Page:Old ninety-nine's cave.djvu/79

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however, but talked gaily of their prospects and laughingly asked Mr. Genung what he would do for milkweed greens when the "Island" was all settled.

"You and Mary must turn your attention to agriculture and cultivate them," he replied.

"Our old camping-grounds will all be spoiled," she said with mock gravity. "Hunting arbutus, gathering bittersweet berries and picking huckleberries will be but a memory."

"And you will be a great lady with suitors by the score," laughed Celeste.

"My suitor has long been accepted," Eletheer returned gravely.

"Indeed," said Mr. Genung in some surprise, "if his name is not a secret I should like to know it."

"Mary is in my confidence," she answered, "and, like me, has chosen her life-work."

Mr. Genung eyed her curiously. His own daughter, just about Eletheer's age, was not a girl to have secrets from her parents.

"This is all nonsense," Eletheer said hotly.