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+Project Gutenberg's The Story of the Big Front Door, by Mary Finley Leonard
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Story of the Big Front Door
+
+Author: Mary Finley Leonard
+
+Release Date: September 20, 2006 [EBook #19340]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STORY OF THE BIG FRONT DOOR ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Garcia, Jeannie Howse and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Kentuckiana Digital Library)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    +--------------------------------------------------------------+
+    | Transcriber's Note:                                          |
+    |                                                              |
+    | Inconsistent hyphenation in the original document has been   |
+    | preserved.                                                   |
+    |                                                              |
+    +--------------------------------------------------------------+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+  [Illustration: "THEY HAD DRAWN THEIR CHAIRS TOGETHER IN A COSEY
+  GROUP."]
+
+
+
+
+                          THE STORY
+                              OF
+                      THE BIG FRONT DOOR
+
+
+
+
+                              BY
+                       MARY F. LEONARD
+
+
+            "THEY HELPED EVERY ONE HIS NEIGHBOR."
+
+
+
+             NEW YORK: 46 EAST FOURTEENTH STREET
+                 THOMAS Y. CROWELL & COMPANY
+                 BOSTON: 100 PURCHASE STREET
+
+
+
+
+                       COPYRIGHT, 1898,
+               BY THOMAS Y. CROWELL & COMPANY.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAPTER                        PAGE
+
+    I. THE OUTLAWS                                         1
+
+   II. IN THE STAR CHAMBER                                12
+
+  III. THE LADY OF THE BROWN HOUSE                        20
+
+   IV. DORA                                               31
+
+    V. UNCLE WILLIAM                                      51
+
+   VI. THE MAGIC DOOR                                     59
+
+  VII. IKEY'S ACCIDENT                                    65
+
+ VIII. THE M.KS.                                          74
+
+   IX. A RIVAL CLUB                                       84
+
+    X. GOOD NEIGHBORS                                     93
+
+   XI. PLANS                                             103
+
+  XII. CEDAR AND HOLLY                                   112
+
+ XIII. THE HARP MAN'S BENEFIT                            127
+
+  XIV. CLOUDS                                            140
+
+   XV. DORA'S BRIGHT IDEA                                156
+
+  XVI. SILVER KEYS                                       165
+
+ XVII. A PRISONER                                        172
+
+XVIII. SOMETHING ELSE HAPPENS                            183
+
+  XIX. AUNT SUKEY'S STORY                                190
+
+   XX. THE ORDER OF THE BIG FRONT DOOR                   198
+
+  XXI. WORK AND PLAY                                     206
+
+ XXII. UNCLE WILLIAM IS SURPRISED                        219
+
+XXIII. JIM                                               230
+
+ XXIV. A DISAPPOINTMENT                                  238
+
+  XXV. AUNT ZÉLIE                                        246
+
+ XXVI. THE BIG FRONT DOOR IS LEFT ALONE                  255
+
+
+
+
+THE STORY
+
+OF
+
+THE BIG FRONT DOOR.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE OUTLAWS.
+
+    "Come listen to me, ye gallants so free,
+      All ye who love mirth for to hear;
+    And I will tell you of a bold outlaw
+      Who lived in Nottinghamshire."
+
+                _Old Ballad._
+
+
+Ikey Ford was the first to make the discovery, and he lost no time in
+carrying the news to the others.
+
+Great was their consternation!
+
+"Moving into the Brown house? Nonsense, Ikey, you are making it up!"
+Carl exclaimed.
+
+"What shall we do about the banquet for King Richard?" cried Bess,
+sitting down on the doorstep despairingly.
+
+"And my racket is over there, and your grandma's fur rug, Ikey Ford!"
+wailed Louise, shaking her finger at the bringer of evil tidings. He
+assented meekly, adding, "and Sallie's clothes-pins."
+
+A stranger might have been puzzled to guess what sort of calamity had
+befallen the little group in the doorway of the pleasant,
+hospitable-looking house among the maple trees, that warm August
+morning. Something serious certainly, for Louise's dimples had
+disappeared, Bess was almost tearful, and the boys, though they
+affected to take it more lightly, wore plainly depressed.
+
+"Let's go over to Ikey's and look through the fence," suggested Carl,
+and, as there seemed nothing else to do, the others agreed.
+
+They filed solemnly down the walk and across the street,--Bess with a
+roll of green cambric under her arm,--and nobody uttered a word till a
+secluded spot behind Mrs. Ford's syringa bushes was reached, where,
+through an opening in the division fence, they could look out
+unobserved upon the adjoining house.
+
+"The side windows are open!" Louise announced in a tragic whisper.
+
+"Didn't I tell you so?" replied Ikey with mournful triumph.
+
+It was a small house with a pointed roof, and it stood in the midst of
+an old-fashioned garden, where for years and years lilacs and
+snowballs, peonies and roses, pinks and sweet-william, and dozens of
+other flowers, had bloomed happily in their season, without any
+trouble to anybody. In the background sunflowers and hollyhocks grew,
+and on either side of the front gate two stout little cedars stood
+like sentinels on guard. The street upon which this gate opened was
+wide and shady, and the bustle and din of the city had not yet invaded
+its quiet.
+
+Though in reality a red house grown somewhat rusty, it was called the
+"Brown house," because as far back as any one in the neighborhood
+could remember it had been occupied by an old lady of that name. For
+years before she died she was bed-ridden, and to the children there
+was something mysterious about this person who was never seen, but on
+whose account they were cautioned not to be noisy at their play. After
+her death the house was left closed and unoccupied, but hardly more
+silent than before. An air of mystery still hung about the place; the
+children when they passed peeped in at the flowers alone in their
+glory, and spoke softly as though even yet their owner might be
+disturbed.
+
+This was in the early spring; as the summer wore on this garden grew
+more and more irresistible. Other playgrounds lost their charm to the
+eyes that looked in at the long waving grass and the pleasant shady
+places under the apple trees.
+
+"Let's play Robin Hood," Bess proposed one morning as they sat in a
+row on the fence.
+
+Carl and Louise received the idea with enthusiasm, and Ikey listened
+in silent admiration as the details of the fascinating game were
+unfolded.
+
+The Hazeltine children had from their babyhood been in the habit of
+making plays of their favorite stories, but it seemed to Ikey
+immensely clever; so while the others argued over who should take this
+part and who that, he joyfully accepted whatever was offered him.
+
+He did not fare so badly either, for being plump and rosy he was
+allowed to personate the jolly Friar Tuck. Robin Hood fell naturally
+to Carl as the oldest and the leader, Bess became Little John, Louise
+appeared by turns as Allan-a-Dale and the sheriff of Nottingham, and
+little Helen was occasionally pressed into service as Maid Marian. Who
+first thought of turning the deserted garden into Sherwood forest no
+one could ever remember, but as they sat on the fence that morning
+with the waving sea of grass below them, somebody began
+
+    "One for the money,
+    Two for the show,..."
+
+and away they all went. Some minutes later, Mrs. Ford, glancing from
+her window, wondered what had become of the children.
+
+So the fun began and continued through the long summer days, when
+grown people stayed indoors and wondered what the children found to do
+out in the heat from morning till night. But in that distant corner of
+the garden, where, under the shelter of a crooked apple tree, the
+forest rovers had their trysting place, the weather was never too
+warm. The unoccupied house became transformed into Nottingham castle,
+and was never approached without delicious thrills of terror.
+Excitement ran high on the day when Robin was released from the
+jail--otherwise a small rustic arbor--by his trusty followers.
+
+There was simply no end to the fun, and the secrecy with which it was
+carried on helped to deepen the interest. The climax was reached when
+preparations were begun for King Richard's banquet.
+
+As usual, it originated with Bess, when she heard that a favorite
+cousin, a boy about Carl's age, was coming to visit them for a few
+days.
+
+"Aleck will make a very good King Richard," said Louise, when the
+matter was under discussion, "and we can pretend that he is just back
+from the Holy Land."
+
+It was decided that this must be a real feast, not merely an occasion
+of pepper grass and cookies, so their combined funds were carefully
+laid out at the corner confectionery. Many articles supposed to be
+necessary to the comfort of the royal guest were smuggled into the
+garden, and everything was in readiness for his arrival on the next
+day, when Ikey made his startling discovery.
+
+It had never occurred to them that some one might come to live in the
+Brown house; they were quite overwhelmed by it, and for more than an
+hour they sat under the syringa bushes peeping through at their lost
+domain. No one had much to say. Bess was gazing sadly at her roll of
+cambric which was to have done duty as suits of Lincoln green for the
+foresters, and Ikey was thinking of the fur rug and the clothes-pins,
+when Carl proposed a raid for the recovery of their possessions. "The
+girls can wait on the fence and take the things as we bring them," he
+said.
+
+This promised a little excitement, so on the very spot from which they
+had made their first entrance into Sherwood forest, Bess and Louise
+waited while the boys dropped down and disappeared behind the bushes.
+In a few minutes they came rushing back empty handed, to report that
+not a trace of anything was to be found, and that a man with a scythe
+was at work on the other side of the garden cutting down the grass.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It was very quiet in the neighborhood that afternoon. There were no
+children to be seen anywhere, and on the broad piazza of the house
+where the Hazeltines lived the chairs and settees, with here and there
+a gay cushion, appeared to be having a good time all to themselves,
+gathered in sociable groups. The clematis and honeysuckle swung softly
+in the breeze, making graceful shadows, and the maple trees stretched
+out long arms and touched each other gently now and then. At the back
+of the house on the kitchen steps sat Aunt Sukey, a person of dignity
+and authority. Her hands were folded over her white apron and her eyes
+rested with satisfaction on the rows of peach preserves that
+represented her morning's work.
+
+"Mammy," as the children called her, was a family institution, and
+could not be spared, though her last nursling was fast outgrowing her.
+
+No preserves tasted like Sukey's, and no one could, on occasion, make
+such rolls.
+
+"Yes," she remarked, continuing her conversation with Mandy, the cook,
+who was stepping around inside, "they's _mischevious_ of course, but I
+can remember when Mr. Frank and Mr. William was a heap worse."
+
+"Law, Aunt Sukey, I wouldn't want to see 'em if they was any worse
+than that Ikey Ford! It looks like the children has been up to twice
+as many pranks since he come," replied Mandy.
+
+"He don't take after his pa, then; Mr. Isaac was as nice,
+quiet-mannered a boy as you ever see, when he used to go with Mr.
+Frank. But pshaw! all that triflin' is soon over. Look at Miss Zélie:
+seems like it warn't no time since she was climbin' fences and tearin'
+her clothes, till I'd get clean discouraged tryin' to keep her nice.
+Oh! they's fine children, I don't care what you say; and Louise is the
+flock of the flower. She is like Miss Zélie, with her dark eyes and
+shinin' hair."
+
+"Miss Zélie herself sets more store by Carl than any of the rest,"
+said Mandy, coming to the door.
+
+"That's cause he favors his ma's family and has a look like his uncle
+Carl. You know Miss Zélie married Miss Elinor's brother. He used to
+come here for his holidays when she was a little girl no bigger 'n
+Bess,--that was after Mr. Frank married Miss Elinor,--and they was
+always great friends. It looks like it's mighty strange that Miss
+Elinor and Mr. Carl should be taken, and old Sukey left."
+
+There was silence for a minute; then as Sukey wiped her eyes she
+continued, "I've nursed 'em all from Mr. William down, and I knows old
+master's grandchildren is bound to turn out right."
+
+It was almost sunset when Aunt Zélie--tall and fair, like Bess's
+favorite heroines--came and stood in the front door, wondering where
+the children were. She was not left long in doubt, for hardly had she
+settled herself to enjoy the pleasant air when there was a sudden rush
+from somewhere and she was surrounded by a laughing, breathless little
+company. The outlaws of the morning were scarcely to be recognized.
+Little John and the sheriff of Nottingham were attired in the freshest
+of white dresses, with pink bows on their Gretchen braids, while Robin
+and the Friar were disguised as a pair of bright-faced modern boys,
+and with them was little Helen, a dignified person of eight, who
+carried a doll in her arms.
+
+"Auntie, did you know that somebody is coming to live in the Brown
+house?" Louise asked, as they drew their chairs as close as possible
+to hers. At this time in the day she was their own special property,
+though there _were_ people who complained that they always monopolized
+her.
+
+"Yes, your father heard that a relative of old Mrs. Brown's was going
+to take the house, but that is all I know," she answered.
+
+"Carl and Ikey saw a cross-looking woman with a feather duster. I do
+hope there will be some nice children," said Bess.
+
+"All boys," Carl added briefly.
+
+"Boys? No, indeed! Girls are much nicer, aren't they, Ikey?" and
+Louise looked at him mischievously over her shoulder.
+
+Ikey's shyness or his politeness, perhaps both, would not allow him to
+reply.
+
+"They are both nice when they are nice," said Aunt Zélie. "Being a
+girl myself, of course I like girls, and so does this individual,"
+patting the head against her shoulder.
+
+"Oh, I like _some_ girls!" Carl conceded graciously.
+
+"I wish there would be a little girl for me to play with," remarked
+Helen plaintively, for it was the trial of her life that she was
+considered too little to be made a companion of by the other children
+except on special occasions.
+
+"It is a fortunate thing that the house is to be occupied," said Aunt
+Zélie, "for Mr. Jackson, the agent, told Frank that it looked as if
+some one had been camping out in the garden. The grass was trampled
+down and I don't know what damage done."
+
+If she had not happened to be looking across the street she would have
+seen some guilty faces. Bess grew red, Louise opened her mouth and
+shut it again without saying anything, Carl drummed on the back of his
+chair with an air of extreme indifference which Ikey tried to copy,
+and Helen looked from one to the other with very big eyes.
+
+The Fords' tea bell, rung at the front door for Ikey's benefit,
+relieved the strain. Then presently Louise saw her father and baby
+Carie coming up the street, and the Brown house was not mentioned
+again.
+
+As Aunt Zélie was on her way upstairs that night she was waylaid in
+the dimly lighted hall by three ghostly figures.
+
+"What are you doing out of bed?" she exclaimed.
+
+"Oh, auntie, we want to tell you something! It is about the Brown
+house. We have been playing Robin Hood in the garden."
+
+"It was a lovely place, and we didn't do any harm, really."
+
+Aunt Zélie listened with just a little bit of a smile till she had
+heard the whole story. It had been great fun, there could be no doubt
+of that.
+
+"Was it wrong?" asked Bess anxiously.
+
+"We did not hurt anything, not one bit," Carl insisted.
+
+"Why did you keep it such a secret?"
+
+"That was part of the fun; but I wish we had told you," said Louise.
+
+"Yes, it is nicer to have you know things;" and Bess sighed, relieved
+now that confession was made.
+
+"It is too late to discuss it to-night, but I want you to think about
+it and decide for yourselves whether or not it was right."
+
+"Did you know it before we told you?" Carl asked suddenly.
+
+"I only guessed it to-day," she replied, smiling.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+IN THE STAR CHAMBER.
+
+
+There never lived a more genial, kindly man than old Judge Hazeltine,
+and the house he planned and built reflected, as perfectly as a house
+could, the character of its owner.
+
+"The front door looks like the Judge," people used to say, laughing as
+they said it, for he was portly and the door was wide. But they meant
+more than just that, for there were few, even among the unimaginative,
+who did not feel drawn to that door. Hospitality shone from every
+panel, the big fanlight was like a genial sun, and the resemblance to
+his cheery face and cordial manner was not altogether fanciful.
+
+Of the inside of the house perhaps it is enough to say at present that
+it kept the promise of the outside.
+
+After the judge's death the old home fell to the share of the younger
+of his two sons, for the William Hazeltines had already built their
+fine mansion out on Dean avenue, where Aunt Marcia found things more
+suited to her fastidious taste than on the quiet street which had
+ceased to be fashionable.
+
+On the other hand, her brother-in-law declared that he much preferred
+his large garden and home-like neighborhood to the elegant monotony of
+her surroundings. The children agreed with their father, and so
+perhaps, for the matter of that, did Uncle William.
+
+At the top of the house there was a long low room, with five windows
+looking east, west, and south, which was known as the star chamber.
+This name had originated with Uncle William in the days when he and
+his brother Frank played and studied there, as Carl and his sisters
+did now. On rainy days when the garden was out of the question the
+children were most likely to be found here.
+
+It was a pleasant place and well suited for any sort of indoor game.
+Except for a rug or two the floor was bare, and the furniture
+consisted of an old claw-footed sofa on which at least six people
+could sit comfortably at one time, a wardrobe, some book-shelves, and
+a hammock swung across one corner. There may have been a chair or two,
+but the wide window-sills made pleasanter resting-places. Here in the
+summer time you looked out into the soft greenness of the maple trees,
+getting glimpses of the quiet street, but when the branches were bare
+a fine outlook was to be had all over the neighborhood, and you saw
+how big houses and little houses stood sociably side by side, while an
+old gray church kept guard at one corner. Here Bess and Louise
+romanced over an imaginary family known as "The Carletons," or played
+dolls with Helen, and here Carl arranged his stamp album and made
+signals to Ikey across the street. Sometimes their father and uncle
+would drop in and pretend they were boys once more. Then what delight
+it was to listen to their stories of boyish pranks!
+
+Aunt Zélie was their most frequent visitor. The days when she kept her
+dolls and "dressing-up things" in the old wardrobe, which was now put
+to the same use by her little nieces, were not so very far back in the
+past, and many of her story books were still to be found on the
+shelves among later favorites.
+
+Going up to the star chamber on the morning after the excitement over
+the Brown house, she walked in upon an indignation meeting.
+
+"Just when we wanted to play Crokonole!"
+
+"It is _too_ mean!"
+
+"She might let him come, it spoils all our fun!"
+
+This is what she heard, and she asked in surprise, "What in the world
+is the matter?"
