So the summer did not seem long to any of them; and when September was once past, and they could begin to say, "month after next," the time sped much faster.
"Mrs.Hall asked me this morning when the Worthingtons were coming," said Johnnie, one day.

"It seems so funny to have Katy spoken of as 'the Worthingtons.'" "I only wish the Worthingtons would write and say when," remarked Clover.
"It is more than a week since we heard from them." The next day brought the wished-for letter, and the good news that Ned had a fortnight's leave, and meant to bring Katy home the middle of November, and stay for Thanksgiving.

After that the "Natchitoches" was to sail for an eighteen months' cruise to China and Japan; and then Ned would probably have two years ashore at the Torpedo Station or Naval Academy or somewhere, and they would start a little home for themselves.
"Meantime," wrote Katy, "I am coming to spend a year and a half with you, if urged.

Don't all speak at once, and don't mind saying so, if you don't want me." The bitter drop in this pleasant intelligence--there generally is one, you know--was that the fortnight of Ned's stay was to be spent at Mrs.Ashe's.
"It's her only chance to see Ned," said Katy; "so I know you won't mind, for afterward you will have me for such a long visit." But they _did_ mind very much! "I don't think it's fair," cried Johnnie, hotly, while Clover and Elsie exchanged disgusted looks; "Katy belongs to us." "Katy belongs to her husband, on the contrary," said Dr.Carr, overhearing her; "you must learn that lesson once for all, children.
There's no escape from the melancholy fact; and it's quite right and natural that Ned should wish to go to his sister, and she should want to have him." "Ned! yes.

But Katy--" "My dear, Katy _is_ Ned," answered Dr.Carr, with a twinkle.