
+"But," persisted the girl, "did you think me vulgar?"
+
+"No," replied Ethel. "I thought you had a loud voice, and there's
+something about a loud voice that I dislike. But even so I should have
+overlooked that, had I been a good girl. You are so far above me, Nora,
+that I am ashamed to even acknowledge it."
+
+"Miss Ethel--" said Nora.
+
+"Call me Ethel in future," said the girl--"please do."
+
+"Well--Ethel--you are not the first one who has criticised my voice. My
+teachers have always done so, and even my mother used to say, 'Not so
+loud, Nora dear. Speak more gentle like.'"
+
+"Did she?" asked Ethel.
+
+"Yes, my mother had her faults, Ethel, but at heart she was a lady. So
+your dislike of me was not so strange after all."
+
+"But," interrupted Ethel, "Nora, perhaps I wasn't thankful to hear your
+loud voice when I lay there wounded and helpless, and I'm ashamed to even
+have told you."
+
+"I wish you to help me," broke in Nora. "I wish to make myself
+different--more of a lady. Will you tell me when I talk too loud?
+It will be a favor if you will."
+
+Ethel assented and kissed Nora affectionately.
+
+Nannie Bigelow arrived and the girl became a general favorite. She at
+once fell in love with Nora.
+
+"Why, she's a heroine," she said. "She'd give her life for another. I
+think she's splendid."
+
+Nannie had much to say of their New York Camp Fire, and of the girls who
+belonged.
+
+"You know some of them are quite unlike us, but Miss Westcott says
+they'll improve--that being with us will make them more gentle. And
+you have no idea how they _are_ improving. And as for Dorothy's nursery,
+it's just booming. There is a waiting list a mile long," and she chatted
+on, entertaining the girls with her talk.
+
+At the next and last Council Meeting, the girls received honors for
+having slept three months out of doors, for learning to swim, and rowing
+twenty miles on the Muskingum River, and for sailing a boat without
+help for fifty miles. They also received extra honors for cooking, and
+for learning and making a mattress out of the twigs of trees; for long
+walks, and for washing and ironing, which the girls did well.
+
+Whenever she looked at Nora, Ethel's conscience troubled her. She seemed
+to feel her own unworthiness. Mrs. Hollister suggested to Mr. Casey that
+Nora should visit them for a couple of months in the city.
+
+"I'll gladly let her go to ye next winter, Ma'am, but not to visit. I
+would like her to be wid a grand lady like yourself, and if you'll let
+me pay her board I'll consider it a great favor. And if she might go to
+some fine school, Ma'am, where she could learn how to be a lady and stay
+at your house I would pay any price."
+
+At first Mrs. Hollister objected to the money part, but Mr. Casey begged
+so hard that, realizing what Nora had done for Ethel, she felt she should
+be willing to do anything to benefit her. So she consented.
+
+"You can put me anywhere," said Nora, "I will be like one of your
+family."
+
+Mrs. Hollister put her arm around the girl.
+
+"My dear," she said, "the best I have ought not to be good enough for
+you. It's little enough for me to take you, and I should like to do so
+without having your father pay me a penny."
+
+So it was all arranged. In November, Nora was to become an inmate of the
+Hollister household.
+
+Ethel had made up her mind to give the girl her room, she taking one on
+the top floor.
+
+"I would gladly sleep on bare boards for her," she said to her
+mother,--"the brave girl to whom I have been so unjust. I'm glad
+she's coming. I'll devote all my extra time to her happiness."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+BREAKING UP OF CAMP AND A SURPRISE
+
+
+The time had arrived for the girls to separate. The Scouts came up and
+carried Nannie off. She had become a great favorite. As Patty expressed
+it, Nannie was a comfortable visitor because she seemed to "belong." She
+made no fuss and adapted herself to their ways.
+
+She promised to return the following summer and Harvey pronounced their
+camp as fine as any place they might select.
+
+"So there's no reason why we boys should not come back, too; but you
+must let us entertain you Camp Fire girls next year. It's been all on
+your side this."
+
+So they all went to the train to see them off, and people crowded around
+as though they might be a circus troupe, staring curiously at them and
+making remarks.
+
+Then after saying goodbye the different members went to their homes.
+Ethel and her cousin Kate were to go to Akron for a week or so, as
+Uncle Archie Hollister was coming up to spend his vacation.
+
+The girls met him at the train and Ethel was overjoyed.
+
+"Oh, Papa," she said, "if only you could have been here before Camp
+broke up. But we are going up for the day and give you a regular Camp
+Fire dinner," and she kissed him affectionately.
+
+"Next year I'll get off earlier," replied Mr. Hollister, "but our
+President was very ill and none of us liked to leave."
+
+They gave Mr. Hollister a rousing dinner. Nearly all of the girls were
+present. They did their cooking like desserts, bread, etc., at home, but
+the meat, corn and potatoes were roasted on the coals. They had Uncle
+John, Judge Sands, Mr. Casey and Mr. Hollister for guests, and everything
+went off finely. Mr. Hollister was loud in his praises of the cooking,
+and in fact, the whole organization.
+
+"It's great," he said, smacking his lips. "I think the person who
+invented it should have a gold medal."
+
+They spent a few days at Columbus. Ethel went to see Mattie and her
+mother. She also spent the night with Nora. Their home was very handsome
+and Ethel could not help but respect kind-hearted Mr. Casey, who tried
+to make it so pleasant for her. She had grown very fond of Nora. She saw
+her good traits,--her splendid unselfishness, and her tenderness towards
+her father as she tried to take her mother's place with him.
+
+"What a narrow, selfish girl I've been," she thought, "never to have
+noticed them before. Why, the way Nora shielded Mattie when the girl took
+her ring was a lesson to me, and I never took it."
+
+During their stay at Uncle John's Mrs. Hollister came up, and the meeting
+between her husband and self was like lovers. Ethel was glad.
+
+"And it was I that kept them apart," she told Kate--"I with my society
+and expensive schools. Poor Father! what could he do but grind from
+morning until night; and Mother with her hopes and ambitions--what
+could she do? Why, they had no time to speak to each other except on
+business and money. It was all so false and wrong. Now they are as
+they should have been, but think of the lost years, and all for me."