+
+There was silence for a minute, during which the rain made a great
+pattering outside; then little Helen, who was serenely busy with her
+paper dolls, replied, "Ikey's grandma won't let him come over, 'cause
+he took her fur rug and Sallie's clothes-pins."
+
+"What did he want with the clothes-pins and rug?"
+
+"We wanted them to play with, Aunt Zélie. You can do a great many
+things with clothes-pins," Bess explained.
+
+"Aleck was to have been King Richard--the rug was for him at the
+banquet; and now he hasn't come and we can't do anything," said Louise
+mournfully.
+
+Aunt Zélie sat down on the sofa and folded her hands in her lap.
+
+"I should like to know how many of _our_ things have been carried over
+to the Brown house garden," she said.
+
+"We took some of the straw cushions and two or three cups that Mandy
+said we might play with," replied Bess, watching her aunt's face
+anxiously. There was another silence, during which Carl became
+absorbed in a book and Louise gave her attention to Helen's dolls.
+Then Aunt Zélie spoke:
+
+"The more I think of this the more uncomfortable I feel about it."
+
+"I can't see why," came from Carl.
+
+"Because it seems to me such a lawless proceeding. Do you know that
+there are people who say that no children were ever so lawless as
+American children to-day?"
+
+"That is poetry, auntie; you made a beautiful rhyme," laughed Louise.
+But her aunt refused to smile.
+
+"It is not poetry, but sad fact, I'm afraid. You may not have done
+much actual harm, but you have shown no respect for other people's
+property. You went into the Brown house garden without leave, and you
+encouraged Ikey to carry off his grandmother's things without
+permission. I have trusted you all summer--I thought I could; but this
+makes me afraid that you ought to have someone with more experience to
+watch over you. You know when I came back to you two years ago I
+promised to stay so long as I could be a help to you, but--"
+
+"Oh, Aunt Zélie! You do help us--don't go away!" cried Bess, clasping
+her around the waist; Louise seized one of her hands tightly in both
+her own, and Carl looked out the window with a flushed face.
+
+"That is not fair, Aunt Zélie," was all he said.
+
+He could never forget--nor could Bess--how she had come to them in
+their loneliness, and taken the motherless little flock into her arms,
+comforting them and wrapping them all about with her love and
+sympathy. How could they ever do without her?
+
+"You aren't going away, are you?" Helen asked, leaving her dolls and
+coming to her side.
+
+"I hope not, for I can't think what I should do without my children,"
+she answered. And then they all snuggled around her on the old sofa
+and talked things over. It was astonishing what a difference it
+made--trying to look at the matter from all sides. Even Mrs. Ford's
+indignation did not seem so very unreasonable when you stopped to
+think how inconvenient it was to be without clothes-pins on Monday
+morning.
+
+"I know it does not seem exactly right as you put it, Aunt Zélie,"
+Carl acknowledged, "but it was such fun, we couldn't have had so good
+a time anywhere else."
+
+"Suppose you found the Arnold children playing in our garden some day,
+would you think that because they had found that they couldn't have so
+good a time anywhere else, it was all right?"
+
+"Why, auntie, those Arnold boys are not nice at all; we _couldn't_
+have them in our garden," cried Louise.
+
+"No one was living in the Brown house--it is different," Carl began.
+
+"I know what she means," said Bess. "Just because it is fun isn't a
+good excuse."
+
+"That is it," answered her aunt. "I believe in fun if only you do not
+put it first, above thought for the feelings or property of others. I
+am sure you did not mean to do wrong, but it would not do for me to
+let you go on being thoughtless, would it?"
+
+"Mrs. Ford isn't a bit like you, Aunt Zélie; she was dreadfully mad at
+Ikey, and said he must stay in his room all day," remarked Louise.
+
+"I am sorry for Mrs. Ford. I rather think _I_ should be dreadfully mad
+too, if I were in her place. She is an old lady and is used to having
+her household affairs move on smoothly, and one day she finds her
+servants upset and some of her property missing, all because certain
+naughty children cared more for a little fun than for her comfort."
+
+Aunt Zélie spoke gravely, and her audience looked very much subdued.
+
+In the course of the day Joanna, one of the maids, was sent over to
+the Brown house to inquire about the things left by the children in
+the garden. She returned with the missing articles, which had been
+carried into the house by the man who cut the grass.
+
+"Did you see anybody, Jo? Are there any children?" were the questions
+she met with. But she had only seen a middle-aged woman who was
+cleaning the hall, and had learned nothing about the new occupants.
+
+"It is very stupid of Joanna," said Carl as he rolled up the rug and
+the clothes-pins and marched over to apologize to Mrs. Ford for their
+share of the mischief. He did this so meekly and with such evident
+sincerity that the old lady was greatly mollified, and sent him up to
+tell Ikey he might consider himself released from the day's
+confinement in his room.
+
+For the rest of the week the children were models of propriety. No one
+would have dreamed that they had been outlaws so short a time before.
+
+From the star chamber windows Robin and his merry men looked down on
+the transformation which was taking place in their old domain.
+
+The long grass was cut down, and with it those patches of pepper grass
+that had seasoned many a feast. The bushes and vines were trimmed, the
+walk was reddened, the shutters were thrown open. Every day added
+something to the change, yet, besides the servants, no one had been
+seen about the house.
+
+Who could their new neighbors be? The subject was discussed morning,
+noon, and night, till their father said he would have to tell them the
+story of the man who made a fortune minding his own business. Uncle
+William, who was there at the time, said that probably the man was too
+stupid to enjoy his fortune after he made it, and he pretended to be
+willing to go over and inquire at the door, if Louise would go with
+him.
+
+"At least we know there can't be any children," said Bess, "for they
+couldn't stay in the house all the time."
+
+"Please tell us the story about the man, Father," asked little Helen,
+and couldn't understand why they all laughed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE LADY OF THE BROWN HOUSE.
+
+
+Bang! went the door, and away they rushed, like a small tornado,
+across the porch, down the walk and over the street.
+
+They seemed to be running away from Helen, for a second after they had
+vanished behind Mrs. Ford's oleanders she came around the house.
+
+Indignant tears were in her eyes; it was hard not to be wanted, to be
+thought too little to play with. Bess and Louise had such good times
+with the boys and she had nothing in the world to do this afternoon.
+To be sure they had been very gracious all morning, and had even
+allowed her to listen to a thrilling chapter in the history of the
+Carletons, but this was too good to last.
+
+At lunch certain signs passed back and forth across the table arousing
+her curiosity, and afterwards when she found them laughing on the
+stairs and begged to know what they were going to do, Carl had replied
+provokingly, "What do you suppose?" and now they had run away with
+Ikey somewhere. The house was very quiet; Carie was taking her nap,
+Aunt Zélie dressing to go out. Helen sat down on the top step of the
+porch and wiped her eyes, saying to herself, "They are just as mean
+as anything, but I don't care--I'll have a good time too. I think I'll
+ask Aunt Zélie to let me go with her."
+
+It happened that as the runaways reached the gate Aunt Marcia's coupé
+turned the corner, and her horrified eyes beheld their flight. When
+she stepped from her carriage her lips were firmly closed in a manner
+which indicated that they would be opened presently for somebody's
+benefit. She was so absorbed that she almost fell over the woebegone
+little figure on the step.
+
+"You have been crying--what is the matter?" she demanded.
+
+"Oh, Aunt Marcia, I didn't see you--please excuse me," said Helen,
+whose politeness rarely failed her, rising and putting away her
+handkerchief. Mrs. Hazeltine saw pretty clearly how matters stood.
+
+"Never mind, my dear," she said; "perhaps you would like to take a
+drive with me. I am going out to Cousin John's."
+
+Helen was her favorite among the children, because she was quiet and
+demure, and did not tear and soil her clothes as Bess and Louise did.
+Helen on her part looked up to Aunt Marcia with deep admiration, and
+meant to be just like her when she was grown. So she ran off very
+happily to have her dress changed, while Mrs. Hazeltine waylaid Aunt
+Zélie as she came downstairs ready for a walk.
+
+"Dear me! the children have been in mischief," was this lady's inward
+exclamation, for she knew the signs of disapproval, and felt like
+running away, as she used to do when a child, from Sister Marcia's
+lectures.
+
+She only sat down on the bottom step, however, and waited.
+
+"How do you do, Zélie? I see you are going out and I shall not detain
+you for more than a minute. Little Helen is coming to drive with me."
+
+She seated herself in a judicial attitude on one of the high-backed
+hall chairs.
+
+"I do not wish to interfere," she continued, "But I should like to
+inquire if you know where the children are this afternoon?"
+
+"I have a general idea," Aunt Zélie replied, slowly putting on her
+glove and reflecting that it would take more than her sister's powers
+to be able to say at any given moment exactly where they were.
+
+"I thought you did not know. They are running through the streets,
+Louise without her hat. It may do for boys, but for little girls I
+think it disgraceful."
+
+"I told them they might go to the Ford's; they do not play in the
+street. You must have seen them when they were on their way there, and
+I do not object to their running."
+
+Mrs. Hazeltine shook her head. "How can you think it proper for Bess
+and Louise to race with the boys in that fashion? You seem to be
+conscientious, yet you do not restrain them in the least."
+
+"I own I do not know how to make a difference between girls and boys.
+Why are they born into the same families if they are not meant to play
+together? And if they are to be strong and healthy they must be out of
+doors. I am sorry to seem to set my judgment up against yours, but--"
+
+"You are stubborn, Zélie, like all the Hazeltines. _I_ believe in
+fresh air as much as you do, but I should send Bess and Louise to walk
+with Joanna. However, I see it is of no use to talk to you. I should
+never mention the subject at all if I did not feel a deep interest in
+the children." Mrs. Hazeltine rose. "Here comes Helen," she said, "so
+I'll not detain you any longer," and taking her little niece by the
+hand she sailed away.
+
+Meanwhile the culprits were taking breath on the grass in the Fords'
+back yard, Ikey hospitably treating his guests to apples and salt.
+
+"I suppose," Bess began, taking a bite of her apple, "that it is
+rather mean to run away from Helen, but we have been very good to her
+to-day, haven't we, Louise?"
+
+"Yes, we have; and the more you do for her the more she thinks you
+ought to do."
+
+"She can't expect to go everywhere we go," said Carl decidedly.
+
+The business on hand this afternoon was nothing more or less than the
+erection of a telephone which had been constructed by the boys out of
+fruit cans and pieces of old kid gloves. The main difficulty lay in
+getting their line across the street, for it was to communicate
+between Ikey's room and the star chamber. An attempt had been made
+once before, but the result was such a mortifying failure that their
+energy and interest flagged for a while.
+
+The trees caused most of the trouble. Their line first caught in one
+of these at such a distance from the pavement that while they were
+absorbed in getting it off a gentleman who happened to be passing had
+his hat suddenly removed. This accident convulsed everybody but Bess,
+who in great embarrassment tried to explain that it was not intended
+for a practical joke. Finally it was caught and broken by the angry
+driver of a market wagon. Carl, who disliked to give anything up, had
+ever since been trying to think of a plan.
+
+"There must be some way," he said as he lay on his back looking up at
+the sky.
+
+"I know!" cried Bess, seized with an inspiration; "clothes-props!"
+
+"What about them?" asked Ikey doubtfully.
+
+"It isn't Monday, and any way we can get ours.--Mandy will let us have
+them," Bess said reassuringly, and then she unfolded her plan.
+
+"Isn't she clever?" exclaimed Louise admiringly.
+
+"We'll try it, it may work," said Carl, with masculine condescension.
+
+"What in the world can those children be doing?" somebody wondered as
+she looked through the half-closed blinds of one of the Brown house
+windows a few minutes later.
+
+Mounted on a chair near the Fords' front fence stood Bess holding
+aloft a clothes-prop, and looking like a small copy of "Liberty
+Enlightening the World." Through a groove in the top of the pole ran
+the line, one end of which was safely fastened in Ikey's window.
+Louise had the rest of it in charge and slowly dealt it out as she
+crossed the street in front of Carl, who by means of another pole kept
+it elevated beyond all harm. Once over the street it was easily
+attached to a cord hanging from the star chamber, then slowly and
+cautiously Ikey pulled it up. Several times it caught in the trees,
+but a careful jerk sent it free, and at last it was safe.
+
+"Three cheers for Bess! It was her plan," called Ikey from above.
+
+"It really worked very well," Carl acknowledged.
+
+"I knew all the time it would," added Louise, as they went inside to
+finish their work.
+
+The watcher in the Brown house window returned reluctantly to the book
+she had been reading, as though she found the bit of real life more
+entertaining.
+
+When all was done it was pronounced a success. Even though you could
+not hear so very distinctly, at least the bells fastened at each end
+tinkled most realistically when the line was pulled.
+
+As they came out of the side door at the Fords' after inspecting
+Ikey's end of the telephone, Louise catching sight of a ball which lay
+on the grass made a spring for it. The others rushed after her, there
+was a scramble that would have shocked Aunt Marcia beyond expression,
+and Carl getting possession tossed it with all his might--he did not
+stop to think where. Alas! it went over into the next yard and a crash
+of broken glass told the tale. They looked at each other in
+consternation, and Ikey ran and peeped through the fence.
+
+"You have broken one of the Brown house windows," he reported.
+
+"It wasn't all his fault, it was partly mine," said Louise, who always
+stood by her friends in trouble.
+
+"Oh, dear!" sighed Bess. "Just when we were going to be so good! What
+will Aunt Zélie say?"
+
+"I'll have to go and tell them I did it, and that I'll have the glass
+put in," said Carl.
+
+Louise at once volunteered to go with him, and Bess suggested, "Let's
+all go."
+
+Ikey did not like the plan exactly, but he would not have objected for
+the world. Louise tossed back her long braids and put on her hat, and
+the solemn little party started out.
+
+"Whom shall I ask for?" Carl suddenly demanded, as they marched up
+the newly reddened walk.
+
+"Dear me! We don't know the name," gasped Bess, feeling inclined to
+turn and run.
+
+"Never mind, just ask for the lady of the house," said Louise, her
+courage rising to the occasion. "It sounds beggarish, but you can't
+help it."
+
+Bess and Ikey retreated a little when the door was opened by a woman
+who asked somewhat gruffly what they wanted.
+
+Carl hesitated, so Louise in her politest manner inquired for the lady
+of the house.
+
+"What do you want with her?" said the woman, eying them sharply.
+
+"We want to _see_ her," was the emphatic reply.
+
+"Well, you can't, then," and the door would have been shut in their
+faces if a voice from inside had not called "Mary!"
+
+She disappeared for a moment, then returning asked them in.
+
+Bess held Ikey's hand tightly as they followed the others along the
+hall. To think of being inside the Brown house!
+
+Before they had time to consider what they were to do or say, they
+found themselves in a quaint room with dim old portraits on the wall;
+but all the children saw was a lady with white hair and bright eyes,
+seated in an invalid's chair by the window. As Louise advanced
+timidly, followed by the others, this lady held out her hand, saying:
+
+"You wish to speak to me, Mary says; I am very glad to see you."
+
+They all felt reassured by her pleasant tone, and Louise found her
+voice.
+
+"We came to tell you that, while we were playing, Carl threw his ball
+and broke your window. It was partly my fault too, and we thought we
+would all come and tell you."
+
+"I am very sorry about it, and I will have a new pane put in," Carl
+added.
+
+"I am sure it was an accident," said the lady, smiling; "you must not
+feel badly. I shall be glad of it if it helps me to make the
+acquaintance of some of my new neighbors. Won't you tell me your
+names?"
+
+Louise's dimples at once began to show themselves, for she was always
+ready to make friends, and she gave her plump little hand, saying:
+
+"I am Louise Hazeltine, and this is my brother Carl and my sister
+Bess, and Ikey Ford who lives next door."
+
+"We are much obliged to you for not minding about the window," Bess
+added, forgetting her shyness.
+
+"Won't you sit down and talk to me for a while? I am Miss Brown."
+
+The children smiled at each other. "We have always called this the
+Brown house," Carl explained.
+
+"Then you won't have to change. It is much simpler than if I had
+happened to be named Green or Black, isn't it?" said their new friend,
+laughing. "And now I am sure you can't guess what I call _your_
+house."
+
+Of course they couldn't, so she told them that she had named it the
+house with the Big Front Door.
+
+This amused them very much, and Louise asked, "How did you know we
+lived there?"
+
+"Oh, I have seen you going in and out. I can't move about easily, so
+when I grow tired of reading or sewing I look out of the window."
+
+It was astonishing how much at home they felt. Bess and Louise sat
+together in a big chair chattering away as if they had known Miss
+Brown all their lives. When she asked about the telephone, even Ikey
+had a word to say as they grew merry over the story of their
+difficulties.
+
+As they were leaving, Bess said demurely, "Miss Brown, I think we
+ought to tell you that we have been playing in your garden. We didn't
+mean to do any harm, but Aunt Zélie says it wasn't respecting other
+people's property."
+
+"My dear children, I wish you would come often and play in my garden,"
+was the hospitable reply.
+
+"I am afraid your Mary wouldn't like it," said Louise; adding quickly,
+"and we'd rather come inside now and see you."
+
+"Thank you, I hope you will come, and you must excuse poor Mary; she
+is not so ill-natured as she seems."
+
+"Aunt Zélie," said Carl that evening as they were relating the day's
+adventures, "Miss Brown is tiptop, she wasn't a bit mad. There is
+something about her like you."
+
+"Why, Carl! Her hair is white, and she is not nearly so pretty," cried
+Louise.
+
+"Well, goosie, I didn't say she looked like her, did I?"
+
+"She is very nice at any rate, and has lots of things to show us some
+time--things she had when she was a little girl. We may go to see her
+again, mayn't we, Auntie?" Bess asked.
