It was a busy time at the school; a general breaking up for spring vacation. In the halls girls scurried in every direction and hasty good-bys were said; trunks were carried out noisily by careless expressmen to the vans that stood waiting outside. "Terribly exciting, isn't it?" Sue said, passing Blue Bonnet in the hall shortly after breakfast. "I'm so glad Annabel and I are staying over until Monday. Has your uncle arrived yet?" "I'm just watching for him. He should be here in about ten minutes. I'm keeping my eye on the front door--oh, Sue, there's a ring now; perhaps it's he! It is! It is!" And the next moment Blue Bonnet was folded in her uncle's arms. "Uncle Cliff! dear Uncle Cliff!" she cried, rapturously, while she led him toward the reception-room, holding to his arm tightly as if by some chance he might escape. "How ever did you get up here so soon? It's only a quarter to nine, now." "Taxi, Honey. And the train was on time, fortunately. Come over to the light and let me have a look at you. Why, child, how you have grown! And what's this--long dresses! Honey, Honey, where's Uncle Cliff's little girl?" There was a note in the man's voice that struck deep at the girl's heart. "Here she is," she cried, snuggling into the warm embrace again. "She'll never be anything but a little girl to you--never! That's proper length--just a speck below my shoe-tops. Will you sit here a minute while I find Carita? Poor Carita has been a little homesick the last few days. It's seeing the girls start for home, I reckon." She was away in a trice, bringing back Carita, who welcomed Uncle Cliff with almost as much enthusiasm as Blue Bonnet had. "Now the plans, Honey. What are they?" Mr. Ashe said, looking at his watch. "Have you had breakfast?" "Uncle Cliff! An hour ago." "Well, I haven't. Suppose you get your things together--both of you--and come over to the hotel with me right away. The taxi is waiting." It didn't take the girls long to get their suitcases and run back to Mr. Ashe. "All ready?" he inquired. "Just as soon as we say good-by to Miss North." At the hotel Blue Bonnet and Carita found themselves in the daintiest suite of rooms imaginable. "I will come for you in twenty minutes," Mr. Ashe said. "Then we will go down to breakfast. I have a suspicion that you could eat another bite if you tried, while we talk over the plans. Suppose you have them all settled, Honey?" "Yes, I have, Uncle Cliff. It's going to be very strenuous, too, I'm afraid. I hope you aren't awfully, _awfully_ tired." At which Uncle Cliff smiled one of his tender, adoring smiles, and patted Blue Bonnet's shoulder affectionately. "I think I shall be equal to the demand," he said, and was off. In the dining-room a cosy table was found for three. Many a head turned in passing to gaze at the little party, who, oblivious to time or surroundings, chatted merrily.