Part 22 (1/2)
”Oh, I guess we will,” a.s.sented Cora. ”That is, if you get my car up. I didn't think, when I ran it down, that the sand was so deep.”
”We'll look after it--don't worry, Sis,” said Jack.
While the girls and the two ladies went on to the larger bungalow, the boys managed, not without some work, to get Cora's auto up to the road again. Then it was run along, with the others, to the big bungalow, where there was a shed that would serve as shelter for the machines.
The boys carried in the girls' trunks and suit cases, and transported their own to their quarters. Then began a general ”primping” time, as the supper hour approached.
”Oh, girls, isn't this just delightful?” exclaimed Cora, as she and the others entered what was to be their home for the summer.
”That window seat is a dear!” declared Belle, as she proceeded to ”drape”
herself in it.
”And see the porch hammocks,” called Bess, ”slumping” into one.
”What a fine view of the bay we can get from here,” added Eline, as she stood in the bow window, a most graceful figure. Cora, in spite of her damp shoes, had made a hurried trip through the bungalow to arrange, tentatively at least, as hostess, the different sleeping apartments.
”Oh, it's just the dearest place!” exclaimed Eline. ”I know we will simply love it here.”
”Now just put off your things, get comfortable, wash and comb if you like, and then the boys will be over to supper,” said Mrs. Chester, when the girls had made a tour of the place.
”Gracious! Here they come now!” cried Belle, as she saw Jack and his friends tramping over the s.p.a.ce that separated the two bungalows.
The girls fled precipitately, for they had begun to lay aside their collars and loosen their hair. Then the two ladies took charge of matters, in the kitchen at least. The boys were bidden to remain out on the piazzas until invited in, and they sprawled in various att.i.tudes in chairs or hammocks.
Then the girls came down; there was noticed throughout the bungalow various savory odors, at which the boys grinned in delight. There was the clatter of plates, and the jingle of silver--more expansive smiles.
There were looks of pleased antic.i.p.ation. Then came the clanging of a bell.
”Supper!” announced Mrs. Chester, appearing in the door wearing a huge ap.r.o.n.
”That's us!” cried Jack.
”Oh, I've just thought of it!” exclaimed Cora in a low voice to Eline, as she walked beside her to the dining room.
”Thought of what?”
”The name 'Margaret!'”
CHAPTER XV
LAUNCHING THE ”PET”
”Pa.s.s the olives again, please!”
”Aren't the lobsters delicious?”
”Are you referring to us?” Ed bristled up, and looked rather aggressively at Belle.