ed of them as
the guests of Mrs. Curtis. She had written them that as long as they
were to be anchored near Fortress Monroe, she hoped to show them the
social side of the Army and Navy life centered there. To the two
country girls the idea of "Society" was a trifle appalling. Phyllis
Alden had also written them that she knew nothing of Society and was
almost afraid to venture into that awe-inspiring realm, while Miss
Jenny Ann at first refused to consider the idea, but finally relented
and made her preparations to join the girls in anything but a joyous
frame of mind.

Lillian Seldon was the only one of the little company who took the
prospect of balls and parties and meeting hosts of new people quite
calmly. She had two older sisters, who had made their entrance into
Philadelphia society, and Lillian had been allowed to be present at
their coming-out parties. Mrs. Seldon, Lillian's mother, was devoted to
Society, while Mrs. Butler cared for nothing outside her own home
interests, and Mrs. Alden was too busy taking care of a large family on
a small income to think of anything else. Phil's life had been largely
centered in her school. Eleanor and Madge had divided their allegiance
between Miss Tolliver's and "Forest House" until their houseboat had
opened a new world to them.

After a long talk with Eleanor, Madge finally wrote Mrs. Curtis,
confessing that they were rather afraid to venture into the social life
of the point. In reply Mrs. Curtis only made light of their fears and
misgivings and insisted that they should come. Tom, who had undertaken
the duty of finding a landing for the houseboat, announced that it was
safely sheltered near the southern end of Cape Charles; it was too
rough to anchor the boat on the Virginia side of the shore. Besides,
Tom was camping with some college friends on the shore of the cape, and
had arranged that the houseboat should be no great distance from his
camp. The houseboat party could cross over to Old Point, or any of the
resorts on the opposite beach, in a small steamboat that made its way
back and forth from one coast to the other, or in Tom's new motor
launch, which would be always at their disposal.

The careful way in which the Curtises had arranged for the comfort of
their young guests finally conquered the last faint objection on their
part, and when on the morning of the day appointed, escorted by Mrs.
Curtis and Tom, the four girls and Miss Jenny Ann boarded the "Merry