High school graduation was on Thursday. On Friday a special through train was put on by the railroad from Milton to Pleasant Cove. It was scheduled to leave the former station at ten oclock.
Luckily Mrs. MacCall had insisted upon having all the trunks and bags packed the day before, for on this Friday morning the Corner House girls had little time for anything but saying good-bye to their many friends, both human and dumb.
Whatever will Tom Jonah think? cried Tess, hugging the big dog that had taken up his abode at the Corner House so strangely. Hell think we have run away from him, poor fellow!
Oh! dont you think that, Tom Jonah! begged Dot, seizing the dog on the other side. We all love you so! And well come back to you.
Youll give him just the best care ever, wont you, Uncle Rufus? cried Agnes.
Sho will! agreed the old colored man.
Cant we take him with us, Ruthie? asked Dot.
Ruth would have been tempted to do just this had she been sure that they would hire a tent
in the colony as soon as they reached Pleasant Cove. Tom Jonah was just the sort of a protector the Corner House girl would have chosen under those circumstances.
But Ruth was puzzled. She had not seen Pearl Harrod, and was not sure whether Pearl had completely filled her uncles bungalow with guests or not. Of one thing Ruth was sure: if they went to the Overlook House (Mr. Terrence Severns hotel), they would pay their board and refuse to be Trixs guests.
When the carriage came for them, Tom Jonah stood at the gate and watched them get in and drive away with a rather depressed air. Dot and Tess waved their handkerchiefs from the carriage window at him as long as they could see the big dog.
There was much confusion at the station. Many people whom the girls knew were on the platform, or in the cars already. Trix Severn was very much in evidence. The Kenway sisters saw the other girls who were going to accept Miss Severns hospitality in a group at one side, but they hesitated to join this party.
Trix passed the Kenways twice and did not even look at them. Of course, she knew the sisters were there, but Ruth believed that the mean-spirited girl merely wished them to speak to her so that she could snub them publicly.
Well, Ruthie Kenway! exclaimed a voice suddenly behind the Corner House girls.
It was Pearl Harrod. Pearl was a bright-faced, big girl, jovial and kind-hearted. Ive just been looking for you everywhere, pursued Pearl. Here it is the last minute, and you havent told me whether you and the other girls are going to my uncles house or not.
Why if you are sure you want us? queried Ruth, with a little break in her voice.
I should say yes! exclaimed Pearl. But I was afraid you had been asked by some one else.
Trix turned and looked the four sisters over scornfully. Then she tossed her head. Waiting like beggars for an invitation from some body, she said, loudly enough for all the girls nearby to hear. Youd think, if those Corner House girls are as rich as they tell about, that theyd pay their way.
CHAPTER VI ON THE TRAIN
She had seen Ruth flush hotly and the tears spring to Agnes eyes when Trix Severn had spoken so ill-naturedly. The younger Corner House girls did not hear, but Ruth and Agnes were hurt to the quick.
You are very, very kind, Pearl, said Ruth. But we had thought of going to the tent colony
Didnt Trix Severn ask you to her place? demanded Pearl, hotly. I know she did. And now she insults you. If she hadnt asked you first, and seemed so thick with your sister, Ruth, I would have insisted long ago that you all come to uncles bungalow. Theres plenty of room, for my aunt and the girls wont be down for a fortnight.
But, Pearl
Ill be mad if you dont agree now I know that Trix has released you, Ruth Kenway, cried the good-hearted girl. Now, dont lets say another word about it.
Oh, dont be angry! begged Ruth. But wont it look as though we were begging our way as Trix says?
Pooh! who cares for Trix Severn?
You you are very kind, said Ruth, yielding at length.
Then you come on. Hey, girls! she shouted, running after her own particular friends who were climbing aboard the rear car. Ive gotten them to promise. The Corner House girls are going with us for two weeks, anyway.
At once the other girls addressed cheered and gathered the four Kenways into their group, with great rejoicing. The sting of Trix Severns unkindness was forgotten.
Mr. Howbridge, their guardian, came to the station to see them off, and shook hands with Ruth through the window of the car. When the train actually moved away, Neale ONeil was there in the crowd, swinging his cap and wishing them heaps of fun. Neale expected to go to Pleasant Cove himself, later in the season.
This last car of the special train was a day coach; but the light-hearted girls did not mind the lack of conveniences and comforts to be obtained in the chair cars. The train was supposed to arrive at Pleasant Cove by three oclock, and a five hour ride on a hot June day was only fun for the Corner House girls and their friends.