START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAMPFIRE GIRLS' OUTING*** E-text prepared by the Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images generously made available by Internet Archive (https://archive.org) Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file which includes the original illustration. See 58432-h.htm or 58432-h.zip: (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/58432/58432-h/58432-h.htm) or (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/58432/58432-h.zip) Images of the original pages are available through Internet Archive. See https://archive.org/details/CampFireGirlsOuting Transcriberâs note: Text that was in italics is enclosed by underscores (_italics_). [Illustration: Campfire Girlsâ Outing] CAMPFIRE GIRLSâ OUTING; Or, Ethel Hollisterâs Second Summer in Camp by STELLA M. FRANCIS [Illustration: Publisherâs Logo] M. A. Donohue & Co. Chicago New York ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CAMPFIRE GIRLSâ SERIES CAMPFIRE GIRLS IN THE ALLEGHANY MOUNTAINS; or, A Christmas Success Against Odds. CAMPFIRE GIRLS IN THE COUNTRY; or, The Secret Aunt Hannah Forgot. CAMPFIRE GIRLSâ TRIP UP THE RIVER; or, Ethel Hollisterâs First Lesson. CAMPFIRE GIRLSâ OUTING; or, Ethel Hollisterâs Second Summer in Camp. CAMPFIRE GIRLS ON A HIKE; or, Lost in the Great North Woods. CAMPFIRE GIRLS AT TWIN LAKES; or, The Quest of a Summer Vacation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Copyright 1918 M. A. Donohue & Company Made in U. S. A. CONTENTS Chapter Page SYNOPSIS OF PRECEDING BOOK 7 I -ETHELâS PLANS 25 II -ETHEL ENTERS COLLEGE 31 III -ETHEL AND HARVEY BECOME FIRM FRIENDS 40 IV -ETHELâS SECOND TRIP 46 V -CAMP AGAIN 53 VI -UNCLE JOHNâS 60 VII -MRS. HOLLISTERâS VISIT TO CAMP 67 VIII -THE SCOUTS ARRIVE 72 IX -NORA GIVES SERVICE 79 X -A HEROINE 94 XI -BREAKING UP OF CAMP AND A SURPRISE 101 XII -MATTIE MAKES GOOD 112 XIII -JUDGE SANDS AND KATE MARRY 118 XIV -A BIRTHDAY PRESENT 121 XV -MRS. HOLLISTER ENTERTAINS 126 XVI -CHRISTMAS EVE 133 XVII -CHRISTMAS DAY 141 XVIII -ANOTHER SURPRISE 147 XIX -MR. CASEY BUYS A HOUSE 153 XX -ARCHIBALDâS CHANGE FOR THE BETTER 158 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Famous Books in Rebound Editions HEIDI _By Johanna Spyri._ Three hundred and ninety-five pages, illustrated. Printed from new plates, handsomely bound in cloth. LITTLE LAME PRINCE _By Miss Mulock._ A popular edition of this well known story. Printed from large, clear type and attractively bound in cloth. ELSIE DINSMORE _By Martha Finley._ A beautiful edition of this popular novel. Printed on a superior quality of book paper and bound in cloth. 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A. DONOHUE & COMPANY 701-733 South Dearborn Street :: CHICAGO ------------------------------------------------------------------------ SYNOPSIS OF PRECEDING BOOK Ethel would have never become a Camp Fire Girl excepting for her great-aunt Susan. Susan Carpenter was her Grandmother Hollisterâs only sister, living in Akron, Ohio. Her family consisted of Mr. Thomas Harper and herself. Tomâs 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 fortuneâlost it through the rascality of a large and well advertised concern calling itself the âGreat Western Cereal Company.â 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 nephewâs family in New York, and they knowing no one in Akron, they were in ignorance of the change in Aunt Susanâs affairs and still thought her a wealthy woman. Mrs. Archibald HollisterâEthelâs motherâwas worldly and ambitious; not so much for herself as for her daughter. Grandmother Hollister, whose husband had belonged to one of New Yorkâs 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 Ethelâs 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 householdâall owing to Mrs. Archieâs 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 âthe Hollisters were certainly aristocratic and of blue blood, as their house showed itâso severe and yet elegant.â 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 âupper circle,â and marry a man who could give her a âfine establishment.â Among Ethelâs school friends was a girlâNannie Bigelow by nameâof 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. Hollisterâs 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 motherâs 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 âOhio.â 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. Archieâor Aunt Bellaâabout it she was politely snubbed. When Kate tried to explain how wonderful was the organization and what benefit a girlâespecially a delicate girl like Ethelâcould 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 Ethelâs 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. Hollisterâs 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 eightiesâfull 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. Hollisterâs 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 nieceâs âCamp Firesâ and live in the woods. âIt will be the making of your girl,â she added, âas now she looks thin and peaked.â 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 daughterâs 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 motherâs 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 ladyâs 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 wasâa hypocriteâand 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 everythingâthat 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, âNow you know that I love you for yourself, Aunt Susan.â 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 âto have something at her death to leave to those whom she loved.