“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.”