"That--I"ll work better if--that--oh, I"m just glad you came back," and Nancy could not have said anything more, for her face was smothered against Barry"s shoulder.
After a little, Barry had to hear all about the rejected ma.n.u.script, the master"s letter and the redemption of the Hopworth"s. There in the sun-lit orchard a golden world seemed to stretch around them.
"How foolish we used to be," laughed Nancy, with a rapturous sigh. "I never doubted but that my first play was going to make my fortune."
"And I, after facing death in every one of its worst forms, ran away from a pack of fussy women," added Barry.
"Never mind, let"s bury those two children out here under the apple trees and begin real work----"
"Together."
"Finding the little things to do in our very own corner," added Nancy, dreamily.
Across the twilight stillness came the familiar whistle that had been the special signal among the three chums at college.
"It"s the girls," cried Nancy. "Let"s go back. I can"t bear to have them come here--just now. It"s--it"s----" she blushed, but met his eyes squarely. "I want this to be--just ours--for awhile."
As they walked slowly back to the house, Nancy stopped suddenly in the path.
"Doesn"t Happy House look beautiful?" she whispered. And in fact the fading glow of the sun was touching the old walls with a shadowy beauty.
"It seems to speak to one," added Nancy. She was thinking of that other Anne Leavitt who had come there bravely intent upon building a happy home in the heart of the wilderness. Though she said not a word, in her heart she was making a solemn pledge--that she and Barry, would add, through useful lives, their bit to the traditions of Happy House and the little Island, traditions rich with bravery, sacrifice and loyalty.
Again came the girls" whistle--insistent. Nancy slipped her hand into Barry"s.
"Let"s hurry."
Hand in hand they went along the path to the house--and to their future together. As they reached, the edge of Jonathan"s raspberry patch Nancy turned with shining eyes and whispered: "Pals."
And Barry, teasingly recalling Nonie"s pet plan, answered tenderly: "Dearest."
_There is the high, happy spirit of youth in these famous_
BOOKS FOR GIRLS
by JANE D. ABBOTT
BARBERRY GATE
A boy flyer opened the Barberry Gate, closed since the day great-grandfather Colfax locked it, and Winsome learned the romantic story behind it all.
LAUGHING LAST
Sidney finds adventure in Provincetown--she takes part in the capture of modern pirates, and much to her surprise plays an unexpected part in her sister"s romance.
APRILLY
The charming story of a young girl, child of the circus, and the adventures which led to her goal of happiness.
HIGHACRES
A school story of Jerry Travis and her chum Gyp Westley. A thread of romance and mystery in Jerry"s life runs through the tale.
KEINETH
How Keineth Randolph kept a secret--a war secret--for a whole year makes one of the best stories ever written for girls.
RED ROBIN
In attempting to bring happiness into the lives of mill workers, Robin Forsythe, heir to a fortune, has many strange adventures.
HEYDAY
Twenty-three! The heyday of life. Jay, a small town girl, finds happiness in New York.
LARKSPUR
Especially interesting to any Girl Scout because it is the story of a Girl Scout who is poor and has to help her mother.
HAPPY HOUSE
How an old family quarrel is healed through a misunderstanding and an old homestead becomes a "happy house" in reality.
GROSSET & DUNLAP _Publishers_ NEW YORK
THE NANCY DREW MYSTERY STORIES
By CAROLYN KEENE
Ill.u.s.trated. Every Volume Complete in Itself.
Here is a thrilling series of mystery stories for girls. Nancy Drew, ingenious, alert, is the daughter of a famous criminal lawyer and she herself is deeply interested in his mystery cases. Her interest involves her often in some very dangerous and exciting situations.