Ethel kissed her mother affectionately, and the two old ladies coughed
and knitted vigorously.

"We are all liable to make mistakes, Bella," said Aunt Susan. "Yours has
been in loving your child too dearly."




CHAPTER VI

UNCLE JOHN'S


They arrived in Columbus where Uncle John greeted them affectionately and
insisted upon kissing his sister-in-law. Mrs. Hollister was persuaded not
to go to camp until after a few days, when the girls should be settled.
Then Uncle John was to take her up. So Ethel, Kate, and the girls, with
one new member, went alone.

Save that Nora Casey wore mourning and seemed quiet, everything was the
same as the summer before. Patty Sands was wild with delight upon seeing
Ethel. Edna Whitely was the same happy-go-lucky Edna as of old. Mollie
Long and Edith Overman had grown very tall, while Sallie Davis had become
a perfect roly poly. She had gained twenty pounds and was constantly
dieting and taking long walks.

Mattie Hastings cried when she beheld Ethel. Mattie had grown quiet and
dignified, while in her face she showed more character.