circumstances, Dotty. Whatever Mr. Forbes and Mrs. Berry say for you
to do, will be all right. Make as little trouble as you can, and do as
you're told. You'll have fun enough, just being with the girls."

"Indeed I will! Oh, I'm so glad Dolly can go. I wouldn't have stirred
a step without her!"

"No, I know you wouldn't," agreed her mother.

Next day at school recess, Bernice showed the girls a letter she had
received from Alicia.

"You know I haven't seen her in years," Bernice said; "I think she
must be more grown up than we are, though she's only just sixteen."

"Dearest Bernice:" the letter ran.

"Isn't it simply screaming that we're to camp out at Uncle Jeff's! I'm
wildly excited over it! Do you know why he has asked us? I'm not sure,
myself, but I know there's a reason, and it's a secret. I heard aunt
and father talking about it when I was home at Christmas time, but
when I drifted into the room, they shut up like clams. However, we'll
have one gay old time! Think of being in New York a whole week! I
don't want to take any of the girls from here, for fear they'd bring
back tales. Don't you bring anybody you can't trust. Oh, I've laid
lots of plans, but I won't tell you about them till I see you. Bring
all your best clothes, and ask your father for quite a lot of money,
though I suppose Uncle Jeff will give us some. I can scarcely wait for
the time to come!