VI. THROUGH SHROUDING MISTS 183
XXVII. HOME 186

[Transcriber's Note: Table of Contents was not present in the original
publication.]

CHAPTER I

"GREETINGS, FELLOW-TRAVELERS"

The great news was out! Two girls regarded their companion in
open-mouthed astonishment.

"Europe!" cried Jessie. "Lucy, will you please say that all over again
and say it slowly," she begged leaning forward tensely.

Lucile's eyes danced as she repeated slowly and with great emphasis, "I
said just this--Dad is going to Europe and he intends to take me with
him."

The girls were incredulous.

"But, wh-when are you going?" stammered Evelyn, dazedly.

"In three weeks at the outside, maybe sooner," Lucile answered, then
added, with feigned reproach, "you don't, either of you, seem a bit
glad."

"Oh, we are, we are," they protested, and Evelyn added, "It just took our
breath away, that's all."

"Lucile, it's the finest thing that ever happened to you," said Jessie,
impulsively throwing her arms about her friend.

The latter returned the embrace with equal fervor, but her eyes were
retrospective as she answered, "Oh, it's wonderful, of course, and I
haven't even begun to get used to it yet, but I don't think it's any
greater than----"

"Oh, I know what you mean," Evelyn broke in. "You mean Mayaro River and
Aloea and ranks and things like that----"

"Exactly," laughed Lucile, her face flushing with the memory, "and honors
and guardians and races and----"

"Oh, stop her, someone, quick," begged Jessie gayly. "If you don't she'll
keep it up all day," then more gravely, "It was wonderful and none of us
will ever forget it--but, Lucy, do, oh, do tell us more about Europe
before I die of curiosity!"

"Oh, yes, please go on," urged Evelyn; "we want to hear all about how it
happened, and just when you're going to start and how long you expect to
stay and----"

"Slow up a little," begged Lucile, in dismay. "I'll tell you everything
in time, but I must have time!"

"Come out, time, you're wanted," cried Evelyn, pushing aside the bushes
as though in search of the runaway.

"I suppose you think you're funny," sniffed Jessie, disdainfully. "But I
feel obliged to tell you as a friend----"

"Cease!" commanded Lucile, sternly. "If you don't stop at once and listen
respectfully and attentively to what I have to say, I'll----"

"Well, what will you do," Evelyn challenged, with an her