+"Never think of it, Ethel," said Kate, "it's past and over. Everything
+has come smooth. Forget it, dear; you were not to blame."
+
+Judge Sands called nearly every evening. He and Uncle Archie struck
+up quite a friendship. The Judge took him on auto trips far into the
+country, Kate, Patty, and Ethel going along.
+
+One evening, after they all had gone back to Akron, Judge Sands called
+Patty into the library.
+
+"I wish to have a little talk with you, my dear," he said.
+
+"Are you going to scold me for running over my allowance last month?"
+she replied, "because if you are I just couldn't help it. I wanted to
+give all of the girls a little remembrance, and--"
+
+"Patty, my child, have I ever scolded you for anything--think? Haven't
+you done exactly as you chose since your childhood?"
+
+"Yes," replied the girl, "but I know that there are times when you should
+scold me, Papa, for I know I am self-willed and disobedient."
+
+"Well, we shall forget that. You're a pretty good girl considering that
+you have but one parent. Now this is what I wish to see you about. Your
+mother died when you were three, dear, and you've been with me ever
+since. It's been lonely for both of us at times, and for me especially
+so while you are away at school. Patty, how should you like a mother? Of
+course, no one can take the place of her who has gone, but I mean another
+one."
+
+The girl began to cry.
+
+"I should not like it, Papa."
+
+Then she looked at him. He was a handsome man, and if ever she were to
+marry he would be alone, in the prime of life.
+
+"I suppose I'm selfish," she sobbed, clinging to him, "but I should hate
+a stepmother. Think of her taking Mamma's place. Oh, Papa! I couldn't
+bear it."
+
+"But supposing she was a woman of whom you were fond. Would you feel that
+way then?"
+
+"I couldn't be fond of her."
+
+"You might be fond of her already," said the Judge.
+
+"Who--who can it be?" asked Patty, wiping her eyes and pushing back her
+hair.
+
+The Judge smiled.
+
+"Think, my dear."
+
+"Is it Miss Kate Hollister?" cried the girl joyfully. "Tell me quick."
+
+Then Judge Sands blushed like a schoolboy.
+
+"Yes," he said, "she is the only woman who can take your mother's place,
+Patty. No--not that--no one can take her dear place; but she is the only
+woman upon earth whom I should ask to be my wife."
+
+Then Patty jumped up and kissed her father many times.
+
+"Oh, Papa!" she said, "why didn't you tell me at first and not frighten
+me to death. Oh! I should love her so, and I should never be jealous of
+her. Are you engaged?"
+
+"No," laughed the Judge, "I have never asked her. I thought you deserved
+the compliment of being first consulted on the matter."
+
+"But, Papa, perhaps she'll refuse you."
+
+"That's my end of it," laughed her father, "but when I do ask her I wish
+to say that you desire it, too, for Kate might not think it agreeable to
+you."
+
+"Papa, she's got to say 'yes.' I'll go along and make her if you wish.
+I'd just love her for a mother," and the girl clung to his neck and wept.
+"I only now realize how lonely you must have been all these years, and
+you've done it for me. But don't let her refuse. Tell her I desire it
+above all things."
+
+"All right, dearie," said the Judge. "I'll go tonight."
+
+"And wake me up, Papa. I shall be so anxious."
+
+Judge Sands laughed and promised.
+
+That night no matter how hard Patty tried she couldn't keep awake. Now
+that she knew who it was that her father desired she was happy, and one
+can always sleep when one is happy.
+
+The Judge ran up the stairs two steps at a time and woke his daughter
+with a kiss.
+
+"Will she, Papa?"
+
+"Yes, dear," he answered. "She has been good enough to say 'yes.' We'll
+make her happy, won't we, Patty?"
+
+"We shall," replied the girl. "And how young you seem to have grown!"
+she gasped. "I never noticed it before. I'm glad for you and I'm glad
+for her. She's a dear. I've always loved her and she's such a stunning
+looking woman, too. I tell you, we'll be proud of her, Papa."
+
+They talked for half an hour over the virtues of Miss Kate, and each went
+to sleep thinking of how lovely she was.
+
+When Kate and Patty met they said not a word, but from the quiet, sincere
+embrace each knew that the other would try and make her happy.
+
+Congratulations poured in from all sides. Archie and his wife with Aunt
+Susan, Grandmother and Tom, motored all the way over to Columbus to offer
+theirs. Ethel was wild with joy.
+
+"Why," she exclaimed, "everything is getting better! People are doing
+such sensible things lately, just as they should do. Isn't it wonderful?
+But, Tom, I always thought that you cared for Cousin Kate."
+
+"So I have all along, but just as I was considering, in walked the Judge
+and took her off under my very nose. While I was a poor lawyer I felt
+that she might refuse me and I took no chances, but I never imagined
+she'd look at a man of his age. She's certainly met the one for her. What
+a splendid couple they'll make."
+
+"You always were slow, Tom; that's your fault," laughed Ethel, "and
+you'll always get left. It serves you right."
+
+"Yes, that's going to be my fate, I fear. Before I can muster up courage
+to propose, these girls will be snatched up--every one of them."
+
+Judge Sands and Kate were to be married in November. They were to go to
+New York, Washington, etc., on a wedding trip, after which they were to
+meet Patty and sail for Egypt to be gone indefinitely.
+
+"Oh, dear! who can take your place at Camp?" said the girls. "We'll never
+find another Guardian like you."
+
+"I'll ask Louise Morehouse," said Miss Kate. "She's lovely, and very much
+interested in this Camp Fire movement. She'll be one of you just as I
+have been."