â After visiting her Uncle Johnâs 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 girlsâPatty Sandsâbecame Ethelâs 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 twoâone a Mattie Hastings, whom Ethel avoided saying that her eyes were too close together. Mattieâs parents were poor people but she was one of Kateâs Sunday School class and has asked to be allowed to join the âOhios.â 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 Caseyâher fatherâwas 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 askedâyes, beggedâthat 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 Grandmotherâs engagement ring and she was heartbroken. 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, âWeâve seen you and youâre discoveredâcome out!â 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 âFirst aid to the injuredâ they proceeded to remove her blouse and open her corset, when lo! there upon a silver chain around her neck was not only Ethel Hollisterâs 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, âShure, it would only be afther worryinâ Miss Kate, and it might turn up. Iâll bide me time.â 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 âseven lawsâ was to ârender service,â 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, bey 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 cousinâa young man who was a chauffeurâinvited 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. Hastingâs 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 Girlsâof 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. âNow that I have told you all,â she added, âyour fatherâJudge Sandsâwill send me up,â 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 Noraâs and Ednaâs suit cases. They found the ladyâs 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. âSome day,â she said, âI may make good.â 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 yearâs time he should send her out cured. Poor Mr. and Mrs. Hastings were overjoyed, while Mattieâs 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. âShe even refuses to go into Society this winter. She talks of taking up low down settlement work. Sheâll end in becoming a suffragette, and standing on a soap box sheâll address the street rabble, perhaps wearing a large bonnet and standing beside a kettle holiday time ringing a bell and holding out a tambourine,âa Salvation Army woman. Oh! what a fool I was to let her go away from my influence,â and she sobbed,ââto 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! Itâs all that wretched Camp Fire business.â 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. âI know, Mamma,â she said, âhow you and Papa, and even Grandmamma, have sacrificed for me. I see myself as I have been, (not as I am now)âa 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 Papaâs senior by ten years but he looks much youngerâwhy? Because Papa is bent and worn getting money for meâfor us to make a show on. Everything is sham, Mamma, and let us give it upâlet 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, Iâll 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,â and she took her sobbing mother in her arms. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ethel Hollisterâs Second Summer as a Camp Fire Girl CHAPTER I ETHELâS 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: âMamma, we are going to be very happy togetherâyou and I. I donât want to disappoint you, dear, nor would I do so willingly; but I simply can not live as Iâve been living. Sit down and let us talk.â Then she told of Aunt Susan,âof 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. âWait, dear, I want to show you my ceremonial gown,â and she quickly slipped it on. The girlâs hair was still hanging unbound, having slept in it that way, and she hooked about it her coronation band. Said her mother: âWell, I must say it is becoming. What a Pocahontas you would make in private theatricals!â she exclaimed with maternal pride. âBut then, why should I speak of theatricals? Youâve given up all such things.â âWhy, Mamma,â laughed Ethel, âIâm not going into a convent. I have given up nothing but the unreal part of life.â âI suppose youâll tell everyone how poor we are, and how I have put you forward under false colors. Then people will despise me.â âNo, Mamma, I shall not do a thing to put you in any awkward position. Keep on. Give your teas for me if you wish,âeven have the two extra maids. It costs very little and we have a social time; it cheers Grandmamma and thereâs 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,âof her charities, and how well she is beloved, but that I shall inherit no money from her. Harvey will tell his mother and sheâll spread the news. If people care any the less for us after hearing it, let them go; but I donât propose to tell what Papaâs salary is, or that youâpoor dearâsit until morning sewing for me,âa thing that Iâm not going to allow you to do any longer. âThen I shall give up attending Madamâs. Yes, donât 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 teacherâs 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 Madamâs. 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. Youâll be proud of me, Mamma,âjust wait and see,â and she kissed her mother affectionately. They went down to breakfast. Archibald Hollister listened to his daughterâs plans. He was proud of her and his face showed it. âYou see, Papa,â continued Ethel, âevery penny is spent on me. Do you and Mamma ever go to a theatre? No. Do you ever take a drive? Never,âwhy? Because you canât spare the money. Now at least we shall be able to go to the moving picture shows and take Grandmamma. I bet youâd enjoy it, wouldnât you, Grandmamma? And, do you know, the best people go, and a quarter is the highest priced seat.