+
+"Do you think she would like me to go to see her?" Helen inquired.
+
+"Probably she wouldn't mind; we will take you sometime," Louise
+replied graciously.
+
+Helen had returned from her drive in a happy frame of mind, for Aunt
+Marcia had bought her a charming little card-case, and had ordered
+some engraved cards to go in it. Her sisters admired it as much as its
+proud owner could desire, and were quite attentive all the evening.
+
+"Mary," said Miss Brown that night, "those are nice children; and just
+think! I already know _four_ of my neighbors!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+DORA.
+
+
+One afternoon, when the interest in the Brown house was still at its
+height, and before the children had made the acquaintance of their new
+neighbor, a little girl came slowly up the street carrying a
+sun-umbrella.
+
+A hush had fallen upon the neighborhood; nobody was to be seen, and
+the only sound not made by the birds and insects was the far-away
+click and whirr of a lawn-mower.
+
+She had had a long walk and was tired; a carriage-block under the
+maple trees offered a pleasant resting place, so, closing her
+umbrella, she sat down. She had a pair of frank gray eyes and a smile
+that made you feel at once that she was a cheery little person,
+accustomed to make the best of things.
+
+"How still it is!" she said to herself. "I wonder if some wicked fairy
+has put everybody to sleep? I wish I might go into their houses and
+break the spell. And here comes an enchanted prince," she continued,
+laughing at the fancy, as a large black cat came across the street in
+a leisurely, sleepy way.
+
+The gray eyes seemed to inspire his confidence, for the victim of
+enchantment stopped to rub against her dress.
+
+"Pretty old kitty, you are somebody's pet," she said, softly touching
+the glossy head.
+
+He could have told her that some one in the neighborhood was awake. In
+fact, two individuals had invaded the shady spot where he was taking
+his nap, and persisted in tickling his ears with grass till he was
+obliged to leave. He did not mention this, however, only arched his
+back and purred a little, and then, as if he suddenly remembered
+important business, trotted off through the bars of the gate and up
+the walk leading to a large house. The observer on the carriage-block
+thought it the most attractive house she had ever seen. Everything
+about it told of pleasant times: the tennis net, the hammock under the
+trees, the broad piazza, and, most of all, the wide front door which
+seemed to invite her to come in and see what sort of people lived
+behind it. "I wonder who lives here. I wish I knew. I believe I'll
+follow the cat and find out," she thought merrily.
+
+At this moment the door opened and two little girls appeared, all in a
+flutter of dainty blue ruffles. Each carried a cushion, and one had
+what looked like an atlas under her arm.
+
+"Shall we sit on the porch, Bess?" asked the one with yellow hair.
+
+"Oh, no, Louise, don't you think it will be pleasanter under the
+chestnut tree?" the brown-haired maiden said; and then they came
+across the grass and settled themselves under the horse-chestnut, the
+branches of which met those of the maple tree that cast its shade over
+the carriage-block. They were quite unconscious of the wistful eyes
+that watched them as they bent over the atlas, from which Louise took
+some large sheets of paper.
+
+"How pretty they are! I wish I knew them," the owner of the eyes said
+to herself. Then, feeling rather shy in the presence of these charming
+little persons who might look around presently and wonder what she was
+doing there, she rose and took up her umbrella.
+
+She couldn't help lingering a little, for she wanted very much to know
+what they were going to do. Standing where she was shielded front
+their view by a bush that grew in the fence corner, this is what she
+heard:
+
+"We haven't played the Carletons for ever so long; do begin," urged
+Louise.
+
+"I think Lucy ought to be married," said Bess; "she is eighteen, you
+know, and I suppose people are generally married when they are so old
+as that. Then a wedding will be such fun!"
+
+"Yes, indeed, and she has been engaged to Edwin Graves a long time."
+
+"Well, her father and mother have at last consented, though they
+wanted her to marry an English earl, who was madly in love with her."
+
+"I am glad I finished the new house in time," said Louise, holding up
+a drawing which represented the interior of a lofty mansion. "But go
+on about the earl."
+
+"She met him at the queen's palace, where all the English young ladies
+were in love with him, but he thought Lucy the most beautiful of all.
+She did not care for him, though, because she loved Edwin and had
+promised to marry him. Even though he hadn't so much money, she said
+she would rather marry a free-born American than any haughty earl."
+
+"That is very interesting," said Louise, admiring the patriotic
+sentiment, "but do you suppose if she didn't marry Edwin he would die
+of a broken heart?"
+
+"But she is going to marry him," said Bess, refusing to consider the
+question.
+
+"And now we will skip the getting ready part and have the wedding. It
+is a beautiful cloudless night in June, and there are roses
+everywhere; the house is filled with them."
+
+"I'll put them in while you are telling it," suggested the artist.
+
+Bess assented to this and continued, "Lucy is dressed now, and she is
+the most beautiful bride anyone ever saw."
+
+"Do you remember Aunt Zélie's wedding?" asked Louise. "Cousin Helen
+says she was the prettiest bride she ever saw."
+
+"Not very well. I don't remember how she looked, but I think she is
+the most beautiful person in the world now."
+
+"Oh, yes, so do I!"
+
+The wedding then went on without interruption for a while.
+
+"Lucy is tall and stately, her eyes are blue as the sky, and her hair
+is long and golden. She speaks very softly, and has the sweetest
+smile, and she walks like a queen. Her dress is white silk and
+beautiful lace, with a long, long train, and she wears diamonds and
+carries a bunch of roses."
+
+"Now tell about Edwin Graves, Bess."
+
+"Men are a great deal harder to do," said the story-teller with a
+sigh.
+
+"Let me, then, for I know exactly how he looks," and, clasping her
+hands around her knees and gazing upwards, Louise began: "He is very
+tall and grand-looking, his eyes are black, and his voice is very
+deep."
+
+At this interesting point Bess exclaimed, "Louise, here comes Uncle
+William, and I know he is going to take us driving!"
+
+The listener, who had forgotten everything but the story, came to
+herself with a start. "How dreadful of me!" she said, walking away
+very rapidly, while the story-tellers ran out of the gate to greet a
+tall gentleman who had just driven up.
+
+"I suppose they are sisters," she thought, looking back once more
+before she turned the corner.
+
+"How nice it must be to live in a house like that. _Bess_ and
+_Louise_; I wonder what their last name is."
+
+Louise was busy with her drawing one morning, comfortably established
+in a shady corner of the porch, when her aunt called to her:
+
+"I wish you would keep an eye on Carie while Joanna goes on an errand
+for me."
+
+"I will, Aunt Zélie," she responded promptly.
+
+It was not likely her charge would give her much trouble, for Carie
+was quite capable of entertaining herself, and was at that moment
+promenading back and forth with an old parasol over her head,
+pretending she was going to market.
+
+"Don't go on the grass, baby; it is wet," cautioned Louise, by way of
+showing her authority, and then returned to the new mansion for the
+Carletons upon which she was working. She soon became so absorbed in
+this that she forget to look up now and then.
+
+Meanwhile Carie talked busily to herself, gesticulating with one small
+forefinger. But after a little she grew tired of filling her basket
+with grass and leaves, and stood peeping out through the bars of the
+gate. How much more fun it would be to go to the real market where she
+had often been with Joanna! She knew perfectly well that she was not
+allowed outside by herself, but that did not make it seem any less
+attractive. With a cautious glance over her shoulder she softly
+pulled the gate open, and in a moment more was flying up the street.
+When she reached the corner she turned to the right and slackened her
+pace, feeling very important and grown up as she bobbed merrily along
+under her parasol.
+
+"Where are you going, little one?" asked a man who passed her.
+
+She gave him a roguish glance as she answered, "To martet."
+
+At the next corner she turned again to the right, safely crossing the
+street, but here everything was unfamiliar and she began to feel
+timid. Then she suddenly saw a very large dog coming toward her. He
+was so large she thought he must be a bear, and, with a frightened
+scream, she turned to run, but tripped over her parasol, and fell, a
+forlorn little heap, on the sidewalk.
+
+"What is the matter? Are you hurt? You mustn't be afraid of the dog;
+he is good, and doesn't bite."
+
+These reassuring words were spoken by a girl of eleven or twelve, who
+helped her up and brushed off her dress.
+
+"What a darling you are!" she added, as Carie lifted her big blue
+eyes, all swimming in tears, saying, "I fought it was a bear."
+
+"No, indeed; he is only a nice old dog who lives next door to me, so I
+know all about him. Now tell me where you are going all alone?"
+
+"I runned away," was the honest answer, "and I dess you better take
+me home," she added, looking up confidingly into the pleasant face.
+
+"Then you must tell me what your name is and where you live."
+
+Carie could tell her name, but to the other question could only
+answer, "Over there," pointing in the wrong direction with great
+assurance. Her companion was puzzled; she felt certain some one was
+alarmed at the disappearance of this dainty little midget.
+
+"I'll ask Mrs. West if she knows anybody near here named Hazeltine,"
+she said. "Come in and sit on the doorstep till I find out something
+about you."
+
+She was back in a moment. "I think I know now, you dear little thing!
+It must be that lovely house I saw the other day."
+
+For some minutes after Carie's flight Louise worked on, then
+remembering her charge she discovered her absence. She ran to the gate
+and looked up and down the street, she searched the garden and the
+house, and finally burst in upon Aunt Zélie crying:
+
+"I have lost her! I have lost her!"
+
+The news spread in a moment; nothing else could be thought of till the
+lost darling was found.
+
+Carl ran in one direction, Sukey in another, and Bess flew over to ask
+if by any chance Miss Brown had seen the runaway. Louise stood on the
+porch, the picture of misery.
+
+  [Illustration: "A GIRL OF ELEVEN OR TWELVE HELPED HER UP AND
+  BRUSHED OFF HER CLOTHES."]
+
+"You will never trust me again, _never_" she sobbed as her aunt came
+out and stood beside her, looking anxiously up and down.
+
+"I am sure you won't be so careless another time," Aunt Zélie said,
+pitying her distress.
+
+At this moment who should turn the corner but the small cause of all
+the excitement, chatting away to her new friend, quite unconscious
+that she was giving anybody any trouble!
+
+"Why, Carie Hazeltine, where have you been?" cried Louise, drying her
+eyes and running to meet her.
+
+"I found her on Chestnut street--a dog had frightened her," her
+companion explained, reluctantly releasing the plump hand she held.
+
+"You are a naughty girl," said her sister, taking possession of her.
+"You might have been run over, or something dreadful."
+
+"I didn't det run over," Carie insisted indignantly.
+
+"Well, say good-by, and 'thank you for taking care of me.' We are all
+very much obliged to you," Louise added, turning to the stranger.
+Carie held up her mouth for a kiss, and then allowed herself to be led
+away.
+
+"At any rate I know their name is Hazeltine," said Carie's friend to
+herself.
+
+The culprit was soon in a fair way to think she had done something
+very funny and interesting, people made such a fuss over her, so Aunt
+Zélie carried her off to be solemnly reproved.
+
+"I suppose you are going to the party to-morrow, aren't you?" asked
+Elsie Morris, a neighbor and friend, who had been helping in the
+search.
+
+"Of course," answered Bess. "I am glad you came home in time, Elsie;
+Aleck is going to stay in and go with us."
+
+"There are to be fireworks and lanterns and all sorts of things,"
+observed Aleck, who lay at his ease in the hammock.
+
+"Yes, I know," said Elsie, "and everybody is to have a--I don't know
+what you call it--something to remember the party by. Annie May told
+me herself."
+
+"How nice! It will be almost like Christmas," said Louise.
+
+"Not like one of Uncle William's parties, though," put in Carl.
+
+"School begins next week, and three months of pegging before
+Christmas," groaned Aleck.
+
+"Come on, then; let's make the most of the time we have," Carl urged
+energetically.
+
+It was the afternoon of the next day, and Louise stood before the
+mirror critically viewing her sash.
+
+"Why, Joanna! You have made Bess's bows ever so much longer than
+mine."
+
+"I can't see what difference that makes," was the rather sharp reply,
+for the September day was warm and the task of dressing three restless
+young ladies for a party was not conducive to coolness.
+
+"It makes a great deal of difference to us, for we wish to look
+exactly alike," said Louise loftily. "And if you are going to do a
+thing at all, you ought to do it well; Father says so."
+
+"Dear me! Here comes Ikey, and we are not ready," exclaimed Bess, who
+stood at the window.
+
+"You might be if you weren't so particular. I never saw the beat of
+your equal," and Joanna whisked Helen's dress over her head.
+
+"The _beat_ of your _equal_," Bess repeated. "What does that mean,
+Jo?"
+
+"My patience!" was the only reply to be had from this much-enduring
+maid.
+
+"Joanna is cross; I'll get Aunt Zélie to tie my sash," said Louise,
+running off, followed by Bess.
+
+Their aunt was in the lower hall with Ikey, who was looking dignified,
+if not a trifle stiff, in a new standing collar. Louise decided that
+he needed a rose in his buttonhole, and danced away to get one when
+her sash had been arranged to her satisfaction.
+
+Though there was more than a year's difference in their ages, Bess and
+Louise were exactly the same height, and were sometimes taken for
+twins. This delighted them beyond measure, and to help the impression
+they wished to be dressed alike, down to the smallest detail.
+
+Though Bess's hair curled prettily she insisted on wearing it in two
+braids, because that was the only comfortable fashion in which her
+sister's heavy locks could be arranged. Aunt Zélie laughed at them,
+but let them have their way.
+
+Carl and Aleck were the last to appear, which Bess thought was very
+strange, considering they had no sashes to be tied, or hair to be
+curled or braided.
+
+"Now trot along and have the best kind of a time," said Aunt Zélie
+after she had inspected them, and given some finishing touches to
+their cravats; "I am proud of my girls and boys."
+
+They were a merry party as they started out, waving their good-bys,
+Ikey feeling particularly proud to be counted one of her boys. He only
+half wanted to go, for, though sociably inclined, he was bashful, but
+the girls had promised not to desert him.
+
+Carl affected to hold parties in disdain. "They never do anything
+worth while; who cares for 'drop the handkerchief' or dancing?"
+
+When Louise mischievously suggested that he must be going for the
+supper, he strolled ahead with an air of lofty scorn.
+
+The occasion was a birthday party, an outdoor affair, and the large
+yard was hung with Japanese lanterns ready to light when the sun went
+down. As the children came flocking in with their bright faces and gay
+ribbons, it was a pretty scene.
+
+There were swings and all sorts of games, and soon everybody was busy
+having a good time. Even Carl forgot that he did not like parties. But
+there was one person who seemed to be left out of the fun. Stopping to
+rest after some lively game, Bess noticed a girl sitting on a bench
+all by herself. She looked lonely, and Bess felt sorry for her.
+
+"I think I ought to go and speak to her; won't you go with me, Elsie?"
+she asked.
+
+"No; I'd rather not. I think she is funny-looking."
+
+"But I am afraid she does not know anybody."
+
+"Well, it is not our party; why doesn't Annie May take care of her?"
+And Elsie smoothed her pink ribbons complacently.
+
+Bess was shy, and thought she could not go by herself to speak to a
+stranger. "I'll wait till I see Louise," she said.
+
+"Who is that girl?" some one asked the little hostess.
+
+"Her name is Dora Warner," was the reply. "Mamma knows her mother.
+They haven't lived here long. I have tried to introduce her, but
+nobody wants to talk to her, and she doesn't know a single game. I
+wish Mamma would come and take care of her."
+
+The stranger sat alone looking on at the merry scene. She felt timid
+and unhappy, and had to wink very hard now and then to get rid of a
+troublesome mist that found its way to her eyes.
+
+"I am silly I know; I ought not to expect to get acquainted all at
+once," she said to herself bravely.
+
+If it had not been for the loneliness she might have enjoyed the fun
+going on around her, even though she had no part in it. Such dainty
+dresses, such laughing and dancing about, such airs and graces, she
+had never before seen! She recognized the charming little girls who
+had so taken her fancy a week or two before--sisters, she felt sure,
+of that dear little Carie.
+
+"Oh, dear!" she said at last; "I can't help wishing I had not come!"
+
+Not thinking what she was doing, Dora took up a croquet mallet which
+had been left on the bench, and began slowly to screw it into the
+ground. Just then a boy rushed by hotly chased by another. The one in
+pursuit tripped on the mallet and fell headlong on the grass.
+
+"Are you hurt? I am so sorry; I did not mean to do it!" she exclaimed
+in dismay.
+
+"No, I am not hurt," he replied, sitting up and rubbing the stains off
+his hands with his handkerchief. "How did you come to do it anyhow?"
+and he gave her a glimpse of a pair of merry brown eyes, and then went
+on polishing his hands.
+
+"I don't know," she answered.
+
+"If it had not been for you I could have caught Aleck."
+
+"I am so sorry," Dora said again, in such a mournful tone that the boy
+laughed.
+
+"You needn't think I care! Aleck knows I can catch him. Do you like to
+run?"
+
+"I haven't tried it very often lately. I think you could catch me,"
+she answered.
+
+"I probably could; as a general thing girls aren't much on running,
+but you should see Louise!"
+
+"Who is she?" asked Dora.
+
+"She is my sister; I thought everybody knew Louise."
+
+"I don't know any one," was the reply in a mournful tone.
+
+"Don't you really?" Carl asked, sitting up very straight; "and is that
+the reason you are over here by yourself?"
+
+"I know Annie a little, but you see I haven't lived here since I was a
+baby. We have been travelling about a good deal, so I haven't had a
+chance to know many people. Mamma wanted me to come this afternoon."
+
+There was something exceedingly pleasant in her straightforward
+manner.
+
+"I don't care much for parties myself," said Carl, "but if you want to
+get acquainted you must not stick in a corner."
+
+"What must I do?" Dora asked, smiling.