+
+"Yes, and then she'll meet someone and go off and marry," said Mollie
+Long. "There should be a law against it. A Guardian should be obliged to
+serve for five years unmarried--it isn't fair," and the girls voted that
+Mollie was correct.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+MATTIE MAKES GOOD
+
+
+After Camp had broken up, Mattie Hastings, who was now associated with a
+Woman's Exchange in Columbus, started one afternoon to call for Patty
+Sands. It was Saturday and the Exchange closed early. Mattie was doing
+well. She received a good salary and her heart was light. Her sister was
+beginning to walk. The doctors considered that next year she could
+discard her brace. The child was not only attending school but she was
+learning many useful things and Mattie was happy. Her mother had entirely
+given up the drug habit; her father was with Judge Sands and everything
+seemed as though it had come straight like a fairy story.
+
+This lovely autumn afternoon they were going to Sallie Davis's to look at
+a wonderful centerpiece done by her mother. Mattie, whose fingers were
+extremely clever, had offered to do the work of copying it, while Patty
+was to pay for the silks, linen, etc. Then, jointly, they were to give it
+to Miss Kate for an engagement present. In case the servant should be out
+Sallie had given Patty her latch key.
+
+"This is Sophronia's day out, and mother is going to a bridge party.
+I have an engagement, so here's the key. When you leave the flat, put
+it on the hall stand. Sophronia and mother will be back before I am,
+and they will let me in. I'll leave the centerpiece on the piano."
+
+The apartment was on the seventh story and commanded a wonderful view
+of the city. After looking at the centerpiece and studying the different
+stitches the girls went to a window and looked out.
+
+"Have you put the key on the hall stand?" asked Mattie.
+
+"Yes," replied Patty. "I put it there when I first came in."
+
+Suddenly Mattie exclaimed:
+
+"I smell smoke."
+
+They looked around. The odor was plainly perceptible.
+
+"Let's go into the kitchen," said Patty.
+
+Together they ran through the pantry and opened the kitchen door. The
+smoke was very thick.
+
+"Why, Mattie, the house is afire!" said Patty Sands. "Let's get out
+quickly."
+
+They opened the hall door, closing it tightly after them. They had
+far better have stayed in the apartment and have descended by the
+fire escape, but they thought of it too late. The hall door had locked
+behind them. The outer halls were black with smoke. People were rushing
+wildly up and down. The entrance leading to the roof was locked. The
+elevator boy called "last trip," and opened the iron doors. Frightened
+women and little children crowded in with servants and elderly people.
+
+"Room for one more," yelled the boy, "quick, for God's sake!"
+
+"You go, Mattie," said Patty.
+
+"You go." Then Mattie Hastings lifted Patty Sands up bodily and fairly
+threw her into the crowded elevator.
+
+"If the cable holds I'll come back, Miss," cried the boy half choked with
+smoke.
+
+Through the smoke Mattie peered at the cable. Through the shaft she saw
+the angry flames shooting upward. The sparks were flying. The elevator
+had made its last trip and she realized it. She turned to the hall window
+and looked down upon the crowd. A ladder was raised. Someone had seen
+her.
+
+"Thank God!" she said, "I may yet be saved."
+
+The smoke was now black and the flames came nearer and nearer to the
+brave girl, who so unselfishly had given her place to her friend. She
+leaned out of the window. She watched the fireman ascending. Then she
+knew no more but fell back into the flames unconscious.
+
+"I've got her," said the fireman, "but I guess she's gone. No one could
+live in the smoke up there. She's badly burned, too, poor girl--her back
+and arms. Lift her carefully, boys."
+
+Patty rushed forward. "She has given her life for me," she shrieked.
+"Mattie, Mattie dear! don't you hear me? Speak--oh! speak to Patty."
+
+The dying girl opened her eyes and half smiled. Patty knelt beside her
+and put her ear close to Mattie's mouth.
+
+"Patty," she whispered, "tell Ethel that I made good."
+
+Then she closed them wearily and the brave soul of Mattie Hastings passed
+on.
+
+It took Patty Sands many years to recover from the shock of her friend's
+death. She was too ill to even know when the funeral took place. She had
+told her father and Kate of Mattie's last words. Ethel Hollister sent a
+telegram requesting that Mattie's funeral might be postponed until she
+arrived. The Camp Fire girls were the pallbearers.
+
+Fortunately the cruel flames had left Mattie's face untouched and she
+looked lovely. The church was crowded to overflowing, as well as the
+street. The text of the sermon was:
+
+"Greater love hath no man than he who lays down his life for a friend."
+
+Mattie had "given service" as well as laying down her life for a friend,
+and the whole town marvelled at her bravery.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+JUDGE SANDS AND KATE MARRY
+
+
+In November Kate was married. The wedding was quiet, as Patty was still
+an invalid. They took her with them and left her at Mrs. Hollister's
+while they went on their trip. Nora had arrived for the winter two weeks
+before. Mrs. Hollister had entered her in Madam La Rue's school. Ethel
+had insisted upon giving Nora her room and had moved up stairs.
+
+The three girls were sad. They talked of Mattie and Patty cried
+constantly. So after a while they avoided speaking of her in her
+presence.
+
+Nora looked like one to the manner born. Mrs. Hollister, having carte
+blanche to buy for her anything she saw fit, purchased the loveliest
+second mourning costumes imaginable, and Nora wore them remarkably
+well. She had grown more quiet since Mattie's death. A great change
+seemed to have come over her. She was one of Madam's brightest pupils and
+very popular. Mrs. Hollister was genuinely fond of her and they went
+everywhere together.
+
+When Mr. Casey came to New York he was surprised at the change. He'd say
+to Mrs. Hollister:
+
+"Faith, ma'am, it's a perfect lady you're afther makin' of my girl. Her
+mother would bless you were she here," and Mrs. Hollister would reply:
+
+"She is naturally a perfect lady, Mr. Casey, so it's not hard work. I
+consider Nora a very superior girl and I'm very fond of her," at which
+the father's eyes would grow half tearful, and he'd seem proud to hear
+it.
+
+Nannie Bigelow and Nora became very intimate and she was made much of
+by Dorothy Kip and Sara Judson. Nora took an active interest in the Day
+Nursery and donated generously for its maintenance. Twice a week she'd
+go and read to the elder children and get on the floor and play with
+the younger ones, for she adored babies. She was especially sweet and
+generous to Grandmother, spending hours with her lest she should become
+lonely. It was like a mother and daughter, instead of a girl and
+chaperon, to see Mrs. Hollister and Nora go about together.