â The girl chatted on until the postman delivered the mail. âOh! a letter from Kate. Letâs see what news she has written,â and she gave a gasp as she read the first page. âPoor 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,âalmost 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.â Then Ethel described Honora. âIt is strange but I can never like that girl. Thereâs something about her thatâs antagonistic to me, and yet when she comes here I must be polite and ask her to visit me.â âIf sheâs in mourning sheâll not expect to meet people,â said Mrs. Hollister quickly, ânor to go to any places of amusement, thank heavens.â âOh, sheâs very generous. Probably sheâd invite us, Mamma. Well, poor Nora, she loved her mother. Iâm sorry for her.â ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 Rueâs declared that of lateâin fact, since she had become a Camp Fire GirlâEthel Hollister had developed fads. This Barnard was one. But as Ethel kept on steadily progressing in college, and she was so very youngânot yet seventeenâpeople 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. âAnd to think,â sheâd say, âthat 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 whatâs best. We could only have offered her a home. Iâm glad the Insane Asylum was endowed and the boys educated before the crash came.â Nora did not visit New York in the winter. She went South with her father. The girlsâKate and Ethelâcorresponded, 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 Womanâs 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. âWhy,â wrote Kate, âshe says the light has gone out of her life, and Tom roams around disconsolate. But,â she added, âyou should see the up-to-date way in which he dresses. He is the pink of fashion, I tell you.â Ethel laughed, and while reading would stop every now and then to explain. Then Ethel answered: âI have joined Miss Westcottâs Camp Fire Girls, and if you believe it, Mamma goes with me. She doesnât like it, but sheâs a great help to me and to the girls, for she teaches them so much. Sheâs 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 âDoctorâ Bigelow. âDorothy Kipâs Day Nursery has proved a great success. It is the dearest little flat, and the babies are sweet. Dorothyâs 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 âMotherâ and the old lady âGrandmotherâ) 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 Adams. Who knows but some day she may be her equal,âOh!â The second letter said: âI 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. ââMiss Ethel,â he said, âIâve determined to become a physician. I presume youâve heard that, and Iâm determined to become a good one, too. You may not know it, but I have always liked boys. I donât say that I dislike girls,âbut I do like boys. (Harvey is developing a sense of humor.) When I visited my college chumâJoe Atkinsonâthis 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. ââDo you know, I became mightily interested in the movement. I have studied and watched it and I think itâs the finest thing ever started. I came home quite enthusiastic and I talked of it to the two younger Kip boys and Alan McAllister,âGraceâs brother. If youâll believe it, before I realized what Iâd done, these boys had formed a troop and began to importune me to be the Scout Master of it. Thereâs the two Kips, Tom Wilder (Sara Judsonâs 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.â âI caught him by the hand, and I said: ââHarvey Bigelow, I take off my hat to you. I never liked you so well in my life.â âHe blushed awfully and seemed embarrassed, but he simply said: ââDonât you think it about time that I became in earnest over something in life? The opportunity presented itself and I grasped itâthatâs all.â âWell, 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 heâll be near us. I made him write to Mr. Adamsâyour fatherâs manâwho did everything for us, and ask him to reserve a place for the Scouts. Iâm just wild for summer to come. Iâm going to bring Mother and Grandmother. Grandmother will visit Aunt Susan, and Mother can spend her time between Aunt Susanâs, your house, and the Camp. She doesnât say much but I really think the change is a relief to herâpoor dear little mother. I was the selfish juggernaut who made her sacrifice everyone for me. I realize it now, and thank God itâs not too late to mend. âI 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 theyâre worn out when summer comes and have to go away to rest, but they intend to join during their third year. Then it wonât be such a continuous _grind_ as it is now. âI 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 womanâdonât you? âWell, dear, I must close. Kiss Uncle John, etc.â That was great news for Kateâthat 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. âI tell you, Ethel is made of good stuff!â ejaculated Uncle John. âShe was in the right church but in the wrong pewâthatâs all.â ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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. âMy dear, I am spending very little money now,â said Mrs. Hollister, âand Iâm going to put some by for your trousseau.â Ethel laughed merrily. âWhy, Mother, whereâs the man?â âNever mind,â replied her mother, âheâll come.â âMother, youâre a born matchmaker!â exclaimed the girl. âI wish you had had other daughters.â âHeaven forbid!â ejaculated Mrs. Hollister with a funny little smile. âOne is enough.â âIs that intended for a compliment?â laughed the girl. âIf so itâs a doubtful one.â 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 Ethelâs 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 Susanâs, 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. âBy George!