But when the week had finally passed, and Lily Andrews arrived for the promised visit, she knew she was thankful for the companionship. The girls greeted each other as effusively as if it had been a month, instead of a week, that had separated them. “But I’m afraid it will be pretty slow for you, till the week end, at least,” said Marjorie, apologetically, as she started the motor. “There isn’t a thing doing--the town’s practically dead.” “Why, isn’t there tennis--and driving--and canoeing, an--?” asked Lily. “Oh, certainly!” interrupted Marjorie. “But I mean no dances or parties, or even young men to call!” “I don’t believe that will worry me much,” laughed the other. “But say, Marj, couldn’t we go horseback riding--just to practice up a little, you know?” “Yes, we can hire horses, of course. That’s a dandy idea!” Marjorie said nothing more about the week-end until they were comfortably established on the porch after Lily’s things had been disposed of. Then she mentioned it again. “You don’t seem a bit excited about the week-end,” she remarked. “We’re going away!” “Why, of course I’m thrilled!” Lily hastened to assure her. “Where are we going?” “To Atlantic City--the hotel where Jack is clerking. And mother has invited Mrs. Hadley and John.” “That’s great!” cried Lily, rapturously. She had loved the seashore from childhood. Then, at the mention of John Hadley, she asked whether Marjorie had told him of her plans for the summer. “No, I haven’t,” replied her companion. “I tried to when I wrote to thank him for the roses. But somehow I didn’t know how to tell him, because you know we had partly arranged to go to the same place this summer. It seems sort of like going back on my promise!” “Well, you couldn’t help that,” returned Lily, consolingly. “But I’m sure he won’t be angry.” “No, maybe not angry, but hurt, perhaps. Still--scouts have to come first, don’t they, Lil?” “You bet they do! Particularly as this is probably the last thing you and I shall ever do as members of Pansy troop!” “And that reminds me,” said Marjorie, “I wanted to ask you whether you thought we couldn’t keep our organization, and have regular scout meetings at the ranch. And we could wear our uniforms once in a while, just for old time’s sake, you know.” “Indeed I do approve of that idea!” cried Lily, with spirit. “Let’s keep our senior patrol as long as we possibly can.” “I sort of hesitated to suggest it,” continued Marjorie, “because I am senior patrol leader, and I was afraid it might look as if I were trying to keep all the power I could get.” As Lily listened to these words, a new thought came into her mind. She seized upon it immediately; it was a veritable inspiration. “Marj! I have it! You’re eighteen now--let’s get you commissioned as lieutenant!”