+
+"Well, to begin with, you make friends with somebody who knows
+somebody else, and so on. It is very easy."
+
+"Then I have begun with you, though I do not know your name."
+
+"Very well, here goes! My name is Carl Hazeltine, the girl over by the
+oak tree is my sister Louise, the boy with her is Isaac Ford--the one
+who is laughing I mean; next to him is Elsie Morris, and that fellow
+coming this way is Aleck Hazeltine, my cousin, and--"
+
+Dora put out her hand appealingly. "I can't possibly remember so many,
+and I haven't told you my name. It is Dora Warner."
+
+"We used to have a cat named Dora," Carl remarked gravely, taking a
+small round glass from his pocket and composedly surveying his
+necktie, "a nice, white, meek little pussy cat."
+
+"I had a dog once, when we were in London, named Carl--o. He was a
+curly dog and ever so vain when we tied a ribbon on his collar," was
+the prompt response. Then they both laughed merrily, and Carl asked
+with friendly interest, "Were you really in London!"
+
+"Yes, we were there last winter."
+
+"Wasn't it great fun?"
+
+"No, for papa was ill, and mamma always with him, so I was lonely."
+
+Something in Dora's tone made Carl notice that her sash was black.
+
+"So I suppose her father is dead," he thought, but could think of
+nothing to say, and jumping up suddenly was off like a flash.
+
+Dora thought her new acquaintance a funny one, but his friendly manner
+had made her feel cheerful again.
+
+She saw him coming back presently, accompanied by a little girl with
+soft dark eyes and a sweet face which she recognized at once.
+
+"This is my sister Bess," he announced.
+
+Bess sat down beside her, saying gravely, "Carl says you don't know
+anyone. Wouldn't you like to come and play with us? We are going to
+begin a new game."
+
+Dora was quite ready. "Only I am afraid I shall not know how," she
+said.
+
+"That won't make the least difference, for we haven't any of us played
+it before. It is very easy--just throwing bean-bags," and, taking her
+hand in a friendly clasp, Bess led her toward a gay group that was all
+in an uproar over some of Aleck's nonsense.
+
+"Here comes that odd-looking girl," whispered Elsie to Helen. "Just
+see what a plain dress she has on!"
+
+"Why, you are the girl who brought our Carie home yesterday, aren't
+you?" cried Louise, as Bess introduced Dora.
+
+"Are you really? She has been talking about you all day. Carl, it was
+Dora who found Carie," Bess exclaimed delightedly.
+
+From this moment the charmed circle was open to her. Dora could hardly
+believe she was not dreaming. To be taken into the midst of all the
+fun under the protection of her new friends--to find herself suddenly
+popular! What could have seemed more incredible half an hour before?
+Louise, who was a born leader, and whose bright face and sunny temper
+made her a general favorite, took her in charge, and Dora entered so
+heartily into the game, laughing so merrily at her mistakes, that her
+companions begun at once to like her.
+
+"Come, Elsie, aren't you going to play?" asked Bess.
+
+"I don't know how," was her reply, in a fretful tone.
+
+"It is perfectly easy," said one of the others.
+
+"Never mind; she doesn't know beans," laughed Aleck, tossing a bag to
+Dora.
+
+"I know you are very rude," pouted Elsie.
+
+"Do play," urged Dora, running to her. "I will show you exactly how,"
+and half reluctantly she yielded, for she really wanted to play.
+Before they were through the game, supper interrupted, and gave them
+something else to think about.
+
+Mrs. May, remembering the stranger and coming to look for her,
+concluded that she was quite able to take care of herself, for she
+seemed to be having an extremely good time.
+
+A good time truly it was, Dora thought, as she sat among her new
+friends.
+
+"I am so glad we are acquainted with you," Louise said.
+
+"I am sure I am glad," she answered, "and I do hope I shall see Carie
+again sometime. There is one thing I must tell you," she continued.
+"The other day I walked by your house, and I was so tired I sat down
+on your carriage-block to rest. It was very quiet, and nobody was in
+sight, and I was sitting there thinking how very big your front door
+was--"
+
+"How did you know it was our house?" asked Bess.
+
+"I didn't then, but presently the door opened and you two came out.
+You had on blue dresses, and Louise had a book, and you came and sat
+under a tree not very far from me."
+
+"Why, we didn't see you!"
+
+"I know you did not, and, of course, I ought to have gone away,
+but"--here Dora's face flushed--"I couldn't help hearing the beginning
+of your story, and then I forget what I was doing--it was dreadful; I
+want you to know about it--I listened to all you said."
+
+"How funny! And we did not see you! Why, Dora, we don't care a bit, do
+we, Bess?"
+
+"I am very glad if you don't. I was so ashamed of myself. I hoped some
+day I should know you, but I did not think it would happen so soon,"
+and Dora heaved a sigh of relief.
+
+"But isn't it funny that you should have found Carie?" said Bess.
+
+"And then have tripped me up," added Carl, joining them. "It is really
+as curious as our getting acquainted with Miss Brown."
+
+"Who is Miss Brown?" asked Elsie.
+
+"She is a person who has lately moved into Nottingham castle," he
+replied gravely.
+
+"Robin Hood broke one of her windows," added Aleck.
+
+"What does he mean? I don't understand it at all," fretted Elsie, who
+was so easily teased the boys could never resist the temptation.
+
+"Carl is talking nonsense. I will tell you about her sometime," said
+Bess.
+
+"Good-by, Dora," said Louise when the happy evening was over and they
+were starting home. "I think we ought to be friends because you found
+Carie; don't you, Bess?"
+
+Bess certainly thought so, for she had taken a desperate fancy to this
+new acquaintance.
+
+"You must come to see me; Helen and all of you," Dora said cordially.
+
+"Mamma, I have had a beautiful time, I am glad I went," she exclaimed,
+standing beside her mother's couch a few minutes later. "Does your
+head ache? Then I'll wait till to-morrow to tell you about it;" and
+she went to bed to dream pleasant dreams.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+UNCLE WILLIAM.
+
+
+When the children reached home that evening they found Aunt Marcia and
+Uncle William in the library.
+
+Carie, too, was there, bent on an investigation of her uncle's pocket,
+from which she had just brought to light in triumph a chocolate mouse.
+
+"Now, baby dear, you must go to bed, mammy is waiting for you," said
+Aunt Zélie.
+
+"Let me find one uzzer one," pleaded Carie, depositing her prize on
+her uncle's knee, and continuing the search.
+
+"Of course you have had a 'perfectly lovely' time," said Uncle William
+as the party-goers entered.
+
+"Indeed we have," answered Louise, establishing herself on an arm of
+her father's chair. "And we've found the nicest girl," she added.
+
+"I found her," said Carl.
+
+"She is the girl who brought Carie home yesterday, and we like her
+very much," explained Bess.
+
+"Annie May hasn't any politeness; she didn't introduce her to more
+than one or two people. Think of being at a big party like that and
+not knowing anyone!"
+
+"That is not a proper way in which to speak of your hostess, my son,"
+said Mr. Hazeltine.
+
+"How did you happen to get acquainted with her?" asked Aunt Zélie,
+smiling at Carl's vehemence.
+
+"Auntie, it was the funniest thing you ever heard of!" Louise
+exclaimed. "She tripped him up with a croquet mallet!"
+
+"She must have been desperate," remarked her father, pulling one of
+the long braids that hung over her shoulder.
+
+"She did not mean to do it--it was when I was running after Aleck--and
+she was very sorry. Then I found she didn't know anybody, so I went
+for Bess, and she had a good time after that," Carl explained briefly.
+
+"She has lived in London, and different places abroad," Bess added.
+
+"May we go to see her, auntie? We told her we would if you'd let us."
+
+"Louise, you should never promise to visit people till you know
+something about them," said Aunt Marcia reprovingly.
+
+"Her name is Dora Warner, and she boards with her mother at Mrs.
+West's on Chestnut street, and her father is dead. I think we know a
+good deal about her, Aunt Marcia," Bess said demurely.
+
+"I am going to see her, and take her a chocolate mouse," Carie
+suddenly announced, having been a silent listener while she captured a
+handful of mice.
+
+"I want to know what it is you like so much about your new friend,"
+said Uncle William.
+
+"What do you think of her, Helen?" his wife asked of the little girl,
+sitting so quietly beside her.
+
+"Oh, I like her, Aunt Marcia, ever so much. She asked _me_ to come to
+see her, and she is older than Bess."
+
+"There is no nonsense about her," said Carl.
+
+"I think it is hard to tell why you like people." Bess twisted her
+handkerchief meditatively. "She isn't exactly pretty, but she is
+pleasant and polite--"
+
+"Yes, and she is ready to do anything, and doesn't think about her
+clothes," Carl interposed.
+
+"Boys think about their clothes as well as girls," said Louise. "I
+know lots of girls who don't think about their clothes."
+
+"So do I--some who have no regard whatever for them," said Aunt Zélie,
+laughing.
+
+"Do you know I like the description they give of Dora," remarked Mr.
+William Hazeltine, after the children had left the room.
+
+"I never knew Carl to be so warm in the praise of a new acquaintance,"
+said his brother. "You will have to let them go to see her, Zélie."
+
+"Pray, do not be rash; find out who they are first," begged Mrs.
+Hazeltine.
+
+"I can't help thinking," said her husband, "that this little girl may
+be the daughter of my old friend Dick Warner; you remember him, Frank?
+He died about a year ago, somewhere abroad. As bright and
+sweet-tempered a fellow as ever lived! I must look into it."
+
+Uncle William usually had his own way about things, for the reason
+that no other way was so pleasant. No one could resist his bright face
+and cordial manner. He carried around with him an atmosphere of such
+hearty goodwill that it was next to impossible to be cross or gloomy
+in his presence. People sometimes wondered how he happened to marry
+Mrs. Hazeltine, but the reason was plain enough to him. He regarded
+her with the greatest admiration, feeling that a harum-scarum fellow
+like himself was most fortunate in having such a wife to keep him
+straight. He was very proud and fond of her, and quite blind to what
+others called her managing propensities. Sometimes, indeed, he
+wondered how she could be so severe in her judgment of the children,
+but then someone must be firm. And though she was often annoyed by his
+friendliness with all sorts of odd people, and wished William would
+draw the line somewhere, she always ended by saying leniently that he
+would never be anything but a boy.
+
+He had a warm love for children. No matter how ragged and forlorn they
+might be, they interested him. The newsboys and bootblacks felt that
+he was their friend, and many were the treats they received at his
+hand. By his young relatives and their many friends he was looked upon
+as a sort of every-day Santa Claus. One of his peculiarities was a
+love for surprising people. He sent mysterious parcels, left candy
+about in unexpected places, or took the children out for a walk, and
+then whisked them off on some delightful excursion.
+
+Promptness was another of Uncle William's good qualities. Having
+determined to make inquiries about his old friend, he did it at once,
+and so it happened that Dora and her mother were called down to the
+parlor one day to see a tall gentleman with kindly dark eyes and
+iron-gray hair, who won them at once by his simple, cordial manner.
+
+Mrs. Warner was a thoroughly saddened woman since the death of her
+husband, but even she could not resist his friendliness, and Dora was
+altogether captivated.
+
+The children were surprised and delighted when they heard that their
+uncle had been to see the Warners, and that Dora was really the
+daughter of his old friend.
+
+"So of course we _ought_ to be friends with her," Bess remarked, as
+though it was a solemn duty rather than a pleasure.
+
+Aunt Zélie allowed them to go to see her at once, and invite her to
+spend the next day with them.
+
+"Don't things happen beautifully, Mamma?" Dora said gayly, as she
+dressed that morning. "To think that I really know Bess and Louise,
+and am going to see them!"
+
+Her mother smiled sadly; she was glad her daughter had found such
+pleasant friends, for she knew that their quiet life was making her
+old for her years.
+
+So Dora, in a flutter of delight, found herself following in the
+footsteps of the black cat, up the walk leading to the Big Front Door.
+And there on the porch, stretched at his ease, was that gentleman
+himself, apparently waiting for her, for he rose to meet her, and
+arched his back, and purred with great friendliness.
+
+Then the door opened and she was inside, but before she could look
+around her, three little girls came flying down the stairs and laid
+violent hands upon her. Talking very fast, and quite breathless with
+laughing, they took her up to the dainty room--all blue and
+white--which Bess and Louise called theirs, where she took off her
+hat. Next she had to be presented to Aunt Zélie, from whom she
+received a welcome which made her feel at home from that minute. And
+then to the star chamber, where they found Carl, who was very glad
+indeed to see Dora again. One morning was really too short for all
+there was to be said and seen.
+
+Dora was interested in everything: stamp albums, photographs, dolls,
+and most of all in the story books.
+
+"You must take 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' home with you," Carl
+insisted when he found she had not read it, and then the others began
+to press their favorites upon her until she was quite overwhelmed.
+
+She must look over at the Brown house garden, and hear about their new
+neighbor, and about Ikey Ford, and how tiresome his grandmother was.
+These confidences were interrupted by Carie, who walked in, eager to
+see the girl who had found her, and other attractions faded before the
+delight of holding this dainty bit of humanity on her lap. Nothing
+could be so charming, Dora thought, as she kissed the rosy cheeks and
+soft hair, and listened to her funny chatter; for Carie, who was not
+given to showing favors indiscriminately, treated her with unusual
+graciousness, bestowing chocolate mice with a lavish hand.
+
+"You ought to be the best children in the world, for you have
+everything," Dora said as they went down to lunch.
+
+"Oh, we are!" modestly replied Carl.
+
+When this was over she was taken into a large room full of books and
+beautiful things, among them two portraits. One of these was of a
+white-haired man whose eyes seemed to smile at her as Bess said, "This
+is Grandfather;" the other face had something about it so like Bess's
+own that her low-toned explanation, "This is Mamma," was not needed.
+
+After all, they had not quite everything.
+
+When Carl went over to see Ikey about something, they seized the
+opportunity to play the Carletons, it being a game that the masculine
+mind scorned. They sat under the same chestnut tree, and the black cat
+joined them, and was formally introduced to Dora as Mr. Smith.
+Everything was quiet in the neighborhood, somebody was cutting the
+grass not far away, and it really might have been mistaken for that
+afternoon two weeks ago, except that the girl who was then on the
+carriage-block was now in the garden. To make the resemblance
+complete, who should drive up but Uncle William, calling to know if
+anybody wanted to go to the country.
+
+The Carletons were promptly consigned to the seclusion of the atlas,
+while the romancers ran for their hats.
+
+It was almost dark when Dora was set down at her own door, merry and
+rosy.
+
+"Good-by! and do ask your mother to let you go to our school," her
+friends called, waving their handkerchiefs as they turned the corner.
+That happy day settled it. Dora and the Hazeltines became fast
+friends. Everybody liked her, the grown people as well as the
+children. Even Aunt Marcia pronounced her a most well-behaved little
+girl, and hoped Bess and Louise would profit by her example. Carl
+claimed the credit of having discovered her, and Carie always referred
+to her as "My Dora."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE MAGIC DOOR.
+
+
+When Miss Brown said of the Big Front Door that it made her cheerful
+simply to look at it, she had no idea, nor had anyone else, how much
+was going to grow out of it.
+
+First of all was the story Uncle William told one stormy Sunday
+evening before the wood fire in the library.
+
+It had been a trying day to the children, with the rain coming
+steadily down, their father away, and Aunt Zélie sick with a cold.
+Perhaps it was not to be wondered at that by afternoon they had grown
+"cantankerous," as Sukey expressed it, and that something very like
+quarrelling had gone on in the star chamber.
+
+This was all forgotten when the early tea was over, and they gathered
+around the fire with Uncle William in father's arm-chair.
+
+The shadows were dark in the corners of the room, but the soft
+wavering light gilded everything within reach, touching Grandfather's
+portrait with its gentle magic, till he himself seemed to be standing
+there, smiling and about to speak. The young faces turned to Uncle
+William were full of quiet content.
+
+"Do you know what Miss Brown has named our house?" Bess asked. "She
+calls it the house with the Big Front Door."
+
+"That is a very good name and reminds me of a story."
+
+"Oh, please tell it," they all begged, and so without preface Uncle
+William begun:
+
+"Once upon a time a man built a house. He selected the materials with
+greatest care, and watched every brick, stone, and beam used in its
+construction, that everything might be strong and good. But it was to
+the front door that he gave most thought. This was of oak after a
+design of his own, and was wide and massive, with hinges of
+wrought-iron and a dragon's-head knocker. Some of his neighbors
+admired it, others found fault with it, objecting that it was out of
+proportion and too large for a dwelling-house. But after a while they
+discovered that it was more than an ordinary door. There was some
+magic about it; it shed a radiance over the whole neighborhood. People
+when they were perplexed would look towards it, and presently their
+doubts would fade away. Those who were despondent or sorrowful were
+cheered and comforted by the sight of it. In stormy weather it was
+like a small neighborhood sun. And no one rejoiced more than its owner
+in the strange power of the door, for he had a heart full of love and
+goodwill, and he and his children were constantly doing kindnesses to
+their neighbors. They were a happy family too among themselves, and
+the reason seemed to be because they lived in the radiance of the
+magic door.
+
+"At length, to the sorrow of his friends, this good man died. In his
+parting instructions to his children he warned them that the door
+might sometime lose its power, and if its hinges should ever become
+rusty, or its lock hard to turn, he directed them to a certain iron
+box where they would find a key which, if used according to the
+directions attached, would soon restore it. This made little or no
+impression upon them at the time, for, since the oldest of them could
+remember, the door had been always the same, and it seemed improbable
+that it would ever change. They missed their father sadly, but for a
+time continued to live as they had when he was with them. However, as
+the months passed, all unconsciously at first they began to neglect
+their duties; to forget the acts of neighborly kindness they had once
+been so glad to perform; and saddest of all, they fell to quarrelling
+among themselves. Then one day they could not open the door, try as
+they would. Rust was discovered thick upon its hinges, and while they
+were wondering how this could have happened, some one brought word
+that complaint was general in the neighborhood that the door had lost
+its magic power. The children looked at one another in dismay, till
+one remembered the iron box and went in search of it. When it was
+found and opened in the midst of the family there was in it simply an
+ordinary key with a card tied to it, and on the card were written
+these words: 'They helped every one his neighbor.'
