bear any more of it--even a little," suggested gentle Amy, feeling as if
she had just awakened from a blissful dream.

"Never mind," said Mollie, putting an arm about Betty's waist and giving
it a little squeeze. "Just think how lovely it will be to see the boys in
regular clothes again, and maybe," with a sly glance at Betty, "by the
time they come back they will have added one to their number."

"Goodness, I hope so!" said Betty, unashamed.

In spite of some regret at not having the boys, the girls managed to enjoy
themselves in the days that followed. They motored and swam and fished and
hiked, and got as becomingly sun-burned and tanned as young Indians. It
was not until two or three days before the boys returned that anything
untoward happened to disturb their peace of mind.

Then one night the moon came out with such dazzling brilliance that Betty
was seized with a strong desire to be out in it.

"Let's go for a moonlight swim," she suggested excitedly, as they all
stood on the porch of the lodge staring up through the trees to where the
moon shone glitteringly down. "We haven't done it since we came, and
surely our vacation wouldn't be complete without one."

"Or more," said Mollie, seconding the plan with enthusiasm. "Come on.
Let's tell Mrs. Irving where we are going. Maybe she will wish to go
along, but I doubt it."

Mollie was right: Mrs. Irving did not wish to go, and the girls rushed
upstairs to don bathing suits in preparation for the lark.