CHAPTER XXIII

CONCLUSION.

The dinner party that evening was the most pleasant occasion of both of the scouts’ visits at Miss Vaughn’s home; now all the disturbing elements, all the distasteful companions, were removed; the girls felt at last that they were among friends. The boys’ aunt seemed to forget her own nephews and their disgraceful deeds and entered whole-heartedly into the joy of the event. Jack’s and John’s heroism had restored the good name of Pansy Troop; once more the scouts, freed from suspicion of dishonor, had been able to establish the truth.

Aren’t you glad that you accepted Miss Vaughn’s invitation to stay? asked Marjorie of Mrs. Hart, when the little party of six were seated at the table.

Indeed I am! replied the older woman, admiringly, for Marjorie was radiant with her triumph. But you mustn’t forget that I believed in you girls all along!

And you would have believed in our boys, too, if you had known them! returned the girl, proudly.

Marj, interrupted Jack, anxious to turn the topic away from himself and John, and their part in the adventure, let’s try to wire the train the girls are on, and break the good news to them!

Great! exclaimed his sister, forgetting to eat in her excitement.

But wait and eat your dinner first, advised Miss Vaughn, smilingly.

And tell them to go to Lima, put in Lily.

And telegraph Mae, too! added Marjorie.

May we go with you, to join in the rejoicing? asked John, humbly. Our vacations aren’t over till Sunday a week.

I should say you may! cried both girls at once.

I wish I could go with you, mused Miss Vaughn, and have the satisfaction of seeing Daisy’s face when she learns that her innocence is proved!

Why not go? demanded Marjorie, rapturously. Oh, Miss Vaughn, it will be wonderful!

And you, too, Mrs. Hart! begged Lily. So that Miss Vaughn will have a companion on the way back!

Their hostess listened to the girl’s entreaties with a pleasant sensation of anticipation; after all, why should she not go? It would afford her a new interest in life at a time when she sadly needed one after the disgrace of her nephews’ conduct. Moreover, such a trip would show the young men that she meant what she said; that before she would take them back they must prove themselves sincere in a genuine reform.

I believe that I will go, she announced; at least, if Mrs. Hart will accompany me.

Yes, I’d like to, answered the other; as long as we’re going by train. Besides, you girls ought to have a chaperone, since Mrs. Remington has gone home.

Oh, we mustn’t forget to wire her—and Alice! cried Marjorie. Now our party will be complete.

While Jack went to the telegraph office to send off his messages to the others, Miss Vaughn made the arrangements with the railroad to secure a private car for the party on one of the best trains to the east. Mrs. Hart retired early, and Marjorie and Lily and John were left alone, to go over and over each detail of the perilous journey and the boys’ thrilling rescue.

Nor was their enjoyment limited to one evening; for, so congenial was the party and so luxurious the accommodations, that every minute of the trip seemed wonderful. John admitted at the end that it was the happiest occasion of his life, and Marjorie looked scarcely less pleased. Indeed, it seemed to more than one member of the party that their arrival at Lima came all too soon.

They found all of the original members already at Mae’s, and, while Mrs. Hart and Miss Vaughn were resting at their hotel, Marjorie and Lily, assisted by Jack and John, answered all the questions that were thrust at them in rapid succession.

The dinner was planned for seven o’clock; but Miss Vaughn and Mrs. Hart were late. When they finally came, the former blamed her delay upon an envelope of papers which she held in her hand.

Your checks, girls! she announced, smilingly. With my apologies for my former mistrust.

She began to hand them around to the scouts, evidently taking great delight in having them accepted so joyfully.

And if you will accept it, she said, turning to Mrs. Remington, I have one here for you!

Thank you! replied the captain, graciously. I shall be delighted.

The ceremony was apparently over; yet Miss Vaughn still held one check in her hand. The girls waited, expectantly; something else was undoubtedly to come.

I can’t make a speech, girls, she said, to tell you of my immense admiration for you, your captain, and your lieutenant—and your loyal friends; so I want to express it in another way. I have here, in the name of Pansy Troop, a check for the Girl Scout organization. Will Mrs. Remington please take charge of it?

Trembling, the captain crossed the room and held out her hand. No one voiced the question; yet it seemed as if the air were filled with inquiry regarding the amount, so dear to the heart of every scout was the organization itself. For one second she hesitated; but a glance at Miss Vaughn assured her of her approval.

TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS TO THE CAMP FUND, she read; as a tribute to the bravery and integrity of Pansy Troop!