down to the shore to select our summer cottage."

"And did you?" asked Mollie, with sparkling eyes.

"We did, and, oh, it's such a darling place!"

"Where?" came the question in a chorus.

"At Ocean View, the prettiest place on the New England coast, I think.
Of course it's small, and old fashioned, and all that, but----"

"Oh, how I wish _we_ were going to some place like that!" exclaimed
Mollie.

"So do I," chimed in Grace. "Father talks of Lake Champlain again, and I
detest it."

"How about you, Amy?" asked the Little Captain, turning to the quiet
girl.

"I haven't heard where we are going."

"Good!" cried Betty. "This is just what I expected. If you haven't any
plans, none will have to be--un-made. It makes it so much easier."

"Makes what easier?" demanded Mollie.

"My plan, my dear! Listen, I think it's just the loveliest idea. Mother
and I looked at two cottages. One was almost too small, and the other
was much too large, until I unfolded my plan to her. Then she saw that
it was just right."

"Just right for what?" asked Grace.

"Just right for all us girls to go there and spend the summer. Now don't
say a word until you have heard it _all_!" cautioned Betty, as she saw
signs of protest on Amy's face. "You must agree with me--at least for
once."

"As if she didn't always have her way!" remarked Mollie.

"We four--the Outdoor Girls--are going to Ocean View for the summer!"
went on Betty. "We'll have the loveliest, gayest times, for it's the
most beautiful beach! And the cottage is a perfect dear--it's just
charming. Mother has agreed, so it's all settled. All that remains is to
tell your people, and we'll do that right away. Come on!" and leading
her friends forth from the candy-shop, Betty really seemed like some
little captain marshaling her pretty forces.

"The seashore!" repeated Amy. "Oh, I'm sure I should love it!"

"Of course you would, dear!" exclaimed Betty. "And that's where you--and
all of us--are going!"

"Oh, but you are so _sure_!" exclaimed Mollie, in accented tones.

"Oh, but you are so--Frenchy!" half-mocked Betty, with a laugh.

"There! It is all settled! We will spend the Summer at Ocean View! And
now come down to my house and we'll talk about it!"

And, filled with delightful anticipations, the four girls strolled down
the sun-lit street.

CHAPTER II

INTERRUPTIONS

"Come in, girls! Grace, put your chocolates--what are left of them--over
on the mantel. No