"Oh, no, Dalky! We wouldn't change your plans for the world!" exclaimed Polly, anxiously. "You see, the South Sea Isles will wait until we can get there, but you and your plans are apt to change--as the railroad guides read--without notice at any time!"

A laugh followed Polly's remark, and Mr. Dalken added, "Well just mull over this project for a time and give me your individual opinions about it. Of course, we would be crowded if everyone in the families mentioned were to accept my invitation and take the round trip; but I feel quite safe in inviting all because I am sure I can bank on certain ones refusing to go."

"I don't believe you could tear father or mother away from Pebbly Pit,"

remarked Polly, wistfully.

"And I know for certain that mother and Bob wouldn't give up their summer season at a fashionable resort, just to join a party of old-fashioned sea-farers," laughed Eleanor.

"Do you think you could persuade your father to join us?" asked Mr.

Dalken.

"I bet he would go as far as Honolulu, anyway!" said Eleanor.

"That's one for certain to start with!" laughed Mr. Dalken.

"Then there is Polly and myself and Mrs. Courtney, for certain--and that makes four; with yourself, we are five!" exulted Eleanor, drawing forth another laugh.

"Then it is settled, eh? We sail for the Orient without more ado, just as soon as your extensive business deals are done and you will need a long rest in order to recuperate for next year's work," chuckled Mr. Dalken.

"If our two clients would postpone their decorating for a year, we might be able to start tomorrow," remarked Polly, smilingly.

"But the clients are obdurate, especially when the decorators need payment and prestige to succeed in their profession. Besides, the owner of the yacht is not keen on sailing the seas in the middle of winter and then land in China in the wet season."

"Yes, he is right," admitted Polly.

"If we should really take such a trip, Dalky, what is the best time of the year to start?" asked Eleanor.

"Well, we could leave New York in May or June, dawdle along the route until we reach Southern California. Those who cannot take time to go to Hawaii, can railroad themselves back home, and we can sail leisurely across the Pacific to visit the Hawaiian Islands. There again, those who cannot go on to the Orient with the decorators who need to study customs and periods in the Far East, may say good-by to us and watch us go west, while they go east back to business.

"If we take our time, stopping at the Philippines on the way, we ought to do j.a.pan and China and even the princ.i.p.al parts of India, in a few months. We can bid the East good-by about March and escape the unpleasant season there. By taking a direct route home we might reach New York in June. It all depends."

"Oh, wouldn't it be wonderful! And all our dearest friends with us!"

cried Polly, clasping her hands in ecstasy.

"Dear, dear! If only Tom will let you go, Polly!" sighed Eleanor, mischievously.

"Tom! What has Tom got to do with it?" demanded Polly.

"Well, you know, he says you ought to consider his wishes more, since he is sure you are his soul-mate," teased Eleanor.

"The sooner he finds out that I propose keeping my own soul in custody the better it will be for Tom!" declared Polly.

"There, now! That doesn't sound much as if our Polly was deeply in love, does it, Dalky?" laughed Eleanor, clapping her hands.

"I never thought she was! She was moved by compa.s.sion for Tom, to partly agree to consider his proposal. I knew she would not forfeit her profession for the doubtful result of conjugal bliss," remarked Mr.

Dalken.

"Hem--she's right!" a.s.serted Mrs. Courtney. "When two people, as you and I are, are on hand to prevent our young friends from precipitating themselves into double harness before they have thoroughly studied their own minds and desires, we ought to succeed in the work because we speak from experience."

"Yes," agreed Mr. Dalken, reminiscently; "I would never marry the finest woman on earth, after my first venture."

"Nor would I accept a man, even though he presented himself to me in guise of a saint! Even saints have their bad days," laughed Mrs.

Courtney.

Polly and Eleanor exchanged troubled glances for it was evident that their match-making was hopeless. But the voyage to the Orient might develop many interesting things which were not revealed to the actors then. Thus we leave Polly and Eleanor for the time, and return to our own affairs until it is time to go on board Mr. Dalken's yacht for the long trip half-way around the world.

THE END

AMY BELL MARLOWE'S BOOKS FOR GIRLS Charming, Fresh and Original Stories Ill.u.s.trated. Wrappers printed in colors with individual design for each story

Miss Marlowe's books for girls are somewhat of the type of Miss Alcott and also Mrs. Meade; but all are thoroughly up-to-date and wholly American in scene and action. Good, clean absorbing tales that all girls thoroughly enjoy.

THE OLDEST OF FOUR; Or, Natalie's Way Out.

A sweet story of the struggles of a live girl to keep a family from want.

THE GIRLS AT HILLCREST FARM; Or, The Secret of the Rocks.

Relating the trials of two girls who take boarders on an old farm.

A LITTLE MISS n.o.bODY; Or, With the Girls of Pinewood Hall.

Tells of a school girl who was literally a n.o.body until she solved the mystery of her ident.i.ty.

THE GIRL FROM SUNSET RANCH; Or, Alone in a Great City.

A ranch girl comes to New York to meet relatives she has never seen.

Her adventures make unusually good reading.

WYN'S CAMPING DAYS; Or, The Outing of the GO-AHEAD CLUB.

A tale of happy days on the water and under canvas, with a touch of mystery and considerable excitement.

FRANCES OF THE RANGES: Or, The Old Ranchman's Treasure.

A vivid picture of life on the great cattle ranges of the West.

THE GIRLS OF RIVERCLIFF SCHOOL; Or, Beth Baldwin's Resolve.

This is one of the most entertaining stories centering about a girl's school that has ever been written.

WHEN ORIOLE CAME TO HARBOR LIGHT.

The story of a young girl, cast up by the sea, and rescued by an old lighthouse keeper.

WHEN ORIOLE TRAVELED WESTWARD.

Oriole visits the family of a rich ranchman and enjoys herself immensely.

Grosset & Dunlap, Publishers, New York