COUSIN KATE ARRIVES
Ethel was too loyal to read her mother's letters to Aunt Susan who
always smiled when she received one, but Mrs. Hollister wrote often
asking her how she was progressing.
"Aunt Susan writes Grandmother that she has grown to love you very
dearly, Ethel, and I see that you have followed my advice like my own
daughter. It is now the sixth of June; probably, you will go with Cousin
Kate to camp soon. I wish it was all over. I don't like the idea at all.
It will throw you in with a common set of girls, I'm sure. We have saved
quite a little this summer by staying home. The girls come in when they
are in town and Grandmother enjoys their visits. Mrs. Bigelow and I met
on the Avenue. She inquired all about you and I told her that upon Aunt
Susan's death you would probably be a very wealthy girl. She admires
you immensely and she told me in confidence that Harvey says when you
are a few years older and 'come out' you will take Society by storm."
Everyone in the younger set of Akron liked Ethel. She acted in private
theatricals; she sang and played, attended teas, and was sought after
for bridge. She gave card parties, and the young people raved over the
quaintness of the old-fashioned house. She took long walks with Tom. She
inveigled him into high collars and discarding shoestring ties or
wearing cravats in a bow with loose ends. She even persuaded him to give
up slouch hats and dress more up-to-date. He and Aunt Susan dubbed her
the "Rejuvenator and Reformer," and she was contented and happy.
Cousin Kate arrived and Ethel was overjoyed upon seeing her, she looked
so fine and strong. Her father came with her just to see 'Archie's
girl,' and Ethel loved him instantly. He was so like her father that the
tears came into her pretty eyes when at the depot she kissed him
goodbye.