ditable thing
any girl can join. It's a wonderful institution. What objection can you
have?" and she looked at her niece tentatively.

Mrs. Hollister reviewed the situation as she stood there. It would not
do for her to air her objections to Aunt Susan. She was just a little
afraid of that lady and wished her to have a good opinion of her, so she
continued reluctantly: "Well, you see, Aunt Susan, it is such a
strenuous life, and Ethel is not over robust. I'm almost afraid it might
do her more harm than good."

"Nonsense, Bella," replied Aunt Susan, "that's the most shallow
objection you could advance. I should deem it a personal favor if you'll
give your consent."

Now Mrs. Hollister dared not withhold her consent, and yet she was
angry. That Ethel was at last to be entrapped into belonging to that
detestable Organization was what she had never dreamed could take place.
She was caught and trapped; there was no help. Even though she gave her
consent, after Ethel came home in the fall she could talk her out of it.
So she said with a of show amiability: "Since you desire it, Aunt Susan,
I'll consent, but I don't approve of it at all, I must admit."

"Thank you," replied Aunt Susan. "I think you'll feel differently when
you see Ethel upon her return home this fall. All of the girls in Akron
are joining. They're crazy over it."

Mrs. Hollister replied that she was open to conviction and should be
glad if Ethel derived any benefit from it.

"But what shall I buy for her to wear?" she asked.

"I will attend to her outfit," replied Aunt Susan. "It is not
expensive."

CHAPTER IX

ETHEL AND AUNT SUSAN START

Ethel was overjoyed that permission had been obtained to allow her to
become a Camp Fire Girl.

"Isn't Aunt Susan clever to have been able to have gotten Mother to
change her mind?"

Grandmother smiled but said nothing, but when alone Mrs. Hollister said:
"Ethel, remember that you are in line for Aunt Susan's money.
Grandmother says she admires you and thinks that you have shown her
great courtesy--says you've been kindness itself to her--so it has paid,
hasn't it, dear? Now your visit will do the business, and you'll
probably come in for the lion's share. Of course, you are only sixteen,
but who knows what may happen? When you finish school you may become the
Duchess of Everton's sister-in-law--think of it--and I alone shall be
responsible."

"Oh, Mamma," replied Ethel, growing red, "you know I am o