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HALF A DOZEN BOYS.
CHAPTER XII.
THEIR SUMMER OUTING.
“Island Den,” Thousand Islands,
July 27, 18—.
My dear Bess,—I know you always have been a good, kind-hearted little soul, and now I am going to throw myself on your benevolence and ask a favor of you. Say yes, that’s a dear little sister! It is just this that I want,—a two weeks’ visit from you. “Island Den” was never half so cosy as this summer, and there were never half so many pleasant people over at the hotel. The change will do you good, and I have already heard from mother, saying that she can spare you as well as not. Jack and the children want to see you as badly as I do.
But as long as I know you’ll never consent to drop all care—you’ve had too much these last months for a young thing like you—and leave that boy of yours at home, as would be ever so much better for you, bring him with you, if you think he will be contented here. Jack says two boys take up no more room than one, and Bob had better come too, to be company for him after we have talked each other to death. Isn’t he impertinent? But it is a good idea, for they will amuse each