+
+"I wish I had a son, Nora," said that lady one day. "Then I should never
+have to see you leave me."
+
+Nora blushed rosy red, saying:
+
+"I wish you had, Mrs. Hollister. I dislike to think of our separation."
+
+Mr. Casey sent the most wonderful barrels of apples and potatoes from
+his own place to the Hollisters, and when he came to New York he'd order
+fruit from the most expensive fruiterers to be sent three times a week,
+say nothing of boxes of flowers which came regularly throughout the
+entire winter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+A BIRTHDAY PRESENT
+
+
+On one of Mr. Casey's flying trips to the city it happened to be Mrs.
+Hollister's birthday. Nora told him of the fact and after school together
+they whisked away in a taxi to shop. Upon their return he presented Mrs.
+Hollister with a large box, and in the most delicate manner begged her to
+accept it as a slight token of his gratitude for her interest in and
+kindness to Nora.
+
+"Ye've been a mother to my girl and she loves ye well. Her own
+mother--God rest her soul--as I've often told ye, would be proud of
+her, and she'd know better what to give a lady, but if ye'll accept
+these, ma'am, Nora and I will be pleased."
+
+Mrs. Hollister was visibly affected. She actually wiped her eyes.
+
+"I will accept them with pleasure, Mr. Casey," she said, "but don't
+forget Nora is a great comfort to all of us. We have grown to love her
+as our own," and she opened the box thinking it might contain a pretty
+waist or something of that sort when to her surprise there she beheld a
+most magnificent set of sables. She couldn't speak. The poor woman had
+never dared to dream of owning such a thing. Her heart stood still and
+she turned and took Nora in her arms, kissing her fondly. Then she shook
+Mr. Casey's hand as though she would never stop.
+
+"Mr. Casey, you are too generous. I have always loved sables, but I never
+expected to own a set. I don't know how to thank you for your kindness."
+
+"Say nothing about it," replied the man. "Nora and I consider it a
+privilege if ye'll wear our gifts, don't we, Nora?"
+
+"Indeed we do," replied the girl. "There are so many things that you do
+for me, Mrs. Hollister, that money can not compensate."
+
+Ethel was now eighteen. One evening Harvey Bigelow invited her to the
+theatre. On their way home he asked her if she ever could care for him
+enough to become his wife.
+
+"Oh, Harvey!" gasped Ethel, "I am so sorry. Why did you spoil our
+lovely friendship? I'll have to answer 'no,' and I dislike to hurt
+your feelings."
+
+"That's all right, little girl," said Harvey, swallowing hard. "I was an
+ass to even imagine that you could care for me, but you see I'm coming on
+so well that I shall soon put out my sign, and I felt that you might be
+such a help to me; that is, if you could care for me a little bit."
+
+"And there are so many nice girls," she said, "waiting for just such a
+good man as yourself."
+
+"But, Ethel, I don't want any girl. I want one. If I can't have her I
+guess I'll stay single. Anyway, I suppose a man needs to practice a lot
+before he marries. There's a couple of years in the Hospital. But I'm
+glad I know the truth, Ethel. By Jove! it's off my chest. I've tried to
+speak of it before but I couldn't."
+
+"I wish I could say 'yes,' Harvey; but can't we still remain the good
+pals that we are?"
+
+"Why, sure," replied the man, and he took her hand. "A man needs a woman
+friend, don't you think?"
+
+"Yes," replied Ethel, "and I hope to prove my friendship for you."
+
+Ethel never spoke of her proposal, nor did Harvey; but there was a firmer
+bond between them than formerly.
+
+Patty wrote often. "You never saw two people so in love as Papa and
+Kate. It is wonderful and remarkably right. I only feel sorry to think
+that through all of these years they might have been so happy, and I'm
+sure papa kept single for me. How selfish daughters are, Ethel; and at
+the same time how little they realize that they are selfish."
+
+Ethel folded the letter and said:
+
+"What she writes is true. You and Papa might have had all of the years
+of my youth to be happy in, but you sacrificed them for me, and they'll
+never, never come back."
+
+"That's all right," said her mother, kissing her. "My happiness since you
+entered college has compensated for it, believe me, my dear little girl,"
+and she kissed her tenderly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+MRS. HOLLISTER ENTERTAINS
+
+
+That winter Mrs. Hollister again had her teas and bridge parties, but
+there was no more worry about where the money was coming from; in fact,
+thanks to Mr. Casey's generosity she was able to pay all of her bills
+and put some away for a rainy day. Her little functions were delightful
+as usual, and the young people came in throngs to the house.
+
+Ethel was happy in seeing her mother so contented, and in knowing that
+her father had no more worries. Grandmother had grown younger, and better
+than all, after Christmas Tom was coming to bring Aunt Susan. He had
+business East and he was to leave her for three weeks, after which he
+was to return for her.
+
+Nora seemed less sad. She had developed into a very stylish up-to-date
+young woman and everyone admired and liked her.
+
+Mrs. Hollister was in her glory. Things for her were now so comfortable
+and easy that she couldn't believe but what it was a dream from which
+she might awaken and find everything the same old way.
+
+Mrs. Bigelow made much of Nora, taking her around and introducing her
+to her friends. Harvey called regularly and invited her twice a week
+to the theatre. He was now a young surgeon in Roosevelt Hospital on the
+ambulance, with a fine career open before him, and what's more he worked
+very hard--often until late at night. People prophesied a great future
+for Harvey and his parents were delighted, but none more so than Ethel,
+whose encouragement was genuine and like the encouragement of a sister.
+
+Teddy Kip kept up a great correspondence with Patty, who sent him postals
+from every place.
+
+"By George!" he said to the Hollisters, "do you know I correspond
+with three girls who are abroad and they never write letters--only
+postals--and if you believe it, I've got nearly a hamper filled with
+them--'pon my word I have. If only Miss Patty would write a fellow a
+real letter once in a while I'd be grateful."
