The four young women talked on until a long, clear trill announced the return of the other half of the exploring party. "Where, oh, where, are the mastodon's bones?" called out Sara Emerson jeeringly, as soon as Emma Dean came within hailing distance and empty-handed. "Buried out of sight and as hard as stones," came Emma's rhymed rejoinder. "How do you know how hard they are if they're buried out of sight!" scoffed Sara as Emma came up beside her. "Mere supposition, my child, mere supposition." The strollers had now reached the impromptu camp and were smiling over the exchange of words on the part of Emma and Sara. "It was a delightful walk," declared Grace. "I'd like to spend two or three days in these woods." "Stay over another week and do it," tempted Elfreda. "I can't." Grace shook her head regretfully. "I must spend one week at home before I leave for Overton, and I simply must be at Overton, and in Harlowe House, at least a week before it opens. There are so many things to be done. Thank goodness, I'll have Emma to help me this year. Last fall I felt as lonely as a shipwrecked mariner when I landed on the station platform at Overton. Then I heard Emma Dean's voice behind me. I truly believe that was the pleasantest surprise of my life." "There, twins! Now you hear what others think of me," exclaimed Emma in triumph. "Perhaps, hereafter, you'll be more appreciative of my many lovely qualities." "We never said you were the worst person in the world," conceded Julia. "Neither did you ever refer to me as the 'pleasantest surprise' of your life," reminded Emma. "You're a constant surprise, Emma, and always a funny one," was Sara's magnanimous tribute. "Twins, you are forgiven. You may sit beside me, if you're good, while we eat luncheon. I can be magnanimous, too." The big luncheon hampers were brought out by Elfreda and Miriam. A tablecloth was laid on the grass, and the luncheon was spread forth in all its glory. There were several kinds of toothsome sandwiches, salads, olives and pickles, fruit and plenty of sweets for dessert. There was coffee in two large thermos bottles, and there was also imported ginger ale. The hungry girls lost no time in seating themselves about this al fresco luncheon, making the quiet hollow ring with the merry talk and laughter of their last delightful frolic together. CHAPTER III PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE After the picnickers had finished luncheon they still sat about the remains of the feast, talking busily of what they hoped to accomplish during the coming year. Elfreda was full of plans as to what she intended to do when she had finished her course in the law school and passed the bar. "When I'm a full-fledged lawyer----" she began.