â he ejaculated when she had finished, âthat old lady is a sport and no mistake. Sheâs all right. I imagined she was made of different stuff from other women, and do you know I sort of suspected that she hadnât 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, Iâve been out for a rich wife ever since I left school; but, Ethel, Iâve 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.â âDoes your mother realize how you feel?â asked Ethel, pushing her fair, curling locks from her eyes. âBless 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: âYou have one daughter who has done the grand marriage stunt and sheâs some class. Do let us choose for ourselves.â âWhat did your mother say to that?â laughed Ethel. âI think she boxed Nannieâs ears and then apologized. She loses her self-control sometimes. Poor mother,â and Harvey laughed. âNannie has some temper, too, and donât you make any mistake.â Ethel was beginning to have a real friendly feeling for Harvey. He asked many questions about her cousin Kate. âShe rings true,â he said. âI liked her from the first.â âShe _is_ true,â replied Ethel. âYouâll see her this summer, and Iâm sure youâll like Uncle John and his wife. Heâs just a dear.â 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 familyâwithout restriction and without embarrassment. âWhat puzzles me,â said Ethel, âis the way our mothers argue. When they plan our marriages itâs only money and position. Love never seems to enter into their heads. Oh! I grew so tired of it. Thank God itâs 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.â ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER IV ETHELâS SECOND TRIP The time arrived for the Hollisters to start. There were tears in Archibald Hollisterâs 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. âDonât you worry, papa,â said Ethel, patting his cheek. âWeâre going to keep well and have a lovely summer, and when you come up for your vacation youâll be like a boy again.â âYes, Archie,â spoke up Mrs. Hollister âBe sure that Mirinda gives you good things to eat and has them well cooked. Sheâll have little else to do, and you go out and call on the Bigelows and Judsons. Take in the moving pictures and roof gardens. Iâll trust you,â she laughed, âbut donât fail to write me three times a week, will you, telling me how things are going on. And donât let Mirindaâs young man come to the house but once a week and on Sundays.â âRemember everything,â laughed Ethel. Grandmother kissed her son and murmured: âGod bless you, Archie. I expect to take on a new lease of life.â âDo mother,â said the man, âwe all need you.â 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. Grandmotherâs 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: âWhat a remarkably distinguished looking man he is. You never told me of his being so.â 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. âAunt Susan, you look out of sight,â said Ethel, kissing her. âI never knew you.â 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 Susanâs 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. âEthel is responsible for this change,â said Tom, removing his hat and wiping his handsome brow. âLast 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 sheâs converted Aunt Susan into a fashionable woman. But how careless of me. Let me get you a cup of tea,â 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. âYou see,â he continued, âAunt 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 sheâs set in her way and refuses to stay if we allow another girl to enter the house. We are handicapped, you see, for we canât spare Jane, nor could we replace her.â Gradually he took Mrs. Hollister into his confidence and told her of his early life and of Aunt Susanâs misfortunes. âBut bless you,â he continued, âthe Lord is good to us. Sheâll 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 wonât 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.â Then he proceeded to extol Ethel. âMrs. Hollister,â he said, âsheâs a girl of wonderful character and sheâll make a magnificent woman. I notice sheâs improved since she was here.â âYes, itâs her college,â replied her mother, âand 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.â âNever mind, madam; itâs to you she owes her beauty. Why, you and she look exactly like sisters,â whereupon Mrs. Hollister capitulated to Tom Harper. She couldnât speak of him with enough enthusiasm and praise. She wrote pages to Archibald. âMy dear, everyone says heâll yet be Governor, and while I wouldnât have you breathe it for the world Iâm sure heâs in love with Ethel. What a couple theyâd make. Of course she has no suspicion of such a thing, nor would I hint it to her; but you wait and see.â Mr. Hollister smiled as he read his wifeâs letter, and his heart was glad. He had known Tom Harperâs father and had respected him highly. âWell,â he thought, âthis time Bella is on the right tack. Iâll not interfere,â and he softly whistled âCominâ Throâ the Rye.â ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER V CAMP AGAIN âAunt Susan, youâve grown so young,â said Ethel, âand as for Tom, well heâs the glass of fashion and mould of form. He looks fine. Oh! Iâm so glad to be back and to have Mother and Grandmother with me; and Father will be here soon. It seems like a dreamâtoo good to be true. Hasnât Mother grown lovely?â âNever saw anything like the change,â replied the old lady. âIn fact, youâve worked wonders in us all, my dear,â she said. âLook at me. Why! I feel like an up-to-date
{'title': "Campfire Girls' Outing; Or, Ethel Hollister's Second Summer in Camp by Francis", 'source': 'Project Gutenberg', 'lang': 'en'}