'You
know it is quite near papa's sheep ranch, and it is certainly the
most beautiful place in California. The tents will be pitched at the
mouth of the canyon, where there is a view of the ocean, and just at
the back will be a lovely grove of wild oaks and sycamore-trees.'
'Oh, won't it be delicious!' sighed Elsie. 'I feel as if I could
sniff the air this minute. But there! I won't pretend that I'm
dying for fresh air, with the breath of the sea coming in at my south
window, and a whiff of jasmine and honeysuckle from the piazza. That
would be nonsense. Are your trunks packed?'
'Trunks!' exclaimed Polly. 'Would you believe it, our clothes are
packed in gunny-sacks! We start in our camping-dresses, with ulsters
for the steamer and dusters for the long drive. Then we each have--
let me see what we have: a short, tough riding-skirt with a jersey,
a bathing-dress, and some gingham morning-gowns to wear about the
camp at breakfast-time.'
'And flannel gowns for the night, and two pairs of boots, and a
riding-cap and one hat apiece,' added Margery.
'But oh, Elsie, my dear, you should see Dicky in his camping-suits,'
laughed Bell. 'They are a triumph of invention on mamma's part.
Just imagine! one is of some enamelled cloth that was left over from
the new carriage cushions; it is very shiny and elegant; and the
other, truly, is of soft tanned leather, and just as pretty as it can
be. Then he has hob-nailed, copper-toed boots, and a hat that ties
under his chin.
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