"Never mind about that," she said. "Did Mrs. Irving say she would go?"

"She said she was very sure she could manage it," Betty answered. "She
seemed awfully surprised and said it would be great fun to be with us
girls again."

"It will be great fun for all of us," said Amy happily. "I'll never
forget the wonderful time we had on Pine Island with Mrs. Irving and
the boys."

"Yes-- and the boys," Betty repeated a little wistfully. She was
thinking of Allen Washburn and the wonderful time they had had that
never-to-be-forgotten summer-- before the war had come to separate
them and make their hearts ache. Oh, it would be unbelievably happy to
have the boys back again-- Will, Roy, Frank and-- her Allen. The old
crowd together once more. She looked around at the girls, who had also
fallen into a thoughtful mood, and suddenly she smiled, the old
bright, happy smile that was peculiarly Betty's own.

"Oh, cheer up, everybody," she cried gayly. "How do we know but what
the boys will be home in time to join us at Wild Rose Lodge? Then
think of the fun!"

"Oh, Betty, if we could only believe that!" they cried.

"Well," said the Little Captain stoutly, "you never can tell. Stranger
things have happened, you know."

"But nothing so joyful," added Mollie.