+
+"They were for a time at a loss to understand, when one wiser than the
+rest spoke: 'Do you not see,' he said, 'that it was the spirit of
+helpfulness that made our home happy, and gave our door its strange
+power? We have neglected our father's teaching; have been selfish and
+unloving, and so are no longer a blessing to ourselves or others.'
+
+"Each felt in his heart that this was true, and with one accord they
+made up their quarrels; one went to visit a sick neighbor, another
+carried a coat to a poor man and food to his children, and in various
+ways they tried to begin over again, and live as their father had
+lived. Then happiness returned to their home, the key slipped easily
+into the lock, the door opened wide once more, and gradually regained
+its old power. So not only were they happy themselves, but they kept
+alive the memory of their father, whose name was loved and honored by
+all who came within the radiance of the magic door."
+
+There was silence for a few minutes; then Bess asked, "Was Grandfather
+the man who built the house?"
+
+Uncle William smiled.
+
+"You must find the moral for yourselves, but I acknowledge that Miss
+Brown put the idea into my head."
+
+"And you told it because we were cross this afternoon, I know," said
+Louise wisely.
+
+"Suppose Miss Brown could tell when we are bad just by looking at the
+door!" Carl suggested, laughing.
+
+"It would be dreadful," said Bess soberly.
+
+"But it isn't true about _our_ door, is it?" Helen asked.
+
+"Of course not, goosie," replied her brother.
+
+"Put it the other way, and suppose that Miss Brown could tell when you
+are kind and unselfish, that would not be dreadful," said their uncle.
+"And I forgot to say," he added, "that the key in the story is
+warranted to work like magic anywhere. It was a favorite text of your
+grandfather's. When this house was built I was a little boy, hardly as
+old as Helen, but I remember distinctly the first time I went through
+it. I was very much delighted, and came running down the steps,
+calling, 'Oh, father, what a nice house this is!' and he replied, 'I
+am glad you like it, William. It is only a house now, but we are going
+to try to make it a home.' I don't think I quite understood what he
+meant till long afterwards, though he went on to explain that a home
+is a place where love, obedience, and helpfulness grow, and are stored
+up as the water is stored in Quarry Hill reservoir, to find its way
+out into the world after a while, carrying comfort and cheer.
+
+"Your grandfather did all he could to make this house a real home
+while he lived, and now the responsibility rests upon you."
+
+"I truly mean to remember the key, and try to be a helper," said Bess,
+finding and marking the text in her own Bible, at Uncle William's
+suggestion. "I like that part about the radiance of the magic door,"
+she added.
+
+"It is easy enough to talk about it, but it's not so easy to _be_
+good," said Carl with emphasis.
+
+"We are not here to do easy things, and, as Bess says, we can all
+try," Uncle William replied, "and now we have had a sermon, let us
+have some music before I go."
+
+"Let's tell Dora about the magic door; perhaps she would like to
+help!" said Louise, as she and Bess went upstairs to bed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+IKEY'S ACCIDENT.
+
+
+The days grew shorter and cooler, the leaves began to flutter down,
+and each morning, from her sitting-room window, Miss Brown watched the
+children start for school.
+
+First the little girls, tossing good-by kisses to Aunt Zélie, ran down
+the walk to join Dora or Elsie; then a few minutes later Ikey was at
+the gate whistling for Carl. In the five months since Ikey had come to
+stay with his grandparents the boys had become almost inseparable.
+
+Dr. Isaac Clinton Ford was a surgeon in the navy, and having been
+ordered to the Mediterranean, his wife, whose health was not good,
+followed him, with their little daughter, while young Isaac was sent
+to his father's old home. Warmly attached to it himself, Dr. Ford
+could think of no better place for his son, and old Mr. and Mrs. Ford
+felt that it would be almost like having their boy again, from whom
+they had had only brief visits for eighteen years.
+
+Unfortunately, neither took into account that young Isaac was totally
+unlike the quiet, studious boy his father had been. It was a question
+which suffered most during those first weeks, the elderly people
+whose lives had moved on like clockwork for so many years, or the
+mischievous, fun-loving boy suddenly introduced into their household.
+
+The Fords' was a tall, three-story, stone front house, with everything
+about it inside and out in immaculate order. The stone steps and walk
+were spotless, the windows shone, and the shades and curtains were
+arranged in the most exact manner. The only flowers were three
+oleanders in tubs, and these partook of the general tidiness.
+
+It is easy to see that a boy without any deep regard for spotless
+stones, who labored under the delusion that windows were made to look
+out of, and who did not hesitate to push curtains aside and open
+blinds, who whistled when his grandfather was taking his nap, left his
+things lying about, and teased the snappish old pug was destined to be
+a trial. On the other hand, the change from a free and easy home life,
+with a mother as merry-hearted as himself and a father who was more of
+a boy at forty than he had been at twelve, to that humdrum routine
+would have been trying to wiser people than Ikey.
+
+No wonder the first weeks were full of miserable homesickness. Life
+would have been unendurable if the Hazeltines had not discovered him.
+Ikey was ready to meet them more than half way, and before long became
+their boon companion.
+
+Mrs. Howard, the children's aunt, guessed how matters stood, for she
+had lived across the street from the Fords most of her life; so she
+went to his grandmother, and asked her to let Ikey play with Carl and
+the little girls every day.
+
+Mrs. Ford consented, feeling surprised and gratified; and unwilling to
+be lacking in hospitality, she allowed her grandson and his friends
+the freedom of the back yard, on condition that they would respect the
+front. Before the summer was over she had become so used to the sound
+of the children's voices that she no longer found it necessary to go
+to the window every five minutes to see what they were doing.
+
+Ikey had a genius for getting hurt. Cuts, bumps, and bruises were
+matters of every-day occurrence, and were accepted with a heroism born
+of long familiarity. But one morning when he and Carl were on their
+way to school he met with an accident which was unusually hard to
+bear.
+
+As they were passing a high board fence they heard a great barking and
+growling, as if a lot of dogs were tearing one another to pieces.
+"What in the world!" exclaimed Carl, trying to find some crack or
+knothole.
+
+"You can't see in that way," Ikey cried scornfully, and giving a
+spring he grasped the top of the fence and drew himself up to look
+over.
+
+Exactly how it happened he could never tell; probably his curiosity
+was resented, for before he had time to see anything, some sharp
+teeth made themselves felt, and he dropped down groaning, "My nose! My
+nose!" Carl was very much alarmed at sight of the blood that streamed
+down from his face, but had presence of mind to remember a doctor's
+office in the next block.
+
+"Your nose isn't all gone, is it?" he asked anxiously, as he led the
+way.
+
+"No, I think there is some of it left," came in muffled tones from the
+handkerchief Ikey held to his face.
+
+Fortunately the doctor was in and dressed the wound, pronouncing it
+not serious, but advising his patient not to be in such a hurry to
+investigate strange dogs another time, or he might lose the whole of
+his nose instead of only a slice.
+
+Relieved that it was no worse, and not being in the habit of making a
+fuss over his hurts, Ikey decided to go on to school.
+
+Perhaps if he could have looked in the glass he would not have been so
+ready, for the yellow plaster did not add to his beauty.
+
+Now all danger was over, Carl could not contain himself, but laughed
+and laughed till his friend's feelings were somewhat hurt.
+
+They were late of course, and created a sensation when they entered,
+and the suppressed amusement among the boys became an uproar at
+recess. It was decidedly trying to be the object of so much school-boy
+wit; to hear over and over again: "Ikey, what ails your
+nose?"--"Can't you wear it in a sling?"--"Or put a shade over it?"--or
+to see on the blackboard lines adapted from Mother Goose:
+
+    "It used to be a blackbird, so the story goes,
+    But now it is a puppy dog that nips off his nose."
+
+He stood it bravely till school was over, but on the way home, at
+sight of the girls on the corner he made a sudden dive across the
+street.
+
+"Where is Ikey going?" Louise asked, in surprise, of Carl and Aleck.
+
+"He has lost his nose," answered the latter.
+
+"Has he gone to look for it?" laughed Dora.
+
+"Tell us what you mean," said Bess.
+
+With much laughter the boys told the story.
+
+"It is mean of you to make fun. Suppose it was your nose?" and Louise
+held on to her own.
+
+"Perhaps it won't turn up any more," suggested Bess.
+
+"I am afraid he won't go to the ball-game; that will be too bad," said
+Carl.
+
+They were all going with Uncle William to see a game of foot-ball that
+afternoon, and there was only time for a hasty lunch before they
+started. Carl ran over to beg Ikey to go in spite of his
+disfigurement, but a melancholy voice from the third-story landing
+declined so positively that there was nothing left to be said.
+
+From behind the curtains Ikey watched the party start off, and felt
+very unhappy at not being with them.
+
+That was a miserable afternoon! His grandmother's exclamations and
+questions had only made matters worse, and he took refuge in his room,
+declining to eat any lunch.
+
+Before long he succeeded in convincing himself that nobody cared for
+him, except, perhaps, his father and mother, who were so far away.
+
+Maybe the others would be sorry when he died of hydrophobia. He had
+heard that people often had it when they were bitten by dogs, and it
+seemed very probable that this would be his fate.
+
+Absorbed in his misery, he hardly knew how time passed, till some one
+knocked at his door. He lay on the couch with his face buried in the
+pillows, and thinking it was the housemaid he said, "Come in," without
+looking up.
+
+The hand that touched his head, however, was not Katie's, nor the
+voice that said, "You poor boy!"
+
+It was Mrs. Howard, or Aunt Zélie as he always called her in his
+thoughts.
+
+Overwhelmed with mingled delight and dismay, he could only struggle to
+a sitting position, with his handkerchief to his nose and not a word
+to say.
+
+She did not appear to notice this, but talked on, and in some way it
+came about that presently his aching head was down on the pillows
+again, and her soft hand was smoothing back his hair, just as Mamma
+did, while she told him that Mr. Hazeltine had inquired about the
+dogs, and found that they were only very large and lively puppies, not
+at all vicious.
+
+Ikey heaved a sigh of relief, and managed to thank her for her
+thoughtfulness. Then they talked of other things, and he actually lit
+the gas--for it was growing dark--that she might see the photographs
+of his mother and sister.
+
+Before Aunt Zélie left they were even laughing together over his funny
+accident, and when with a kiss on his forehead she was gone, it was a
+much happier boy she left on the sofa.
+
+There was sure to be a tonic in her petting, and Ikey got up and
+washed his face, looking bravely in the glass meanwhile. Then he went
+meekly downstairs and enjoyed his dinner. Mrs. Ford never petted
+anyone, she did not know how; but she showed her sympathy by offering
+her grandson all sorts of good things to eat.
+
+At the most exciting moment of the foot-ball game Louise exclaimed:
+"We haven't done anything to help Ikey, and he is really and truly our
+neighbor!"
+
+"We will try to find something to take him," said Uncle William.
+
+There was little to be had in that part of the town, so they turned it
+into a joke, and it was a most remarkable collection that Carl and
+Aleck displayed in the Fords' sitting-room that night.
+
+There was a toy balloon, a beetle that ran all over the room in a
+life-like manner, a jumping jack, and some popcorn balls.
+
+Old Mr. Ford declared he had not laughed so much in twenty years as he
+did at the antics of the boys and the beetle. His bedtime passed
+before he knew it.
+
+Ikey went to sleep with the balloon tied to the head of his bed,
+feeling that after all his friends _did_ care. The next day the doctor
+replaced the ugly yellow plaster with something white that was more
+pleasant to look at, and in a short time his nose was as well as ever,
+except for a slight scar.
+
+Bess had thought of giving a masquerade ball in his honor, to be held
+in the star chamber, and at which he was to appear as "The Man in the
+Iron Mask," but owing to his rapid recovery it was given up. She was
+rather disappointed, for it seemed an interesting way in which to help
+a neighbor in affliction. She and Louise were very anxious to be
+helpers, but were not content with small every-day opportunities.
+
+"I can't think of things as Dora does," she complained to Aunt Zélie
+one evening.
+
+"What has Dora been doing?" her aunt asked.
+
+"Oh, it was at school to-day, when we were reading together at recess
+in a new story book of Elsie's. There was Elsie and Constance, Dora,
+Louise and I, and that meek little Mamie Garland kept walking up and
+down looking at us. Nobody likes her, because she is a telltale. Then
+before we knew what she was going to do Dora jumped up and ran after
+Mamie, and asked her if she didn't want to hear the story. You could
+see she was surprised, but she came, and Louise made room for her."
+
+"And did she spoil the story?"
+
+"No--not really, but it is nicer to have just the people you like. But
+I suppose it is pretty mean to go on having a nice time when somebody
+else isn't--even if you don't like them--and not ask them."
+
+Aunt Zélie smiled at this remarkable sentence. "It is easy to be
+selfish with our good times," she said; "but don't be discouraged, you
+will be more quick to see an opportunity next time. If I am not
+mistaken I saw a little girl put away her book to play with her small
+sister not so very long ago."
+
+"Do you think that would count?" Bess asked earnestly.
+
+"I certainly do," answered her aunt, pinching the rosy cheek.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE M.KS.
+
+
+Bess stood at the window, her brows drawn together in a decided frown.
+Not that the sunshine was dazzling; quite the contrary. It was what
+Aunt Sukey called a drizzle-drazzle day. The air was full of a
+penetrating mist that put outdoor amusements out of the question.
+Stormy Saturdays were particularly trying, and to-day the rain
+interfered with an expedition to which the children had been looking
+forward for a week.
+
+"I wish I were a fairy," said Louise, who sat on the floor building a
+block house for Carie; "I wouldn't have any rainy days."
+
+"A mighty nice world 't would be, I reckon, if you had the fixin' of
+it," Sukey remarked sarcastically.
+
+"Oh, well, perhaps I'd have _some_ rain, but only at night."
+
+"Don't you s'pose the good Lord knows what kind of weather is best for
+us a heap better than a no-account fairy?" Sukey continued, seeing an
+opportunity for some moral teaching.
+
+"Of course he does, but I shouldn't think one Saturday would make much
+difference."
+
+"That ain't for us to say. Folks can't have all they wants in this
+world, and they has to be taught it."
+
+"Louise, I see Miss Brown at her window; don't you think it would be
+nice to go to see her?" said Bess. "We could wear our waterproofs."
+
+"Yes, indeed; may we, mammy?" asked Louise, jumping up. Though Sukey
+professed to be a stern disciplinarian she rarely denied the children
+anything, so after a careful survey of the weather she thought they
+might go if they would wear their overshoes. Miss Brown saw them as
+they came out of the door and raised a big umbrella. "Where can they
+be going?" she wondered as they disappeared from her view. A few
+minutes later, however, they came in sight again, this time on her
+side of the street, and stopped at her gate.
+
+"You are a pair of rainy-day fairies!" she exclaimed as they entered.
+They both laughed at this, and Bess explained that it was just what
+Louise had been wishing to be.
+
+"Then we each have our wish, for I have been longing for some good
+fairy to cheer me this gloomy day."
+
+Miss Brown's sitting-room was a pleasant place even on the darkest
+day. A bright fire burned in the grate behind the high brass fender,
+some yellow chrysanthemums bloomed in the west window, the mahogany
+chairs and tables shone with the polish time gives to such things, and
+behind the glass doors of the corner cupboard stood rows of pretty
+old china. From above the mantel, old Mrs. Brown--at the age of
+eighteen, with stiff little curls over each ear and immense leg o'
+mutton sleeves in her low-necked pink gown--looked down, smiling
+impartially upon everybody.
+
+"Don't you think rainy days are tiresome?" asked Louise, seating
+herself in the window beside the flowers.
+
+"Not when I have company," was the smiling reply.
+
+"Aunt Zélie has been staying with Cousin Helen this week, and Carl
+went home with Aleck yesterday, and we were going out to spend the day
+to-day and come home with them. But of course we couldn't on account
+of the rain, and there is nobody at home but Carie and Sukey, for
+Helen is at Aunt Marcia's." The tone in which Bess spoke was so
+doleful it was almost tragic.
+
+"Uncle William says there is always a bright spot somewhere, and
+perhaps there is for us, but we haven't found it," added Louise; then
+looking across the street she gave a little laugh. "I was just
+thinking of the Magic Door," she explained.
+
+Miss Brown wanted to hear about it, so Bess told the story, growing
+quite cheerful as she proceeded.
+
+Miss Brown was more pleased with it, if possible, than Dora had been.
+She said it explained why she was so contented and happy in her new
+home.
+
+"My old aunt left me this house with all its contents on condition
+that I would occupy it. At first it seemed out of the question, but
+the more I thought of a home of my own the more I wanted to try it,
+and now I feel settled for life! You see," she went on, "how
+beautifully it came about this afternoon. Here I was feeling stupid
+and a little lonely; I looked at the Big Front Door, and presently it
+opened and you came out and straight over here, to make me cheerful
+again."
+
+The children beamed on her with faces that said plainly: "Here is an
+appreciative person."
+
+At this moment who should appear but Mary, with a plate of warm spicy
+cookies! The climax of sociability was reached!
+
+"Miss Brown, is it hard to knit?--to learn, I mean," Louise asked
+presently, looking admiringly at the bright wools the lady was working
+with.
+
+"Not at all; I learned when I was a little girl."
+
+"I should like to know how, it is such pretty soft work," said Bess.
