After the last kisses had been given, and Philly, who had climbed on the horse-block, was clamoring for “one more,—­just one more,” Dr. Carr, looking at the sober faces, was struck by a bright idea, and, calling Alexander, told him to hurry old Whitey into the carryall, and drive the children down to Willett’s Point, that they might wave there handkerchiefs to the boat as she went by.  This suggestion worked like a charm on the spirits of the party.  Phil began to caper, and Elsie and John ran in to get their hats.  Half an hour later, when the boat rounded the point, there stood the little crew, radiant with smiles, fluttering the handkerchiefs and kissing their hands as cheerfully as possible.  It was a pleasant last look to the two who stood beside papa on the deck; and, as they waved back their greetings to the little ones, and then looked forward across the blue water to the unknown places they were going to see, Katy and Clover felt that the new life opened well, and promised to be very interesting indeed.

CHAPTER III.  ON THE WAY.

The journey from Burnet to Hillsover was a very long one.  It took the greater part of three days, and as Dr. Carr was in a hurry to get back to his patients, they travelled without stopping; spending the first night on the boat, and the second on a railroad train.  Papa found this tiresome; but the girls, to whom every thing was new, thought it delightful.  They enjoyed their state-room, with its narrow shelves of beds, as much as if it had been a baby house, and they two children playing in it.  To tuck themselves away for the night in a car-section seemed the greatest fun in the world.  When older people fretted, they laughed.  Every thing was interesting, from the telegraph poles by the wayside to the faces of their fellow-passengers.  It amused them to watch people, and make up stories about them,—­where they were going, and what relation they could be to each other.  The strange people, in their turn, cast curious glances toward the bright, happy-faced sisters; but Katy and Clover did not mind that, or, in fact, notice it.  They were too much absorbed to think of themselves, or the impression they were making on others.

It was early on the third morning that the train, puffing and shrieking, ran into the Springfield depot.  Other trains stood waiting; and there was such a chorus of snorts and whistles, and such clouds of smoke, that Katy was half frightened.  Papa, who was half asleep, jumped up, and told the girls to collect their bags and books; for they were to breakfast here, and to meet Lilly Page, who was going on to Hillsover with them.

“Do you suppose she is here already?” asked Katy, tucking the railway guide into the shawl-strap, and closing her bag with a snap.

“Yes:  we shall meet her at the Massasoit.  She and her father were to pass the night there.”