"But, kiddie, the most wily flirt in the world couldn't have done
better. Any man would be flattered to death. You don't suppose he's
going to let a kindred soul--and a pretty one--slip out of his life, do
you? He'll look you up, anyhow."
"No, he won't. I won't be here. I'm--I'm going to take a vacation,"
Anne added in a sudden decision that startled herself.
Belle grinned, and then, at the tears that filled Anne's eyes, relented.
"Fine idea. You never did have a real one. Where are you going?"
"Quincy."
"Heavens! That's not a vacation. That's a penance."
"I never hated it the way you do. I don't mind Aunt Het, and I'm fond
of Janet and Bab."
"If it's money, Anne, I'll be tickled to death--Tahoe or Yosemite--or
any other real place."
"I loathe them."
"You don't know anything about them. Please. Don't be so highfalutin'.
I can do it easily. Make it a birthday present if you like."
"No, thanks just the same. I don't mean to be highfalutin', but I love
the bluff, really I do. And I am rather tired. I just want to lie out
there on the dunes and think."