+
+"I shall be very glad to teach you. We might have a knitting class for
+rainy afternoons."
+
+"And after awhile perhaps we could make an afghan for Uncle William!"
+cried Louise delightedly. "Wouldn't that be fun, Bess?"
+
+"If it would not be a trouble to Miss Brown."
+
+"It would be a great pleasure to me," she answered, smiling at the
+bright faces.
+
+"It would be nice--" Bess began.
+
+"Well, dear, what?" as she hesitated.
+
+"I don't know whether I ought to ask you, for it might be a bother to
+you, but I was thinking how nice it would be to have a club, and ask
+Dora and Elsie."
+
+"Bess, that is a _lovely_ plan!" exclaimed her sister.
+
+Miss Brown thought so too, and said if the others would like it she
+should be glad to have them, and she suggested that they bring their
+friends to talk the matter over on the next Saturday afternoon.
+
+In discussing the club Bess and Louise forgot their disappointment,
+and were astonished to find how late it was when Joanna came for them.
+
+"There _was_ a bright spot, after all," said Louise as they were
+putting on their waterproofs. "If we had gone to the country we might
+never have thought of the club."
+
+Some days later the postman had three most important notes to deliver
+to Miss Dora Warner, Miss Elsie Morris, and Miss Constance Myer.
+
+This is the way they read:
+
+   You are requested to be present at the Brown house next Saturday
+   afternoon, to organize a knitting club. Please come early.
+
+                    Truly yours,
+
+                         BESS HAZELTINE.
+                         LOUISE HAZELTINE.
+
+Much time and thought were expended on these invitations, and the
+importance of the senders was only equalled by the curiosity and
+interest of the girls who received them.
+
+Aunt Zélie insisted that five were as many as Miss Brown ought to
+have. "For you know she is not used to such lively young ladies as you
+and Elsie and Do--"
+
+"Not _Dora_, Auntie!" cried Bess; "she is perfect, and never makes a
+noise."
+
+Mrs. Howard laughed, and went to see the lady of the Brown house,
+fearing she was undertaking too much for her strength.
+
+But Miss Brown was quite sure of herself.
+
+"If you knew how like spring sunshine they are in my sober life, you
+would see that it can only be a benefit to me," she said.
+
+"Of course _I_ think they are dear children, but I may be partial,"
+their aunt replied, smiling.
+
+"I discovered one secret of their attractiveness some time ago--they
+are fortunate children," and Miss Brown looked admiringly into the
+sweet face before her.
+
+Promptly at three on Saturday afternoon the invited guests appeared.
+They were a little shy and silent at first after Bess introduced them
+to their hostess, but this wore off very quickly at the sight of five
+pairs of needles with the knitting already begun in bright worsteds.
+
+Dora, who had learned to knit in Germany, was made assistant teacher,
+and for an hour they worked away diligently.
+
+Then Miss Brown said they had done very well for beginners, and that
+it was time to stop and decide upon a name for their club.
+
+The work was hardly put away when Nannie, the new maid, came in,
+bringing some of Mary's delicious cakes, and chocolate which was
+served in the oddest little cups brought by Miss Brown's grandfather
+from India when she was a child. Chocolate had never before tasted so
+good.
+
+"Did you have tea parties with them when you were a little girl, and
+never break any of them?" Constance asked with wide-open eyes, for she
+had broken half a dozen tea-sets in her short lifetime.
+
+"You did not think _then_ that when you were grown up you would give
+some other children chocolate in these cups, did you?" said Dora.
+
+"If we should keep our things I wonder if they would be as funny and
+interesting to us when we are grown up?" Bess fingered one of the cups
+admiringly as she spoke.
+
+"I never feel as if I'd care for things when I am old," said Elsie.
+
+"I can remember when I used to feel so too, but it is a great mistake.
+Now I enjoy things which I have had for a long time, more than I do
+new ones. When I use my tea-set I always think of the days when my
+cousin Margaret and I used to play together."
+
+"Couldn't you tell us about it, Miss Brown?--about your cousin and
+when you were a little girl?" asked Louise.
+
+"Please, if it is not too much trouble," added Bess.
+
+They all looked so eager she could not refuse.
+
+"There is really not much to tell," she said. "Thirty years ago little
+girls were not very different from those I see now, though we had not
+half so many toys and books.
+
+"This cousin and I lived with our grandmother. Margaret was a year
+younger than I, and a delicate child, while I was strong and well
+then. My father and mother died when I was a baby, and my
+grandmother's house in Philadelphia is the first place I remember.
+Margaret did not come to live with us till she was six years old. Her
+mother too was dead, and her father spent most of his time abroad. She
+used to talk a great deal of her home in the South, for she did not
+like the city, but longed for the country and the warm climate she was
+used to. I remember the stories she told me after we were in bed at
+night. Sometimes they were in rhyme and always about her beautiful
+southern home.
+
+"Our grandmother was good to us, but she was strict too, and every day
+for an hour we sat beside her learning to sew and knit. Instead of
+going to school we had a governess. We took our exercise in the open
+square opposite our house, where there were trees and grass, and, best
+of all, squirrels. This tea-set which my grandfather brought to me
+the year before Margaret came to live with us was my greatest
+treasure, and I thought it a great treat to be allowed to play with
+it. When I was ten years old Margaret and I had measles, and one day
+when we were nearly well grandmother left us to go to a funeral. Our
+house servant happened to be sick, so there was no one in the house,
+besides ourselves, but the cook. Telling us on no account to leave the
+warm room, grandmother drove off. Then Margaret began to wish that we
+had asked to have the tea-set. I knew where it was kept and
+volunteered to get it, for it was mine and I thought I had a right to
+it.
+
+"Next we began to wish for something to eat. The spirit of naughtiness
+possessed me, I think, for I determined to go downstairs and find
+something. I stole down to the dining-room, where I found nothing but
+bread--which we did not want--and doughnuts. I carried back half a
+dozen of these, and we had our feast.
+
+"Before we finished grandmother came home. When we heard the carriage
+we had a great time getting the crumbs out of the way, and the dishes
+put in their place. In my hurry I dropped a cup and cracked it.
+
+"When grandmother came in she found everything as usual, but that
+night Margaret was very ill; she had a relapse and came near dying. No
+doubt the doughnuts had something to do with this, and perhaps the
+excitement also. I confessed how naughty I had been, and my
+grandmother was very kind, for she knew how I loved Margaret, and how
+I should miss her if she died. However, she recovered, but I had the
+broken cup to remind me of my disobedience. It is there among the
+others now."
+
+"Thank you for telling us," said Dora as the cup was passed around.
+
+"Is Margaret alive now?" Bess asked.
+
+"Yes, indeed; she is married and living in England, and has three
+great boys and one little daughter. And now let us find a name for our
+club."
+
+It was difficult to suit everybody, till after a good deal of
+discussion Dora made a suggestion.
+
+"Suppose we have a name not like any we ever heard of, and call
+ourselves the Merry Knitters."
+
+Nobody could find any objection to this, so it was accepted.
+
+"For we want to be knitters and we mean to be merry," said Louise.
+
+"And let's not tell the boys what M.K. stands for," proposed Elsie.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+A RIVAL CLUB.
+
+
+It was the next Saturday afternoon, and Carl, Aleck, and Ikey sat in
+the star chamber busily discussing something.
+
+"There they go!" Ikey exclaimed; and the others, looking over his
+shoulder, saw the M.Ks. filing up the Brown house walk.
+
+"They think they are so clever," growled Aleck. Carl raised the window
+and called; "Never you mind, we'll get even!"
+
+"We don't care," answered Elsie.
+
+"You are welcome to," cried Dora gayly, waving her work-bag.
+
+"You'd better not lean out so far," cautioned Bess, and then the door
+closed behind them.
+
+As the girls had hoped, the boys were wildly curious about the
+mysterious letters "M.K." They made a great many absurd guesses, and
+Carl finally nicknamed it the "Club of Many Kinks," which he thought
+sounded like girls. But they only laughed, and wouldn't tell.
+
+He tried to bribe Louise, or to extract it unawares from Bess. Aleck
+went to the length of offering Elsie a box of candy if she would give
+him so much as a hint, and they united their efforts upon Aunt Zélie,
+all to no purpose. Now they had come to the conclusion that the only
+thing to do was to start an opposition club, and in their turn arouse
+the curiosity of the girls.
+
+Mrs. Howard sat in her own little study, a room over the front door,
+where she kept her special treasures, and was most likely to be found
+when she was at home. She was busily sorting letters and bills when
+Carl's face appeared at the half-open door.
+
+"May we come in?" he asked.
+
+"Who are 'we'?"
+
+"Oh, only Aleck and Ikey," and he ushered in his companions without
+further ceremony.
+
+"If you don't object to my going on with my work, I shall be glad to
+have you," she said.
+
+"Can't we help you?" asked Aleck politely, dropping down among the
+cushions on the couch.
+
+"No, I thank you, and please have some mercy on my new pillow."
+
+Ikey, who admired pretty things, rescued the dainty white and yellow
+pillow, and modestly helped himself to a footstool.
+
+"Take the floor, Carl, it is the only safe place," murmured lazy
+Aleck.
+
+"Somebody take it, please, and tell me the object of this call."
+
+"We want to get even with the girls," began Carl, as his aunt leaned
+back in her chair, all attention.
+
+"They think themselves so clever with their old club," said Aleck, his
+nose in the air.
+
+"They are clever--quite as much so as boys." Aunt Zélie returned to
+her bills, and there was silence for a moment; then Ikey spoke:
+
+"We thought it would be fun to have a club too, and not tell the girls
+the name. There isn't any harm in that, is there?" meekly.
+
+"None whatever. What I do not like is that tone of lofty superiority.
+You do not realize how it sounds, and as I consider myself one of the
+girls I shall take such remarks as personal. Now tell me about the
+club; is it to be simply for fun?"
+
+"We'd like a little fun, please," said Aleck.
+
+"Aunt Zélie, we really don't know what we want, but we thought you
+could suggest something. You can think of scrumptious things when you
+try, and we can get ahead of the girls easily if we have you. So
+please, there's a dear," and Carl emphasized his request with a
+bear-like hug from behind.
+
+There was no holding out against their entreaties, so she agreed to
+think it over.
+
+"You may each invite one friend to a meeting in the star chamber next
+Friday evening, and in the meantime I'll do my best to think of
+something for you," she said, and very well satisfied the boys
+departed, to lie in wait for the M.Ks.
+
+When they came to think of it, it was not easy to decide which of
+their friends to ask. Ikey finally settled upon his next best chum,
+Fred Ames. "Don't you think he will do?" he asked Carl as they walked
+home from school.
+
+"Yes, of course; he is a very nice boy. I think I'll ask Jim Carter."
+
+Ikey looked astonished. "Do you think he is the sort of a fellow your
+aunt will like?"
+
+"I don't care; I like him and I am going to ask him," Carl replied
+positively. He thought best, however, to make some explanation.
+
+"You see, Aunt Zélie," he said, finding her alone that evening, "Jim
+is a funny kind of a boy. Ikey doesn't like him, but I think there is
+a lot that is good in him. He is bright, I can tell you, and there is
+nothing really mean about him, but his father gives him too much
+money. I suppose that isn't ever good for a boy."
+
+"I hardly think it is," she said, smiling at Carl's judicial manner.
+
+"When he first came to school he thought he could get around anybody
+with his money, but he soon found the boys did not like it,--but
+perhaps I'd better not ask him."
+
+"Ask him by all means if you think he would like to come. I am willing
+to trust your judgment."
+
+There were many points of resemblance between Jim Carter and Carl.
+Both stood well in their classes, were independent and popular with
+their schoolmates, but their home surroundings were very different.
+Mr. Carter was deeply engrossed in making money, having become
+suddenly rich through a lucky speculation. Ambitious for his only son,
+he wished him to have all the advantages of education which he himself
+had missed. So Jim was sent to a good school, but was taught at home
+by precept and example that to get money was the chief thing.
+
+Mrs. Carter was a good-natured, loud-voiced woman, who idolized her
+son, and could not deny him anything. It was the want of refinement,
+which Carl felt but could not express, and the utter lack of home
+training, that were responsible for Jim's faults.
+
+His good-nature and real generosity won him friends among those who
+were at first disgusted by his boasting and display, and with a keen
+instinct for popularity Jim quickly learned the lesson.
+
+He admired Carl Hazeltine and was flattered by his invitation.
+
+"We want to get up a club," Carl said. "My aunt is going to help us,
+and we mean to have some fun; I'd like to have you, if you will come."
+
+He accepted on the spot, though he wondered a little why an "aunt"
+should have anything to do with it. His experience with such relatives
+was limited to a middle-aged person who wore a shawl the year around,
+and regarded boys as necessary evils, to be sent upon as many errands
+as possible in the course of the day. Indeed, he would have considered
+his mother, of whom he was very fond, decidedly out of place among
+his friends.
+
+He was the last to arrive on Friday evening, and he looked about him
+with some curiosity as Carl led the way to the star chamber. As they
+passed the library door he had a glimpse of a pleasant family group;
+Mr. Hazeltine with his paper, Bess and Louise studying their geography
+lesson, and Helen playing with Mr. Smith. An airy vision awaited them
+at the top of the first flight of steps; Carie in her nightgown,
+holding out her arms and calling, "I want to tiss you dood-night,"
+while Sukey came running after.
+
+"You naughty fairy," said her big brother, catching her and handing
+her over to mammy after the kiss was bestowed.
+
+"What a pretty little thing!" Jim remarked admiringly.
+
+"She is the sweetest baby in the town," Carl responded loyally.
+
+In the star chamber they found the other boys. Ikey and his friend
+Fred Ames, Aleck and his special chum Will Archer, who was as quiet
+and steady-going as Aleck was mischievous and happy-go-lucky.
+
+Jim was warmly welcomed, and Ikey gave him an ear of popcorn to shell.
+The rest were already at work seated on the rug before the fire. The
+old sofa was drawn up sociably, and a chair of state had been provided
+for Mrs. Howard.
+
+When the door opened a few minutes later, they were all talking and
+laughing at once in a decidedly uproarious fashion.
+
+"Here is Cousin Zélie!" cried Aleck, and there came a sudden lull as
+they scrambled to their feet. Jim was the only one she did not know,
+and for some reason the sight of this slender young woman in black,
+with a white rose in her dress, caused him a fit of unusual shyness.
+Ikey himself could not have been more abashed than he was when Carl
+introduced him.
+
+"As the fire is in such fine condition, perhaps the popping had best
+go on while we talk," Aunt Zélie said, taking the chair; "then when
+business is over the refreshments will be ready."
+
+Fred and Ikey were appointed a committee to attend to the corn, and
+when all were comfortably settled, she began:
+
+"As you know, the object of this meeting is to hear suggestions for a
+club. I have been thinking about it for a week, and this is the best
+plan that has occurred to me: it is to have a Good Neighbors Club. The
+text Uncle William gave you children, Carl, suggested it to me. 'They
+helped every one his neighbor.' It would mean keeping our eyes open
+for ways of helping, and being careful to respect the property of
+others.
+
+"You see I take it for granted that you want something besides fun,
+though I am sure we shall have a good time too."
+
+"I don't think I understand what we are to do," said Will.
+
+"You are not to break your neighbors' windows, for instance," replied
+Aleck, winking at Carl.
+
+"There is no trouble about the helping," answered Mrs. Howard; "there
+are always opportunities for that, and on the other hand I am inclined
+to think that you all at times do things that, to say the least, do
+not improve the appearance of your neighborhood. For example--but I
+believe I'll let you find out for yourselves. Suppose for a week you
+try to discover what it means to be a good neighbor, and report next
+Friday. The rest of my plan is very simple. To hold meetings every
+week or once in two weeks, as you choose, and I have some fascinating
+work which I know you can learn to do, and surprise the girls. I shall
+have it ready for the next meeting, and while you work we can have
+reading, or you can select a subject to discuss. Now the meeting is
+open; please talk and ask questions."
+
+Just here Ikey created a diversion by letting the pop-corn burn,
+whereupon Mrs. Howard took it from him, and, kneeling on the rug,
+popped the rest herself. Carl brought in a basket of apples, and
+drawing up in a sociable circle they soon became merry and very much
+at ease.
+
+Aunt Zélie liked boys, and had a way of establishing friendly
+relations with them on short acquaintance. And this evening she made
+a special effort, for she wanted to know Carl's friends and make the
+new club a success. The boys were ready to adopt her plan without
+waiting, but she insisted upon their taking a week to think about it.
+Before they left she wrote out the text on a card for each of them,
+that they might keep it in mind.
+
+"Isn't she splendid?" said Ikey to Jim as the door closed behind them,
+for ever since the day of his accident he had been her ardent
+worshipper. Jim assented rather coolly. In fact, he was a little
+dazed. He had had a good time, though now it was over he was inclined
+to wonder why. As for being a good neighbor, he thought it sounded
+silly; but before he went to bed he took out the card and read the
+text: "They helped every one his neighbor."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+GOOD NEIGHBORS.
+
+
+The Hazeltines' lot was a corner one, and Aunt Marcia, driving one
+afternoon along the street upon which their side gate opened, saw two
+boys seated on a box near the entrance to the alley that ran back of
+the stable.
+
+"What can they be doing?" she asked herself, and not being able to
+imagine, she stopped the carriage and stepped out to investigate.
+
+As she approached it became evident that one of the boys was Carl.
+
+"What are you doing here I should like to know?" she demanded.
+
+"We aren't doing any harm, Aunt Marcia," her nephew answered stoutly.
+
+"An alley is no place to play in. Is that Louise?" as somebody peeped
+out of the stable door. "I am astonished; you must go in at once."
