“Mrs. Simmons is the best old nurse that ever was,” said Mary to Agony, as they took their way back to the woods an hour later.  “I’m so glad to have had this opportunity of paying her a visit.  I haven’t seen her for nearly ten years.  Wasn’t she funny, though, when I told her that father might have to go to Japan in the interests of his firm?  She thought there was nobody in Japan but heathens and missionaries.”

“Shall you go to Japan too, if your father goes?” asked Agony.

“I most likely shall,” replied Mary.  “I finished my school this June and do not intend to go to college for another year anyway; so I might as well have the trip and the experience of living in a foreign country.  Father would only have to remain there one year, or two at the most.”

“How soon are you going?” asked Agony, a little awed by Mary’s casual tone as she spoke of the great journey.  Evidently Mary had traveled much, for the prospect of going around the world did not seem to excite her in the least.

They were sitting in Mrs. Simmons’ little spring house when Mary told about the possibility of her going to Japan.  This spring house stood at some distance from the house; down at the point where the lane ran off from the main road.  It looked so utterly cool and inviting, with its vine covered walls, that with an exclamation of pleasure the two girls turned aside for one more drink before beginning the long walk through the woods.

Seated upon the edge of the basin which held the water, Mary talked of Japan, and Agony wheeled around upon the narrow ledge to gaze at her in wonder and envy.

“I wish I could go to Japan!” she exclaimed vehemently, giving a vigorous kick with her foot to express her longing.  The motion disturbed her balance and she careened over sidewise; Mary put out her hand to steady her, lost her balance, and went with a splash into the basin.  The water was not deep, but it was very, very wet, and Mary came out dripping.

For a moment the two girls stood helpless with laughter; then Mary said:  “I suppose I’ll have to go back and get some dry things from Mrs. Simmons, but I wish I didn’t; it will take us quite a while to go back, and it will delay us considerably.  I promised Mrs. Grayson I’d be back in camp before dark, and we won’t be able to make it if we go back to Mrs. Simmons’s.  I’ve a good mind to go on just as I am; it’s so hot I can’t possibly take cold.”

“I tell you what we can do,” said Agony, getting a sudden inspiration.  “We can divide these bloomers of mine in half.  They’re made on a foundation of thinner material that will do very well for me to wear home, and you can wear the green part.  With your sweater on over them nobody will ever know whether you have on a middy or not.  We can carry you wet suit on a pole through the woods and it’ll be dry by the time we get home, and you won’t have to lose any time by going back to Mrs. Simmons’s.”