+
+Nora received a letter from Edna Whitely.
+
+"I have some news for all of your girls. Mollie Long and Sallie Davis are
+going to marry clergymen. They are brothers. Sallie's husband is going to
+be a missionary to China."
+
+"Isn't that awful?" said Mrs. Hollister. "Sallie will be massacred as
+sure as fate--that's the end of missionaries. I had a second cousin who
+went and both she and her husband were victims. I wouldn't allow a child
+of mine to marry one. Let him stay in his own country, but to drag a
+young girl out into those heathen places--it's an outrage."
+
+"Well, our Ohio Camp Fire will resolve itself into only half, I fear,"
+said Nora. "There's poor Mattie, Miss Kate, Sallie and Mollie from right
+there. I wonder who's going to take their places."
+
+"Perhaps," said Ethel, "little Mollie Hastings if she's pronounced cured.
+It may be of great benefit to her. Let's see what can be done."
+
+"Dorothy Kip might become an Ohio girl and spend her summers up there
+with us too," suggested Nora. "And if Dr. Bigelow goes with the Scouts
+Nannie can join."
+
+"We'll see," replied Ethel. "It's quite a few months before next summer.
+'Sufficient unto the day, etc.'"
+
+Ethel was getting along famously at Barnard.
+
+"What profession shall you follow--the law or ministry?" Harvey would ask
+jokingly.
+
+"Something that shall enable me to become self supporting," Ethel would
+reply seriously.
+
+"There's where you make a mistake," said Harvey. "A woman was made to be
+supported by a man--not to support herself."
+
+"Why not?" asked Ethel. "How many wives today support their husbands?
+Have you any idea of the number?"
+
+"Oh, well, then it's because the men are lazy or sick. No decent,
+self-respecting man would allow it."
+
+"Supposing a woman can not marry. She can't propose to a man. What can
+she do in that case--starve? No, Dr. Bigelow, you can't even argue. Every
+woman should have in her hand, say, a weapon or trade with which to take
+care of herself. Then when the time comes she's ready to start in the
+battle of life, and not sit around helpless while others do for her, or
+become dependent upon charity, or worse. The day of Elsie Dinsmores has
+gone. In her place we have strong, capable, broad-minded women. Seldom do
+we hear of a woman fainting today, yet look back sixty years and recall
+the Lydia Languish females with long ringlets and wasp waists, who
+invariably carried smelling salts. I'm proud to belong to the women of
+today--healthy, strong, athletic, and brave--women who _do_ and are not
+ashamed of it. Look at Aunt Susan. There's a woman who is an example. I
+hope I may amount to as much as she before I die."
+
+"Ethel, I fear you are strong-minded," laughed Harvey.
+
+"Don't fear, but know it. I try to be strong in mind and body. I believe
+in a woman getting all that's coming to her and working for that end."
+
+Harvey laughed.
+
+"Well, I shan't argue with you."
+
+"Because you agree with me, and you know it," said Ethel quietly. "You
+have made yourself amount to something. Look where you were three years
+ago. What were your views of life then? A rich marriage. Behold the
+change! Now you are a man."
+
+"Thanks," said Harvey, rising and making a low bow.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+CHRISTMAS EVE
+
+
+Christmas was near. The Hollisters wrote and invited Mr. Casey to spend
+the Christmas holidays with them. They also wrote Tom Harper to see if it
+were possible to bring Aunt Susan to be with them during the holidays.
+Tom replied he would make it possible. So they were to have a house full.
+
+Nora and Ethel vied in dressing up the rooms tastefully with holly and
+mistletoe. Every chandelier and door had a piece of mistletoe fastened
+above it.
+
+"What a grand kissing time there'll be," said Archibald. "When do we
+begin--on Christmas morning?"
+
+"Now, Papa, don't you get gay," laughed Ethel. "You've led an exemplary
+life for fifty years. Please keep on and don't let this mistletoe make of
+you a different man."
+
+Well--first came Mr. Casey. Every day he and Nora boarded a taxi and went
+shopping, returning with huge boxes and parcels which gradually filled
+Nora's closets as well as under her bed.
+
+Then came Tom and Aunt Susan, even looking younger than before.
+
+"Really it's ridiculous, Aunt Susan," said Ethel, "for you to keep
+growing so much younger and more stylish. You've got to stop."
+
+And the bell rang so often that Mrs. Hollister was obliged to hire an
+extra maid for Christmas week. Everyone was so perfectly happy that it
+was a joy to enter the house. Harvey was there as often as his hospital
+practice would admit of, and he was the first to kiss Aunt Susan under
+the mistletoe; and Aunt Susan, if you please, now appeared in the
+daintiest of gowns--up-to-date and rather youthful. Ethel and Grandmother
+laughed over it.
+
+"Why, Grandmother, how old is Aunt Susan?"
+
+"She's about sixty-one," said her sister--"why?"
+
+"Nothing, but I've been thinking wouldn't it be funny if she should marry
+again? She's mighty attractive in her up-to-date gowns."
+
+"I don't see whom she could marry," said Grandmother with some asperity,
+"unless Mr. Casey or Dr. Bigelow." Ethel laughed.
+
+Christmas eve arrived. They had a large tree and distributed the gifts.
+Everyone received exactly what he or she desired. Mr. Casey's generosity
+was boundless. He gave Mrs. Hollister a small limousine with the
+understanding that all bills should be sent to him.
+
+"Madam," he said, "you and Nora have a great deal of shopping and social
+duties to perform. Nora tells me that you go by the cars and rarely in a
+taxi, and that you seldom allow her to pay her fare. Now this will set
+everything right, and Grandmother--God bless her--must have her ride
+daily. It is money well invested, for you and Nora can take comfort. I
+have engaged a good chauffeur and have made arrangements with a garage
+near by. All bills are to be sent to me. Nora will attend to the sending
+of them."
+
+Mrs. Hollister couldn't speak. They stood under the mistletoe. She just
+raised herself up and gave Mr. Casey two hearty smacks, at which there
+arose a shout.
+
+"I shan't try to thank you," she said, "for I can not."
