The Auto Girls At Washington | Page 6

fun! I feel just like a girl
in a book, we have been presented to so many noted people. I tell you,
Barbara Thurston, we are country girls no longer! Now we have been
traveling about the country so much with Ruth and Mr. Stuart, that we
know people everywhere. Just guess whom we know in Washington?"
"I can guess," Ruth rejoined, clapping her hands. "You have seen Mrs.
Post and Hugh. Surely, you had not forgotten that they live in
Washington. Hugh has finished college and has a position in the
Forestry Department. I had a note from him this morning."
"And didn't tell! Oh, Ruth!" teased Grace Carter. "But, Bab, what about
our Lenox friends, who spend their winters in Washington?"
"You mean Dorothy and Gwendolin Morton, the British Ambassador's
daughters, and funny little Franz Haller, the German secretary, I hope
we shall see them. But do hurry, children. Please don't keep the

Assistant Secretary of State waiting for his dinner. That would surely
be a bad beginning for our Washington visit. No, Mollie Thurston;
don't you put on your very best dress for dinner to-night. I have just
gotten out your white muslin."
"But Harriet wears such lovely clothes all the time, Bab," Mollie
pleaded, when she and Barbara were alone.
"Never mind, child. Harriet Hamlin is not Mollie Thurston," Barbara
concluded wisely.

CHAPTER II
CABINET DAY IN WASHINGTON
It was Harriet Hamlin's reception day. There are certain times
appointed in Washington when the members of the President's Cabinet
hold receptions.
The "Automobile Girls" had come to Washington in time for one of
these special entertainments. For, as Harriet explained, they could see
everyone worth seeing at once. Not only would the diplomats, the
senators and congressmen call with their wives, but the Army and Navy
officers, all official Washington would appear to pay their respects to
Mr. William Hamlin and his lovely daughter.
"Then there will be a crowd of unimportant people besides," Harriet
had continued. "People who are never asked to any small parties come
to this reception just because they can get in. So you girls will have to
entertain yourselves this morning. I have a thousand things to do. Why
not take the girls to look at the White House, Ruth? That is the first
thing to do in Washington. I am sorry I can't go with you. But you just
walk straight down Connecticut Avenue and you can't miss it."
It was a perfect day. Although it was early in December, the
atmosphere was like Indian summer. Washington shone sparkling

white through a dim veil of haze. The "Automobile Girls" walked
briskly along toward the White House, chatting every step of the way.
"Where are the poplar trees planted along this avenue by Thomas
Jefferson, Ruth?" Grace Carter demanded. "I read somewhere that
Jefferson meant to make this avenue look like the famous street called
'_Unter den Linden_' in Berlin."
"He did, child, but most of the poplar trees died," Ruth rejoined, "and
some one else planted these oaks and elms. Why are you so silent,
Barbara? Are you tired?"
"I think Washington is the most beautiful city in the whole world," Bab
answered with sudden enthusiasm.
"Wait until you have seen it," Ruth teased. "Uncle William wants to
take us through the Capitol. But I suppose there is no harm in our
looking at the outside of the White House. Later on, when we go to one
of the President's receptions, we can see the inside of it."
"Shall we ever see the President?" Mollie asked breathlessly. "Won't it
be wonderful? I never dreamed that even Mr. Hamlin could take us to
the President's home."
"Here we are at the White House," said Ruth.
The "Automobile Girls" stood silent for a moment, looking in through
the autumn foliage at the simple colonial mansion, which is the historic
"White House."
"I am glad our White House looks like that," Bab said, after half a
moment's pause. "I was so afraid it would be pretentious. But it is just
big and simple and dignified as our President's home ought to be. It
makes me feel so glad to be an American," Barbara ended with a flush.
She was afraid the other girls were laughing at her.
"I think so too, Bab," Ruth agreed. "I don't see why girls cannot be as
patriotic as boys. We may be able to serve our country in some way,

some day. I hope we shall have the chance."
The "Automobile Girls" had entered the White House grounds and
were strolling along through the park.
Bab and Ruth were talking of the beauties of Washington. But no such
thoughts were engrossing pretty Mollie's attention. Mollie's mind was
dwelling on the society pleasures the "Automobile Girls" expected to
enjoy at the