“This is a good time, Mother,” said Dr. Lancaster, “to tell Hilary about Aunt Hilary’s letter. It would seem that she is right about Hilary’s busy life.” The effect of the news upon the children was varied. All exclaimed and looked at Hilary, who hardly knew at first whether to be glad or sorry, provided the plan was adopted. She caught her breath in astonishment. “How lovely of Aunt Hilary!—but how can I give up my class and all the girls?” Then, thinking of the reported charms of boarding school life she added, “It would be fun, I suppose. May I go to any school I want?” “Yes,” replied her father, “unless you choose some ultra-fashionable place. We want a real preparation for college. As your aunt suggests, we can send for catalogues and decide together.” “Father talks as if he’s going to let you do it,” said Gordon. “But,” said June, who was trying hard not feel left out and to be generously glad for Hilary, “what can we ever do without Hilary?” “Your very question, little daughter, goes a long way to prove that it might be just as well for Hilary to have a little less pressure outside while she is working so hard at her lessons. I do want her to excel there,—as she does.” “But I _like_ everything!” cried Hilary. “Do you suppose I can ever _stand_ it to leave you all?” “You have been planning to stand it when you go to college,” remarked Mrs. Lancaster, who was wondering privately how she could bring herself to spare her oldest. “But I’d be older then.” “Think what fun it will be, Hilary,” continued her mother, “to buy your clothes and get everything ready this summer.” “O, can I choose my clothes, Mother?—think of it,—little old Hilary! It is too wonderful! I wonder what Annette and the rest of the girls will say.” “Hilary said ‘can’ for ‘may,’” corrected June, putting a spoonful of powdered sugar on a few remaining strawberries in her dish. “I’m not sure, but I meant ‘can,’ anyway, Junie. You will have to help me plan with Mother and Auntie.” Such happy weeks for Hilary that summer. Aunt Hilary announced that none of them would kill themselves sewing; so while they made some pretty things, others were purchased ready-made, or the material handed over to a dressmaker. “Suit, raincoat, winter coat, gloves,”—the list was made out a dozen times before they actually started in to buy. And how they rejoiced in the summer bargains for the simple summer dresses or pretty accessories. Aunt Hilary had invited Hilary, June and the boys to come and stay through August at her summer cottage, while Dr. Lancaster, with Mrs. Lancaster and little Mary, took his usual vacation in a more quiet spot. Mrs. Garland took pains to show June, Gordon and Tommy that she was interested in them as well as in her namesake. Parties, picnics, boating and swimming where the little inland lake stretched placid waters, with different performances of the enterprising Tommy, made the days fly.