+
+Then another surprise came in shape of a wonderful diamond la valliere or
+pendant, and poor Mrs. Hollister was most embarrassed.
+
+"Mr. Casey," she said, "you are going to get me in wrong. People may
+criticise me."
+
+Then Tom's present came--a lovely grey silk evening wrap trimmed with
+chinchilla, and verily Mrs. Hollister was nearly off her head.
+
+Grandmother received a long silk coat lined with fur and trimmed with a
+large lynx collar and cuffs--from Mr. Casey also.
+
+"Don't think that I bought out a furrier," he said, "but I know people
+always need them."
+
+Ethel received a lovely pendant from Mr. Casey and one from Tom, while
+Nora presented her with a beautiful diamond ring.
+
+Everyone was happy this Christmas eve and strange to say Mr. Casey took
+Aunt Susan right under the mistletoe and kissed her, which made
+Grandmother laugh immoderately.
+
+During one of the moments when people were rather quiet, Harvey Bigelow
+took Nora by the hand and walked up to Mr. Casey who was standing under
+the mistletoe; in fact, he had stood nowhere else during the evening.
+
+"Mr. Casey," he said, "I ask of you the most valuable gift that a father
+can give. I ask the hand of this dear girl," and he kissed Nora gently.
+
+Mr. Casey, who had imbibed somewhat plentifully of punch, and who was
+quite warm, looked at the two for a moment.
+
+"An' is it this that ye two have been up to?" he said. "Nora, me child,
+do ye wish it to be?"
+
+"Yes, Papa," faltered the girl, "I love Harvey."
+
+"An' suppose I withhold my consent--what then?"
+
+"Then I shall still love him, but I shall never marry without it."
+
+"Hear that now. Nora, my good girl," and taking her hand he placed it in
+Harvey's, "I give her to ye. All I ask is that ye shall make her happy.
+Let her niver regret this day--that's all," and he wiped his eyes.
+
+Nora flung her arms around him while Harvey wrung his hand.
+
+"You'll never have cause to regret, nor shall she," he said. "I'll love
+and cherish her until death parts us, and I'll work for her so that
+she'll be proud of me."
+
+Ethel kissed them both; in fact, so did everyone. Aunt Susan and Tom were
+delighted.
+
+"I always liked him," she said. "Anyone who looks me square in the eye,
+Mr. Casey, I'll bank on every time."
+
+It was long after midnight when the Xmas party broke up. The young man
+who had always played at Mrs. Hollister's teas for the sum of three
+dollars played the Virginia Reel, and everyone danced,--even Grandmother.
+Mr. Casey took so many funny fancy steps that it was hard to get him
+through with the figures, after which Nora and Ethel showed the elderly
+people how to dance the turkey trot, which of course was shocking. When
+the young musician left he was richer by fifty dollars--gifts of Mr.
+Casey, Tom Harper, and Mrs. Hollister, for she told of how lovely his
+mother was and how she had been her bridesmaid.
+
+"And here's a gift for her," said Mr. Casey. "Take it and buy her a
+fur-lined coat," at which everyone shouted, for poor Mr. Casey's gifts
+had all been so comfortable and warm.
+
+"Niver mind," he laughed, "I bet she'll like one. And give her me
+compliments and a Merry Christmas. And let me have your address, sir."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+CHRISTMAS DAY
+
+
+It was a typical Christmas day. There was even snow on the ground. The
+pretty limousine stood before the Hollisters' door and a well-groomed
+good-looking chauffeur was taken in and presented to Mrs. Hollister,
+his future mistress. Grandmother, in her handsome new cloak, and Aunt
+Susan with Mr. Casey, took the first ride. Mr. Casey was in high spirits
+over Nora's choice.
+
+"Shure they till me that he has a great future."
+
+"Of course he has," said Grandmother. "Why, he's advanced to the
+operating room and he is in line to be second assisting surgeon. Think,
+Mr. Casey, of the lives he may save. I think Nora has made a wise choice,
+and he cared for her for herself--not for her money--for he's always said
+that his wife's money should be settled on herself--that only the husband
+should pay the bills. And Nora, dear child, has improved so. She's grown
+so handsome and has a face full of character."
+
+"That's so, ma'am. I would that her poor mother--God rest her soul--could
+but see her."
+
+"She does," said Aunt Susan. "I firmly believe that our loved ones see
+us and are near us constantly. Wait a bit; I have to stop," and Mr. Casey
+got out at a market.
+
+"Now what is he up to?" said Grandmother. "Susan, he's the
+kindest-hearted and most generous man that I ever knew."
+
+They could catch a glimpse of him now and then. Presently he emerged with
+an immense basket containing a large turkey, a pair of ducks, and paper
+bags of vegetables, and in one corner a smaller basket of delicious
+fruit and a couple of wreaths. From a card he read an address to the
+chauffeur, who placed the Christmas basket beside him.
+
+"Now where is he going, I wonder?" said Aunt Susan. "Perhaps some of his
+poor relations."
+
+The chauffeur drove up before a cheap flat, alighted, and left the
+basket. Returning he nodded "yes" to Mr. Casey.
+
+Mr. Casey said in a hesitating manner:
+
+"The young piano player,--I thought I'd surprise him and his mother. Mrs.
+Hollister speaks highly of the mother and I need just such a young man
+with me in Columbus. I think I can find an opening for him in my office;
+if not, in the office of some of my friends. There are too many young men
+in New York; there are not enough places for them all. Now wid me they
+have a chance to advance, and when I'm gone they'll take my place. I've
+no son."
+
+"Yes," said Grandmother, "this young musician supports his mother. My
+daughter-in-law says that the mother comes from a good old family. She
+and Mrs. Hollister were at school together in Elmira, New York state.
+Then when my son married Bella this lady was her bridesmaid. Bella said
+she was a raving beauty, but she married a man who drank himself to
+death, leaving her with her child alone in the world and without a penny.
