“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.