When they had finally finished their ice-cream, served in such beautiful pansy-forms that they hated to eat them, and the candies and nuts were being passed, Mr. Wilkinson called upon Mrs. Remington for her announcement. Eight eager pairs of eyes turned hopefully towards their captain, for somehow all the girls felt that in some way their own fate was connected with the surprise Mr. Wilkinson had planned for his daughter. “Well, girls,” she began, as she looked from one to another of the expectant faces about the table, “Mr. Wilkinson asked me what he thought Marjorie would like to do best this summer, and I replied, without the least hesitation: something with the Girl Scouts--and particularly with the members of the senior patrol. Was I right, Marjorie?” she asked, turning to the girl. “Yes, yes,” cried Marjorie. “Go on, please!” “So you see that naturally necessitated my working out a plan and consulting the other girls’ parents. I thought of a great many places to go, but I wanted something entirely different, and yet, at the same time, some out-door vacation. So finally I hit upon a plan which I hope will suit you all. At least, it suits your parents; I have their consent for every girl here--including Ethel.” “And it is--” cried two or three scouts at once. “Something to do with horseback-riding!” ventured Lily, thinking of her own and Marjorie’s latest graduating presents. “Yes. You are all to spend July and August on a ranch in Wyoming!” said Mrs. Remington. “July _and_ August?” repeated Marjorie, jumping out of her seat, and rushing toward her father’s chair. “Two whole months?” “It isn’t too long, is it?” he asked. “It’s heaven!” she cried, throwing her arms about his neck. The candles were burning low now, so Mrs. Wilkinson suggested that the party adjourn to the porch to enjoy the moonlight, while they discussed the proposition to their hearts’ content. The girls asked innumerable questions, many of which, however, Mrs. Remington could only partially answer. “I’m sorry, girls, that I shall not be able to go with you,” she said, “but I couldn’t possibly leave home that long. But you will get along all right. The ranch is almost like a private place, and Mrs. Hilton, the proprietor’s wife, will act as chaperone. And you only need one in name.” “And when do we start?” asked Lily. “The very first day of July,” replied the captain. The girls fell to discussing what clothing they should take, and Mrs. Remington told them, to their surprise, that they would live almost entirely in riding breeches. Warm, sensible clothing, and undergarments that could be easily laundered, were necessities; and perhaps a silk dress to wear on the trains. But they would find no use for fancy summer costumes, she said. “Suppose all our Commencement dresses are out of style when we get home!” wailed Lily. “Won’t it be a shame!” “Well, you can still go to Newport, if you prefer!” teased Mr. Wilkinson; but Lily was horrified at the thought.