+The boy was musical and someone taught him how to play. He used to go to
+school through the day and practice at night. Then he graduated and
+obtained a position as clerk, receiving a very moderate salary. Bella
+met them one night in the cars and had them come up to the house. She
+did all that she could for them, and employed him every time she had a
+tea or needed music. He played well and was glad to get his little three
+dollars. I know that Bella always sent home a box of refreshments to the
+mother."
+
+"Well, I shall persuade them to go back wid me, and they'll have enough
+then, I'm thinkin'."
+
+"Mr. Casey, you are a good man," said Aunt Susan. "The world would be
+better if we had more like you."
+
+"But, Mrs. Carpenter, I think this way. The Lord has been good to me. He
+has caused me to prosper. Why should I consider it all me own? No, I
+think whenever I can help a fellow man He expects me to do so--that's
+all--and I try to make good."
+
+The elderly women made no reply. He was a rough self-made man--a Roman
+Catholic, although not a churchman, who could give them points on charity
+and who did his good deeds quietly and without boasting. Mr. Casey was a
+Scout, although not a young one, for that was the way they were taught to
+do their good deeds.
+
+Upon their arrival home he directed the chauffeur to get his dinner or
+luncheon and return, and after the Hollister luncheon, Nora, Harvey,
+Ethel and Tom went to Van Courtlandt Park, where there was skating,
+returning in time for six o'clock dinner.
+
+"I think, ma'am," said Mr. Casey, "we have monopolized your car pretty
+well, and you never have been inside of it."
+
+"But I'm too busy, Mr. Casey. Today is Christmas and I love to view it
+from the window. Just to think that it belongs to me! I can't realize it.
+Mr. Casey, you are my fairy Godfather and nothing else. How can I ever
+repay you?"
+
+"By always being a mother to my girl, ma'am, as ye have been since she
+met ye. Why, ye deserve a whole garage of automobiles for the kindness
+ye've shown her, and see the good man she now has through ye. Don't thank
+me, ma'am. It's ourselves who can't thank ye enough."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+ANOTHER SURPRISE
+
+
+After a delicious Christmas dinner the Bigelows came over. They welcomed
+and embraced Nora. Mrs. Bigelow really seemed sincere on this occasion.
+Mr. Casey liked them at once, especially Mr. Bigelow and Nannie.
+
+"They'll make her happy all right. My girl has chosen wisely," he
+thought.
+
+Tom and Ethel went out together during Christmas week. They skated and
+visited all the art galleries, enjoying every moment. They had many
+serious talks, and Ethel took Tom to call on several of her friends.
+The girls voted him delightful and Ethel was proud of him. They spoke of
+Mattie Hastings.
+
+"Tom, Patty will never get over it," she said, "of that I'm sure."
+
+"Ethel, don't you see, Patty witnessed it, and the shock is indelibly
+stamped on her memory. Time will help remove it--nothing else."
+
+"But what a brave act, wasn't it?" continued Ethel. "Patty sends orders
+for flowers once a week for her grave, and they say it looks very lovely.
+And I even disliked her once. I said her eyes were too close together and
+I misjudged her. Then I fairly hated Nora--think!--she who saved my life.
+Each one has done something. What have I done? Whom have I benefited?
+Who is better for having had me for a friend?"
+
+They were sitting on a bench in the picture gallery of the Metropolitan
+Museum Ethel looked very lovely. She wore a bunch of Tom's orchids and a
+grey velvet suit. Her eyes were bright and her cheeks were burning red.
+She was visibly excited. Tom saw that she felt her life had been a
+failure.
+
+"Ethel," he said, taking her hand, "think of the joy you have brought
+to Aunt Susan. Can't you see how much happier she is today than when
+you first knew her? Look at Nora. Through you she has changed from an
+awkward girl into a cultivated and charming woman, engaged to a fine
+young physician belonging to one of New York's oldest families.
+Indirectly you are responsible for it all. Look at little Mary Hastings.
+Through you she has been, or will be completely cured of her spine
+trouble. And lastly, look at me, Ethel, you have brought sunshine and
+happiness into my life. It is not always the big things that go to make
+happiness. It is the small things as well; and in your sweet, quiet way
+you have scattered light and joy in many paths. I had not intended, my
+dear, to speak to you of my love. I wished to wait until I had more of
+a name for you, and until you had come out and had a chance to choose
+from many men more worthy perhaps than I, but I can not keep my secret.
+I love you, dear, and I would have you for my wife. Can I hope? Do you
+care for me a little?"
+
+Ethel's eyes shone like stars. She looked up into his face and said:
+
+"I care for you a great deal,--until you spoke I never knew how much. If
+you wish I will be your wife."
+
+Then Tom lifted her hand to his lips.
+
+"I will make you as happy as I know how," he said. "I had a feeling that
+I couldn't keep my secret back after today. Come, dear, let us go and
+tell them all; and never under-rate yourself again."
+
+People stared at the handsome couple and at their beaming faces. Joy was
+stamped on their countenances and happiness shone from their eyes.
+
+When they arrived home, Tom walked up to Mrs. Hollister, and kissing her
+he said:
+
+"I have asked Ethel to be my wife. Will you and Mr. Hollister give her to
+me?"
+
+Mrs. Hollister gasped.
+
+"Why Tom! Ethel! Is it true?"
+
+Ethel put her arm around her mother.
+
+"Yes, Mamma, Tom has asked me to marry him and I said 'yes,' for I know
+that you and Papa like him. Now you say 'yes'--do dear."
+
+"Yes, I will say it gladly. Tom, I have always liked you and I'm sure
+you and Ethel will be happy. I give my consent with all my heart," and
+Tom took her in his arms and kissed her tenderly.
+
+"Thank you," he said, "you have given me a precious gift. You shall never
+regret it."
+
+Then they sought Mr. Hollister and were closeted with him for a long
+time, after which Grandmother and Aunt Susan had to be told, and lastly
+Nora.
+
+So that Christmas brought two engagements in the Hollister circle.
+
+Ethel decided to finish college before marrying, and Nora her school. The
+men had to be content.
+
+"We'll have one more year at Camp anyway," said Nora. "I shall be glad to
+spend my last single summer there."
