d cleanse for me
My Soul's desire.
In flame of sunrise bathe my soul
O Master of the Hidden Fire.
That when I wake clear-eyed may be
My Soul's desire."
This is by Fiona Macleod.
They stood around talking to Miss Kate for a little while, who walking
over to Mattie kissed her tenderly, after which each girl followed her
example before retiring, and poor Mattie was all broken up over it.
CHAPTER VII
MRS. HOLLISTER'S VISIT TO CAMP
When the morning dawned on the day Mrs. Hollister was expected, great
were the preparations made for that lady.
"Listen to me, girls; she's the cleverest woman you ever met," said
Cousin Kate. "She has not been exactly in favor of our organization,
so I wish each of you girls to do your best, and Mrs. Hollister can
teach you so many useful things."
"Yes, indeed," said Ethel. "Cousin Kate is right. There's very little
that Mother can not do."
Old Mr. Adams came up with a load of delicacies which had been ordered by
the thoughtful Uncle John.
He paid no attention to the girls but as on previous occasions he gave
his entire attention to his horses. He wiped off their foaming sweat with
his hands. Last year it had been his handkerchief varied with bundles of
grass and leaves. After cleaning them to his satisfaction he calmly
walked to the clear brook and washed his hands thoroughly.
"Isn't that awful?" whispered Patty to Miss Kate. "I shall never feel
like drinking water from that brook again."
"Why my dear," laughed Kate, "that water changes every minute. It's gone
now and in its place there's fresh--don't worry."
"Here they are!" called Nora, and there came to view Uncle John and a
lady whom from Ethel's resemblance to her they at once knew and fell
deeply in love with, especially Mattie.
And everything pleased Mrs. Hollister,--the girls, their costumes, their
tents, and the delicious dinner cooked over an open fire interested her
greatly. She even held one of the forked branches on which reposed the
chicken and broiled it as well as a chef, but she thought the green corn
was the most delicious thing that she'd ever tasted. After dinner she
said:
"Now girls, see if I have it correct: 'After tying a string to the end
of each ear, soak the corn in water for an hour. Then lay it on the hot
coals, turning frequently. Draw it out by the string and eat with salt
and melted butter.' Well, it's simply great. I wish I were young again.
I think I'd like t
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