" Amy was saying doubtfully. "I
don't see why we couldn't have waited until to-morrow."

"It does seem a shame to leave this wonderful place," sighed Grace
looking about her. "It seems to me it is more beautiful now than it ever
was. September is the best time in the year, anyway."

"Why can't we stay over anyway--to-morrow is Saturday. I think we might
as well finish out the week," cried Grace, seized with a bright idea.
"Maybe Mrs. Irving will consent, since it is bound to be late when we do
get home." She popped a chocolate in her mouth as she finished.

Betty regarded her chum pityingly.

"That _is_ clever," she said. "Especially since the boys have taken
down their tents, and we have everything packed up."

Grace looked rather crestfallen.

"Well, I suppose we couldn't," she admitted. "Just the same I would be
glad of any excuse that would keep us on the island a few days longer.
Oh, dear----" and she gazed about her longingly.

"Haven't we had a good time?" asked Betty, as she settled herself on the
steps. "This last week has been great, too--even though we were so
anxious to hear about Mollie's silver."

"Oh, and do you know what Anita said the other day?" Amy broke in
suddenly. "She said she had some distant relatives in Deepdale, and that
if she could fish around and get an invitation, she might see us there."

"Oh, wouldn't that be great!" said Mollie, with genuine enthusiasm.

"Yes, she's a fine girl," Betty echoed. "I only wish she lived in
Deepdale, so we might invite her to join our happy little party."

"Yes, and the boys like her brother, too," said Grace. "Will says he is
a fine fellow; and Will never says a thing like that unless he means
it."

"Do my eyes deceive me?" cried Betty, springing up and pointing toward
the mainland, "or is that the good old Pine Island dreadnaught steaming
majestically from the harbor? Tell me some one--am I right?"

"You are!" cried Grace, dramatically. "That noble ship could be no
other."

"Oh, do stop your nonsense," cried Mollie impatiently. "Are you sure
that's the ferry?"

"Since it is the only apology for a boat that ever comes this way,"
Grace remarked lazily, "I guess it must be."

"Oh, Grace, don't tease," warned the Little Captain, in an aside. "Can't
you see how worked up Mollie is? No wonder she is excited--the news may
mean a lot to her."

Grace glanced at her chum and saw that Betty had spoken the truth.
Mollie's hands were clenched tight