+
+"And Tom and Harvey will practically be with us," said Ethel. "Nora, are
+you not a happy girl?"
+
+"I am," said Nora.
+
+"So am I," rejoined Ethel.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+MR. CASEY BUYS A HOUSE
+
+
+Aunt Susan at once began to make plans. In the meanwhile Mr. Casey asked
+Mr. Hollister and his mother to give him a few moments conversation on
+business.
+
+"I understand that ye own this house, ma'am," he began. "What would ye
+sell it for?"
+
+Mrs. Hollister looked at her son.
+
+"Why?" she asked.
+
+"Because I'm about to buy a house for Nora and the Doctor, and I want to
+buy one in this neighborhood. I also have a proposition to make to ye,
+Mr. Hollister. Frankly, what might be yere salary?"
+
+Mr. Hollister reddened.
+
+"I mean no disrespect or pryin', sir. It is a business proposition I have
+to make to ye, before I do to anyone else."
+
+"My salary is three thousand a year, Mr. Casey," said Archibald
+Hollister. "I'm with an old and respected firm and have been with them
+for thirty years."
+
+"Thin they don't value your services as they should,--pardon my sayin'.
+This minnit they ought to give ye more. Now I need a man like yourself
+to be me representative in New York. I give you the first option. Will
+ye come and accept the position for six thousand a year?"
+
+Mr. Hollister acted dazed. Grandmother spoke up:
+
+"Answer, Archibald,"
+
+But still Archibald kept quiet.
+
+"Is it because ye think it not honorable to leave them? Thin tell thim
+that I have offered ye more and see if they will do the same. I'll give
+you a week to see."
+
+"And now, ma'am, I have heard that ye wished to sell. Yere Granddaughter
+will marry and this house will be too big for the three of yees. A pretty
+apartment on the Park will be far better for ye. What is yere price for
+the house?"
+
+"We refused thirty thousand for it in 1900," replied Mrs. Hollister, "and
+real estate has increased in value since that."
+
+"Very well," said Mr. Casey, "I know what ye say is true, and I will pay
+a fair price. I will give ye fifty thousand for this house, ma'am, and I
+will have it remodeled for my girl."
+
+"I will accept," said Mrs. Hollister, in a prompt businesslike way.
+"There is no mortgage on the house," she added.
+
+"Yere more of a business woman than yere son. Faith, he's worryin' over
+hurtin' feelings of his employers I do be thinkin'," and Mr. Casey laid
+back and laughed.
+
+But Archibald felt as though the earth was slowly slipping from under his
+feet. His luck was changing too rapidly. It was coming upon him too late
+in life, and Mr. Casey! Well, he was indeed the fairy Godfather. He and
+his wife had so longed for an apartment overlooking the Park, but
+Grandmother would never hear of selling.
+
+"When I die will be time enough," she would say, and now she had actually
+seemed glad. And to think she would have fifty thousand dollars to live
+on for the rest of her life. Then this new offer from Mr. Casey, double
+the salary he was now receiving--it was like a dream. And his girl
+engaged to one of the finest men in the West. God was too good to him--he
+didn't deserve it.
+
+His wife was overjoyed.
+
+"Oh, Archie," she said "how wonderful it all is. It seems to have
+happened since Ethel joined the Camp Fire girls. I'm sure they have
+brought her luck. They have brought Nora to us and her dear father,
+who has been so generous, and but for the Camp Fire she never would
+have met Nora. Isn't it strange?"
+
+Archibald Hollister laid the case before the Company by which he had been
+employed for thirty years, not telling how much his new salary was to
+be.
+
+"Mr. Hollister," they said, "we can not afford to increase your salary.
+To be sure you have served us faithfully, but you are no longer young,
+and you know we need young blood in business. There are plenty waiting
+for your place."
+
+That was a terrible blow to Archibald. He had not expected to get
+three thousand extra, but he had looked for an increase of a thousand
+rather than they should let him go, and to hear them calmly sit and
+tell him that they needed young blood was too much. He left the office,
+and the next morning in place of Archibald Hollister there arrived his
+resignation. So thirty years of faithfulness to their interests and
+strict attention to business didn't count with them, and there he had
+been so loyal to the concern!
+
+"Ah!" said Mr. Casey, "what did I tell ye? Do ye think these corporations
+care for the man? No. It's for what they can get out of him--for the
+amount of work he can do, and for how small a salary. Let them hire their
+young blood and you come along with me, and we'll see how much better off
+they'll be!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+ARCHIBALD'S CHANGE FOR THE BETTER
+
+
+So Archibald Hollister found himself the New York manager of a large
+Ohio Realty Company, with four clerks under him and a couple of handsome
+offices; and Mr. Casey was proud of his personal appearance, for
+Archibald was a handsome man. One of the clerks was the young fellow
+who on Christmas eve had played Money Musk for them to dance the
+Virginia Reel, and whose mother received on the following morning the
+Christmas basket from Mr. Casey.
+
+"Now yere where ye belong," said the kind-hearted man. "I tell ye, Mr.
+Hollister, an honest employee should have been appreciated, and ye were
+not."
+
+The family moved from the house and took a pretty apartment overlooking
+the Park. They were delighted with the change and every day Ethel took
+long walks around the reservoir.
+
+Mr. Casey began to renovate the interior of the house and modernize the
+outside.
+
+The family lived in the limousine, and everyone seemed happy. Aunt Susan
+did not go home with Tom but stayed on until the family were settled in
+their new house. Then Tom who only wished for an excuse came on East for
+her. It was nearly Easter. They persuaded him to stay over, which he
+did.
+
+And so here we shall leave them. After one more year there will be a
+double wedding, and Ethel and Nora will marry. We see Harvey making rapid
+strides in his profession, and Tom building a pretty home for his Ethel,
+while Aunt Susan will be busy embroidering towels, napkins, etc., for
+their linen chest; and not only for them, but for Nora as well, for was
+it not through Nora and Mr. Casey that much of their happiness came?
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Ethel Hollister's Second Summer as a
+Campfire Girl, by Irene Elliott Benson
+
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