+
+"I am going in directly, I am, indeed, Aunt Marcia; but please don't
+make the boys get up till they are sure it is quite dead." As she
+spoke Louise came out into full view.
+
+"What are you talking about, and who is this boy?" Mrs. Hazeltine put
+up her glass, embarrassing Ikey greatly. "Oh, it is that Ford boy!
+Now tell me what you have in that box."
+
+"A cat." Carl's eyes were full of mischief, though his tone was
+solemnity itself.
+
+"Mercy upon us! Let it out at once!"
+
+"We can't; it is dead."
+
+"Dead? You wicked boys! Did you kill it?"
+
+"Oh, Aunt Marcia," cried Louise before Carl could reply, "they had to
+do it, indeed, _indeed_ they did! It was hurt; some boys shot it with
+a toy pistol, and it was dreadful; so we bought some chloroform and
+Ikey killed it because he knew how, and now they are sitting on the
+box to make sure!"
+
+Horrified and astonished, Mrs. Hazeltine surveyed her young relatives
+in silence.
+
+"Why couldn't you have James do it?" she inquired at length.
+
+"He has taken the horses to be shod."
+
+"Where is Zélie?"
+
+"Gone to Chicago with Cousin Helen."
+
+"Well, Louise must go in at once, and may I inquire how long it will
+be necessary for you to sit on that box in this damp place?"
+
+"It must be dead now, I think," Ikey said, rising.
+
+Carl was proceeding to make an investigation, when Aunt Marcia
+protested, "Wait till I'm gone, if you _please_; _I_ don't care to
+have anything to do with such business," and drawing her skirts about
+her, she hastily retired.
+
+"There never were such children!" she said to her husband that night.
+"Think of it--actually killing a cat--and Louise helping!"
+
+"Don't you think it was better than letting the poor thing suffer?"
+asked tender-hearted Uncle William.
+
+"I don't care, Carl, you needn't laugh," said Louise that same
+evening; "for cats _are_ neighbors, father says so. Anything or
+anybody you can help, he said."
+
+"All right, I'll tell Ikey to report it at the G.N. meeting."
+
+"Oh, ho, Mr. Carl! Is that what you are going to do at your club?"
+cried both his sisters in the same breath.
+
+"Pooh! that is nothing," said Carl, affecting great unconcern, but
+secretly very much provoked with himself; "we do a great deal more
+than that."
+
+The girls were excessively pleased over his little slip, and he at
+last descended from his lofty pinnacle and humbly begged them not to
+tell Aleck.
+
+The M.Ks. had in their turn christened the boys' club the "Great
+Noodles," a name in which it was thought Uncle William had a hand.
+
+"_Sounds like boys_," Elsie remarked with much emphasis.
+
+The next day after school, just as the group of boys on the corner
+began to separate in various directions, Jim Carter asked, "Have you
+fellows thought of anything for Friday night?"
+
+"Ikey has," laughed Carl. "You couldn't guess what he did yesterday."
+
+"Shut up! I'd like to know if you didn't help?" Ikey's strap full of
+books swung round in dangerous proximity to his friend's head.
+
+"Full details of the sad occurrence given later," Carl called out as
+he ran for his life.
+
+"I don't understand it, do you? I haven't any neighbors to help," Jim
+said, as he and Fred Ames walked on together.
+
+"I don't know. I suppose it means _not_ doing things too. Perhaps this
+is one thing," and Fred carried to the edge of the sidewalk the skin
+of the banana he was peeling, and dropped it on the pile of dust and
+dirt which had been swept up by the street cleaner.
+
+"Do you think Mrs. Howard meant silly things like that?"
+
+"Why not? I heard of an old man who slipped on a banana skin and broke
+his leg. It would not have seemed silly to him if someone had put it
+out of his way. But if she didn't mean such things, what did she mean?
+Perhaps you think you are improving the neighborhood." Fred glanced
+mischievously at his companion, who held a piece of chalk and was
+carelessly making a straggling-white line on everything he passed. Jim
+dropped his hand impatiently. "I don't think I'll belong," he said. He
+did not quite mean this. He was really curious to see what it would
+amount to, but at the same time he was not exactly pleased. He felt
+great scorn for what he considered trifles, and had a strong belief in
+his right to do as he pleased.
+
+Thursday night of this week happened to be Hallowe'en. Jim, who had
+had almost unlimited freedom since his babyhood, had often gone about
+with a crowd of boys on this night ringing doorbells, carrying away
+door-mats, and turning on water. By the marauders it was looked upon
+as a grand frolic, and owners of missing mats and deluged yards might
+grumble as they pleased. He had even looked forward to the time when
+more daring exploits would be possible, and when some of his old
+companions came for him this evening he joined them as a matter of
+course.
+
+"Let's give old Grandfather Clark a dose first, he is always as mad as
+fury," said one of the boys.
+
+At this moment the motto of the club popped into Jim's head.
+
+"They helped every one his neighbor." This was not helping. There came
+to him a sudden determination not to have anything to do with it. Not
+that he saw any special reason why they should not have fun at old Mr.
+Clark's expense, but rather because he wanted to go to the club at
+least once more; and, mingled with this, there was a feeling that the
+nicest fellows did not do things of this kind.
+
+There could be no doubt as to the interest in the G.N.C. as the boys
+had begun to call it. On Friday night six eager faces greeted Mrs.
+Howard when she entered the star chamber, and there was an amiable
+scramble for the honor of giving her a chair.
+
+"First we'll have reports and then begin work; that is, if you have
+decided that you like the plan." As she spoke she looked at Jim, who
+was nearest.
+
+He had entirely recovered from his bashfulness, and was feeling rather
+well pleased with himself, so he answered promptly:
+
+"I am not sure I understand it, Mrs. Howard, but I have thought of one
+thing. I suppose you would not call it being a good neighbor to go
+about on Hallowe'en as lots of boys do, carrying off gates and doing
+other mischief. I have done it myself, and I never thought there was
+much harm in it, but I suppose there is." He was astonished himself at
+this honest conclusion.
+
+Mrs. Howard smiled. "Stopping to think makes such a difference," she
+said. "I should be sorry indeed to believe that any of you boys could
+take part in some of the wild pranks that are often played on
+Hallowe'en. My brother had a valuable young tree destroyed last night.
+Boys do such things for fun, they say, but it doesn't seem honest to
+make other people pay so dearly for their fun."
+
+"I never thought of it in that way," said Fred.
+
+"But how are you ever to have any fun if you must stop and think about
+things?" Jim asked, feeling ashamed in spite of himself as he
+remembered how near he had come to making one of such a crowd.
+
+"Its being fun isn't any excuse. Suppose you thought it fun to steal
+somebody's pocketbook?" said Carl.
+
+"That is a different thing."
+
+"What is the real difference between stealing money and ruining
+something that cost money?" asked Will.
+
+"Father says that in America people have less respect for public
+property than anywhere else in the world," remarked Fred.
+
+"I am afraid it is true," replied Mrs. Howard, "and that is why I want
+you boys to think about it. Ikey, haven't you something to say?" This
+young gentleman, who had been fidgeting about like some uneasy insect,
+now became greatly embarrassed.
+
+"I don't know whether it will count or not, and it is as much Carl's
+as mine," he began.
+
+"It isn't at all; you thought of it--go on."
+
+Aunt Zélie nodded encouragingly at him, though she had no idea what
+was coming, and after several beginnings Ikey managed to tell the
+story of the cat. Louise had found the poor thing, and had come in
+great distress to the boys. Ikey remembered seeing his father kill a
+pet dog with chloroform, and so volunteered to try it on the cat. Carl
+bought the chloroform, and, putting some cotton saturated with it in a
+paper bag, they drew this over the animal's head, covering all with a
+box made as air-tight as possible.
+
+"But," said Ikey comically, "I don't know whether cats are neighbors."
+
+"Indeed, they are most useful ones, and frequently unappreciated. It
+was a kind thing to do, and, now you know how easy it is, I hope you
+will all be ready to put any poor animal out of its misery when you
+find it hopelessly hurt."
+
+"We had a beautiful funeral, Cousin Zélie, and are going to take up a
+collection for a tombstone," said Aleck.
+
+They grew so merry over Ikey's story that it was difficult to come
+back to such commonplaces as writing on fences and walls, and
+scattering papers around.
+
+"Everybody does such things, so what difference will our not doing
+them make?" asked Jim.
+
+"Everything has to begin, and you don't know how contagious a good
+example is," replied Mrs. Howard.
+
+"Let's have a penny fine for each time we do a thing of the sort,"
+Carl suggested.
+
+Last of all, Will Archer told about the little lame boy, son of the
+minister at the church on the corner.
+
+"I think perhaps it would be a pleasure to him if some of us would go
+to see him occasionally. He hardly gets out at all in the winter, and
+he is a bright little fellow."
+
+"That is a beautiful suggestion," said Mrs. Howard. "I am glad that
+you have thought of so many things good neighbors should and should
+not do. Taken all together it amounts to this: To be thoughtful for
+the rights of others, and ready to help. Now, what of our club? Shall
+we try this plan?"
+
+It was unanimously adopted, and they all wrote their names under the
+text in a new blank-book which was handed over to Jim, who offered no
+objection to being made secretary.
+
+"And now for our work," said Mrs. Howard. "Some years ago, when I
+spent a summer in Maine, I learned from an Indian woman to make
+baskets of sweet grass. This year I had a friend bring me some of this
+grass, and it occurred to me the other day that it would be just the
+work for you boys."
+
+Carl brought in an armful of the fragrant material, and his aunt
+showed them how to fasten it to the frame she had had made for the
+purpose, and then braid it. Their fingers were awkward at first, but
+they soon learned to do it evenly, and found it pleasant work.
+
+"What are we to do with them when they are done?" Ikey asked.
+
+"Sell them, and help somebody with the money," was the reply.
+
+The thought of making anything good enough to sell was inspiring, and
+they worked with a will till it was time to adjourn.
+
+Talking it over with her brother after the boys were gone, Aunt Zélie
+said: "Perhaps our club is too comprehensive: a sort of Village
+Improvement, Humane and Missionary Society combined, but the boys
+thought of these things themselves. If we can only cultivate the
+spirit of helpfulness, perhaps it will find its own natural channel in
+each."
+
+"You can't specialize in everything, life is too short," answered Mr.
+Hazeltine, laughing.
+
+"I don't know what you mean by channels, and specializing, and all
+that," said Carl, looking in the door, "but I can tell you, Aunt
+Zélie, the boys like it, and Jim thinks you are tiptop. Hurrah for the
+G.N.C.!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+PLANS.
+
+
+"Suppose we ask the boys to help us," said Bess, threading her needle,
+and carefully making a nice little knot.
+
+"Oh, no!" objected Elsie, "let's do it all by ourselves."
+
+"If the boys can help us to do something better than we can do without
+them, I think we ought to have them," said Dora wisely.
+
+"It will be more fun too," said Louise, whose motto was "The more, the
+merrier."
+
+"We haven't much time either," Bess continued; "but Aunt Zélie will
+help us, and you too, won't you, Miss Brown?"
+
+"I'll be glad to do anything I can," replied that lady, looking up
+from the feather-stitching she was showing Constance.
+
+Christmas was coming. The fact could no longer be overlooked, and as
+usual everybody was feeling surprised at its nearness.
+
+It was not a bit too near, the children thought, though even they had
+a great deal to do, and found the days all too short.
+
+Miss Brown was full of suggestions for Christmas gifts, and most
+patient with awkward fingers, and the M.Ks. were very happy over the
+things she was helping them to make. Now, on top of all this they had
+found something else to talk about and work for.
+
+One day when Bess and Louise were in the corner confectionery, the
+wife of the proprietor, as she handed them their package, held out a
+small bundle of edging, asking them to take it home and show it to
+their aunt. It was made, she said, by a young Italian girl who, though
+a cripple, was trying to support herself and some younger brothers and
+sisters.
+
+As the trimming was pretty and strong, Mrs. Howard bought some for the
+children's aprons, and finding the girl worthy, gave her other work,
+which was carried back and forth by a little sister.
+
+Louise saw this child waiting in the hall one Saturday morning, and
+went down to talk to her. Tina was pretty, with great black eyes and
+short dark curls, but Louise found her rather silent, for she was in
+fact rather awed by her surroundings. The wide hall with its polished
+floor and soft rugs seemed very grand to her unaccustomed eyes.
+
+"I wish I could sew and embroider like your sister, then I could make
+some money," said Louise.
+
+Tina wondered why she wanted money, but only answered, "So do I."
+
+"Bess and I have never enough money for Christmas. Is that what you
+want it for?"
+
+"No; I would give it to my father."
+
+"Why, he wouldn't want it, would he? Hasn't he any money?"
+
+Tina shook her head, and after some questioning she explained that her
+father was a member of a small string band. He played the harp, she
+said, and sometimes earned a good deal, but he had been sick, so he
+lent his harp to a man who promised to keep his place for him and pay
+him something besides. "But he was a bad man!" she exclaimed
+vehemently, "for he broke the harp, and then ran away and would not
+pay to have it mended; and now my father does not want to get well, he
+is sick with sorrow."
+
+"But can't he get it mended himself, or find the bad man and make him
+pay for it?"
+
+"It would cost a great deal of money,--fifteen dollars the music man
+told my sister,--and the man who broke it has gone away to the South."
+
+"I am so sorry," was all Louise could say, for their talk was
+interrupted; but she ran upstairs immediately to tell Bess.
+
+"Don't you wish we could have it mended for him?" she asked.
+
+"Yes, indeed, but we haven't any money to spare from our Christmas
+things, and if we used it every bit it would not be enough."
+
+"We might get somebody to help us; still that wouldn't be as nice as
+doing it ourselves."
+
+"Perhaps we could have a fair, like the one Aunt Zélie had when she
+was a little girl. Let's ask her," proposed Bess, jumping up.
+
+But their aunt thought it too great an undertaking. "I was several
+years older than you are," she said, "and we worked for six months to
+get ready. However," she added, seeing the disappointed faces, "you
+might do something else, tableaux or charades."
+
+This idea pleased them, and they decided to talk it over at the club
+that afternoon.
+
+There was no difficulty in interesting the M.Ks. They were all
+enthusiasm.
+
+"We may not make enough," said Louise, "but that ought not to keep us
+from trying to help."
+
+"If we could only give them the money for a Christmas gift," said
+Dora.
+
+"I don't see how you could manage that, but a New Year's gift would be
+almost as good, would it not?" asked Miss Brown.
+
+"There is Ikey now! I'll call to him to find the other boys and bring
+them over." Dora rapped on the window-pane with her knitting needle as
+she spoke.
+
+Ikey, who had just vaulted over a hitching-post on his way down the
+street, came to a sudden halt.
+
+"Find Carl and Aleck, and bring them here, that's a good boy; we want
+to consult you about something," she called.
+
+He obeyed with soldierly promptness and was across the street in a
+second. A few minutes later Louise announced, "Here they come, and
+Aunt Zélie with them."
+
+"I am one of the boys now, you know," said Mrs. Howard as she entered.
+"How cosey you look! I believe I should like to join your club too."
+
+"Oh, do! Please do, Mrs. Howard!" came in a chorus from the M.Ks. as
+she sat down in the midst of them.
+
+"We'll talk about that another time; at present we have something else
+to discuss. Sit down, boys, and listen while the girls tell you what
+they want. I already know about it."
+
+Bess then told the story of the broken harp, and explained how anxious
+they were to earn money enough to have it mended.
+
+"We intend to give an entertainment, and we want you to help," said
+Dora.
+
+"What are you going to have?" Carl asked cautiously.
+
+"We want you to help us to decide."
+
+"We can help in one way, can't we?" Ikey exclaimed ecstatically,
+whereupon the other boys looked daggers at him, for the basket-making
+was kept a profound secret.
+
+"I didn't tell anything, did I?" he inquired in an aggrieved tone.
+
+"What does he mean, Aunt Zélie?" asked Louise.
+
+"It is something we are not ready to tell just yet, but I have a plan
+to propose. I shall need all of you to help carry it out, and if you
+are willing to do a little work I am sure we can have a charming
+entertainment."
+
+Profound interest reigned in Miss Brown's sitting-room for the next
+half hour, as Aunt Zélie unfolded her plan and explained what she
+wanted of each one. "And in the meantime you must not breathe a word
+about what we are to have, but excite every body's curiosity as much
+as possible," she said in conclusion.
+
+"Won't it be lovely!" cried Elsie, clapping her hands.
+
+"A great deal better than a fair, and more fun," said Louise.
+
+In the pretty room which belonged to Bess and Louise sat a busy group
+one afternoon. Its owners were occupied with a tall scrap basket that
+was intended for Uncle William and Aunt Marcia. Aunt Zélie had donated
+the ribbons to trim it, and they were anxious to have it as handsome
+as possible. Helen and Carl were there too, the one making a bonnet
+for her doll, the other pasting in his scrap-book, sitting on the
+floor with a newspaper spread out before him. Dora had received a warm
+welcome when she came in with her work, as she often did. They all
+agreed in thinking that she could not come too often, and to Dora life
+in that house was a sort of enchantment. It seemed brighter, roomier,
+pleasanter there than anywhere else.
+
+Her young friends did not dream of the cares already resting on her
+shoulders: the effort to cheer her mother, who was fast becoming an
+invalid, the life in the large boarding-house that neither of them
+liked.
+
+"Do you think it will be pretty?" Bess asked, holding her basket at
+arm's length to see the effect of the golden-brown ribbon she was
+weaving in and out through the straw.
+
+"It is a beauty," answered Dora admiringly.
+
+"Yes, it _is_ pretty, really," said Louise, whose fingers were trying
+to fashion what she called a stylish bow.
+
+"Girls are funny, always sticking bows on things," observed Carl.
+
+"If it is funny to like to make things look pretty, I am glad I am
+funny," said Dora severely.
+
+"Dear me! Of course, I was not objecting in the least," replied the
+young gentleman, who rather enjoyed being taken to task by Dora.
+
+"I am sorry to break up this pleasant party, but I am afraid I must,"
+Aunt Zélie said, coming in.
+
+"Why, Auntie?" asked Louise, looking up with three little wrinkles
+between her eyes, for the stylish bow would not be quite as she wanted
+it.
+
+"Because I am in danger of losing my roses," answered her aunt,
+pinching Bess's cheek. "Yesterday they had no fresh air worth
+mentioning."
+
+"Oh, please don't make us go!" cried Bess in a tone that was almost a
+wail. "We have so much to do!"
+
+"I must finish my bow," Louise said positively.
+
+"I shall not _make_ you, but Joanna is going to Aunt Marcia's with a
+note, and I want you to go too because you need the air. I am sure
+Dora will take the walk with you, and on the way back suppose you stop
+and ask Mrs. Warner to let her stay to dinner. So fly now and get
+ready." She spoke so energetically that Dora began at once to roll up
+her work, and Bess dropped her scissors with a sigh of relief, but
+Louise held on to her bow desperately.
+
+"I _will_ finish it," she said to herself.
+
+"Louise," her aunt said gently, "the reason you cannot make the bow to
+please you is because you are tired. Now, which will you do, put it
+away till to-morrow--when I am sure you will not have any trouble with
+it--and go to walk with the others, or stay here and grow more and
+more tired and cross, till you are not fit to come to dinner with the
+rest of us?"
+
+She had a struggle with herself before she answered in a choked voice,
+"I guess I'll go, but I did want to finish it."
+
+"Of course, but you will be glad by and by that you chose to do what
+was right, instead of what you wanted to do," and Aunt Zélie sent her
+off with a kiss.
+
+The walk to Aunt Marcia's was not such a hardship after all, and when
+they reached home there was at least an hour for studying lessons
+before dinner, and that was followed by a grand frolic with Carie,
+lasting till it was time for Dora to go.
+
+"I am sorry I was cross this afternoon," Louise said when she came for
+her good-night kiss.
+
+"It was because you were tired, dear, I know. You and Bess must take
+care not to be too much occupied with Christmas. It will not do to
+neglect every-day duties even for that," replied her aunt.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+CEDAR AND HOLLY.
+
+
+One Saturday afternoon, about three weeks before Christmas, the boys
+marched triumphantly into Miss Brown's sitting-room with a large
+tissue-paper parcel. When this was undone, before the eager eyes of
+the M.Ks., there were four beautiful fragrant little baskets with tops
+of bright-colored silk.
+
+"How pretty!"--"How lovely!"--"Where did you get them?"--"Surely you
+did not make them?"--"What are you going to do with them?"
+
+"Why didn't we make them, I'd like to know?" asked Ikey proudly.
+
+Certainly the boys had reason to be satisfied at the praise their work
+received.
+
+"I know you did not sew on the silk," said Dora, examining one
+closely.
+
+"Oh, well, Aunt Zélie and Cousin Helen did the sewing, of course, but
+we did all the rest," said Carl.
+
+"And what do you mean to do with them?" asked Elsie.
+
+"Sell them and give the money to the harp man."
+
+They were so pretty there proved to be no trouble in disposing of
+them. Aunt Marcia, who was superintending a Christmas bazaar, offered
+to put them on one of her tables, where they sold the first evening
+for a dollar and a half apiece.
+
+After this the meetings of the G.N. club had to give way to rehearsals
+for what Cousin Helen called "The Harp Man's Benefit," which was to
+occur on New Year's eve. In the meantime Uncle William had interested
+himself in the matter, and, through a friend who was a music dealer, a
+harp was lent to Mr. Finnelli till his own could be repaired.
+
+"So we feel more comfortable about it now," said Louise, "and we think
+we'll make at least ten dollars at our entertainment."
+
+Late in the afternoon of the day before Christmas Aunt Zélie sat alone
+in the library taking a moment's rest.
+
+The sound of happy voices came through the open door. It was a custom
+in the family to decorate the hall on Christmas eve, and the children
+had been making wreaths and festoons of cedar, and having any amount
+of fun. They were now having a merry time over Ikey's suggestion to
+hang a holly wreath above the Big Front Door. From the top of the
+ladder Carl began:
+
+    "'Twas the night before Christmas,"
+
+and the others chimed in:
+
+                  "and all through the house
+    Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse."
+
+A moment later Aunt Zélie's quiet was invaded.
+
+"Nothing makes me feel more like Christmas than that old rhyme," she
+said, as the laughing children gathered around her.
+
+"Talk to us about Christmas, Auntie, please," said Louise.
+
+"Could you possibly talk about anything else?" she asked. "What is it
+that makes this such a happy time?"
+
+"Why," answered Carl, "it is because it is such fun to give presents
+to people, and know you are sure to get a lot yourself."
+
+"Yes, it is because every one tries to make some one else happy. Why
+do we keep Christ's birthday in this way?"
+
+"Because he came to make us happy, I suppose," said Bess.
+
+"Don't you wish you could have heard the angels sing? I like that part
+of the story best where the shepherds are out in the fields," said
+Louise.
+
+"I like the wise men seeing the star and bringing gifts," said Carl.
+
+"It is beautiful from beginning to end, and it is a true story, that
+is what makes it so dear to us," Aunt Zélie said, looking into the
+fire.
+
+"I wish it came oftener, a whole year is so long to wait," sighed
+Bess.
+
+"Dear me," laughed her aunt, "I don't. It would take all my time to
+get ready. I have ever so many things to do after you are snugly
+tucked in bed."
+
+"I think I'll not go to bed to-night," remarked Carl.
+
+Even he was tired, however, after they had helped their father and
+Uncle William trim the hall. So many small fingers were sometimes a
+hindrance, but then it was "such fun."
+
+"Christmas belongs to the children, so let them have a good time in
+their own way," said their uncle.
+
+To the older people the season was full of memories of those who used
+to take part in the happy festival, but were there no longer; for the
+children's sake, however, no difference was made in the old customs.
+
+All was done at last, even to fastening the mistletoe in the
+chandelier, and it only remained to hang the stockings beside the
+nursery fireplace. Carie's was already there and she herself safe in
+dreamland.
+
+"I just can't wait till morning," said Bess, as she put up her own.
+
+"It is nice to know it is coming, I think," and Louise twirled around
+on her toes and dropped her stocking into the grate.
+
+"What will Santa Claus put your things in now?" laughed Carl.
+
+"It is only scorched," she said, snatching it from the fire, which was
+fortunately low.
+
+After some laughing and whispering over a plan for waking before any
+one else, they separated and were soon so soundly asleep that even
+Christmas was forgotten.
+
+It was beginning to be light next morning when Louise opened her eyes
+to find Carl standing beside her.
+
+"How hard you are to wake," he said. "It is daylight, and everybody
+will be up directly."
+
+They aroused Bess, and the three ran first to their father's door,
+then to Aunt Zélie's, giving half a dozen hearty raps, and calling
+"Merry Christmas" at the tops of their voices.
+
+When Mrs. Howard opened her door she saw three airily attired figures
+flying up the third-story stairs.
+
+Hurrying into her dressing-gown, she followed. She found them in the
+star chamber with the window wide open, shouting themselves hoarse at
+Ikey, who had been awakened by the telephone bell.
+
+"You crazy children, you will take cold! Put the window down at once."
+
+"Oh, Auntie, it was such fun! Ikey was so surprised!" they cried.
+
+"I should imagine so," severely.
+
+"You needn't pretend to look cross, Aunt Zélie, for you just can't,"
+laughed Carl.
+
+"Now for our stockings!" cried Bess, and there was a rush for the
+nursery.
+
+Such laughing, such squeals of delight, such cries of admiration, as
+were to be heard there for the next half hour!
+
+Carie in her long night-gown pranced wildly around a wonderful white
+bear, which moved its head and growled in a most natural manner when
+Carl wound it up. Helen hugged in one arm the beautiful doll Cousin
+Helen had dressed for her, while she dived into the toe of her
+stocking. Bess and Louise sat on their new sled and turned the pages
+of a story-book. Carie brought matters to a climax by backing into her
+bath-tub, which Aunt Sukey had just brought in and placed by the fire.
+She was rescued, dripping and somewhat aggrieved, amid great laughter.
+Such an every-day matter as breakfast was hardly worth thinking of,
+there was so much else in prospect. All the uncles and aunts and
+cousins were coming to dinner, and after that the tree! There was
+enough to keep them in a gale of excitement.
+
+Bess and Louise had a plan of their own which no one else knew about,
+and after breakfast they stole off together.
+
+Going into her little study not long after, Aunt Zélie found them
+there. Bess stood on a chair holding a vase which she had just filled
+with white roses; Louise stood beside her with some others in her
+hand.
+
+"Oh, Auntie!" they both exclaimed, "we didn't want you to come till it
+was all done."
+
+"Shall I go away?" she asked, smiling.
+
+"We'll tell you about it now, shan't we, Bess?" said Louise. "You
+know," she continued, as her sister nodded approval, "we thought
+perhaps Uncle Carl would be glad if we remembered him on Christmas,
+and we couldn't think of anything but flowers."
+
+Bess had placed the vase on a bracket beneath her uncle's portrait,
+and now came down from the chair, adding anxiously, "You like it,
+don't you, Aunt Zélie?"
+
+"The vase wouldn't hold them all, so you must wear the rest," and
+Louise put them into her hand.
+
+Aunt Zélie silently kissed them both.
+
+There was something about this kiss that for a moment clouded the
+brightness of the day for Bess. "I wish people did not die," she
+exclaimed with almost a sob, as they went downstairs.
+
+"What makes you look so sober, I should like to know?" demanded Uncle
+William, who, with Aunt Marcia, was the first of the guests to arrive.
+
+"I was just thinking," she replied, and then, as Aunt Zélie came in
+with her usual bright face and the roses on her breast, she felt
+reassured and danced away to be as merry as anybody.
+
+Dora and Ikey were the only outsiders invited to the tree, which was
+much like other trees, and so does not need to be described. It was
+perfectly satisfactory, however, and they all had exactly what they
+wanted. Dora was amazed at the number of things that fell to her
+share, most of all at a small gold bracelet with a daisy on the clasp,
+from Aunt Marcia.
+
+"You may be sure she likes you after that," whispered Aleck.
+
+"Let's go over and wish Miss Brown a Merry Christmas," proposed Carl,
+when the candles began to burn low.
+
+"We will storm Nottingham castle!" cried Ikey. "Come on!"
+
+They received a cordial welcome. "What good children you are to think
+of me to-day!" she said, laying down her book.
+
+"We have had such a beautiful time we thought we would finish it by
+coming to see you," said Dora.
+
+"And thank you for our work-bags," added Bess.
+
+"You need not think you have had all the Christmas on your side of the
+street," said Miss Brown, pointing to a rose-bush in bloom in the
+window and to some new books on her table. "And I should like to
+know," she continued, "how five little girls happened to guess what
+would please me most."
+
+The M.Ks., after much discussion about their gift to Miss Brown, had
+accepted Aunt Zélie's advice and had themselves photographed in a
+group.
+
+"I shall never be lonely again with these bright faces to look at,"
+she said, lifting the picture from the floor beside her sofa.
+
+"Did you have Christmas trees when you were a little girl, Miss
+Brown?" Louise asked.
+
+"No, my grandmother used to celebrate New Year's day as the great
+holiday; we had gifts then, but not a tree."
+
+"I haven't had one since I was a very little girl," said Dora; and
+Ikey added, "And neither have I."
+
+"Did you have one when you were a little girl, Ikey?" asked Aleck
+gravely, making everybody laugh.
+
+After they were gone Miss Brown sat alone in the firelight, thinking
+that of all the blessings the year had brought her, not the least was
+the friendship of these girls and boys.
+
+Of all the young people invited to Uncle William's party, no one was
+in such a flutter of delight as Dora. Affairs of this kind were new to
+her, and as the Hazeltines had talked so much about it, it was no
+wonder she felt eager and excited as she dressed next evening.
+
+"I suppose Elsie wouldn't go if she had to wear such plain things as
+mine," she thought as she took out her white dress. "Louise said they
+were going to wear white. Oh, dear! I should like to have nice
+clothes, but I can't bother mamma about it." Dora sighed, for she
+liked pretty things as much as anybody.
+
+All trace of anything like discontent had disappeared when she stood
+before her mother to have her sash tied.
+
+"You should have had a new dress, poor child," Mrs. Warner said sadly.
+
+"No, Mamma dear," was the cheerful answer, "you must not mind. It does
+not matter what I wear; I shall have a good time."
+
+"How fortunate it is that Dora cares so little about dress!" her
+mother thought as her daughter kissed her and ran down to the parlor,
+where Carl was waiting with a bunch of roses which he presented with
+much grace. The girls were in the carriage outside, and the drive
+through the streets, where the electric lights were just appearing,
+was no small part of the pleasure. Helen said it was like grown people
+going to a party. "But it is more fun to be children, I think," said
+Dora, burying her face in her flowers.
+
+It was not quite like a grown-up party, for Uncle William's guests
+were invited to come at the sensible hour of six o'clock, but the
+beautiful house was all thrown open for their entertainment.
+
+Dora forgot her dress as they went up the steps and were ushered into
+the brilliantly lighted hall.
+
+They were the first arrivals, for the Hazeltine children were to
+assist in receiving the others, so when they came downstairs there
+were only Aunt Marcia, handsome and stately as usual, and Cousin
+Helen, looking exceedingly pretty in her pale-blue gown. The next
+comer was a tall gentleman whom Bess and Louise seemed to know very
+well. They called him Mr. Caruth, and were evidently delighted to see
+him.
+
+"I am glad you came home in time for the party," Louise said to him;
+and Carl with an eye to business added, "You must come to our
+entertainment on New Year's eve, Mr. Caruth."
+
+"What do you charge for reserved seats?" asked the gentleman,
+laughing.
+
+"Suppose we give him an arm-chair and make him pay a dollar for it,"
+suggested Miss Hazeltine.
+
+"He is a very nice man," Bess whispered to Dora. "We wish he would
+marry Cousin Helen, for then he would be related to us."
+
+"Upon my word!" Miss Hazeltine exclaimed, so suddenly that Bess gave a
+guilty start, "I have forgotten my office; come here and be decorated
+before any more arrive." From a basket she took a handful of badges.
+
+"What are these for?" Louise asked as her cousin pinned one on her
+shoulder.
+
+"You will find out by and by," said Uncle William, coming in with a
+red rose in his buttonhole.
+
+And now the fun began. The children came in so rapidly that Cousin
+Helen had to have an assistant to fasten on the badges, and Mr.
+Hazeltine was here, there, and everywhere, seeing that no one was left
+out of the good time. They played games and danced, grown people and
+all, and later in the evening Mr. Frank Hazeltine actually induced
+Aunt Marcia to take part in "Tucker," to the delight of her young
+relatives.
+
+It was particularly exciting when Uncle William was "Tucker." They
+came through the grand right and left positively breathless, and
+everybody was glad of a few minutes' rest before supper.
+
+"Isn't it strange that Dora does not have prettier dresses?" Elsie
+Morris whispered to the girl next her. "I like her ever so much, but
+she wears the plainest clothes."
+
+As she spoke Dora passed to join Bess, who was beckoning to her from
+the other side of the room. She heard enough of what was said to make
+her color deepen as she went straight on.
+
+"Elsie, she knew you were talking about her," cried Constance Myer.
+
+"No, she didn't," Elsie insisted, feeling very much ashamed.
+
+"She won't have any use for you after this," remarked Jim Carter, who
+was standing near. He found that he was mistaken, however. When they
+were decorating themselves with the tissue-paper caps and favors found
+in the bonbons, Elsie, who was a most fastidious little mortal,
+exclaimed, "I wish my cap was not green. I can't wear it with a blue
+dress."
+
+"I'll change with you, for mine is blue and I like green quite as
+well."
+
+It was Dora who stood beside her, holding out the cap. Poor Elsie was
+greatly abashed and couldn't say a word, but Dora insisted.
+
+"Please take it; I want you to have it, you will look so pretty in
+it."
+
+She was exceedingly surprised when Elsie put her arms around her neck
+and kissed her, saying:
+
+"You are the best girl in the world."
+
+It was a small thing, for Dora had spoken truly when she said that she
+liked one as well as the other, but it made a deep impression upon two
+people. Elsie began from that moment to be more careful and kind in
+her criticisms, and Jim rather reluctantly came to the conclusion that
+this was better and finer than showing resentment.
+
+When supper was over the company was pervaded by a feeling that
+something interesting was about to happen.
+
+"What is on hand, Louise, do you know?" Aleck asked, and at that
+moment Uncle William was heard making an announcement. He had had an
+interview with Santa Claus, he said, as the old gentleman was passing
+through the city in a hurry to get home, and after some persuasion he
+had prevailed upon him to wait over and receive any of the young
+people present who cared to call on him.
+
+This occasioned great applause, and all were eager to pay their
+respects to jolly St. Nicholas.
+
+Half a dozen at a time, according to the numbers on their badges, were
+conducted to a curtained doorway and told to enter. They all seemed to
+enjoy the interview, for they came out with smiling faces, and not
+empty-handed either.
+
+The children of the family were, of course, the last to go in, and
+Dora waited for them.
+
+The room was one which Uncle William called his den, and the figure in
+the arm-chair would have been recognized anywhere by his rosy
+countenance and long white beard. He wore his fur great-coat, and his
+cap and gloves lay on the table.
+
+He gave them a friendly greeting, saying, "So you are the last? It is
+a fortunate thing, for if I wait much longer I shall miss my train."
+
+"I did not know you travelled in that way," said Carl mischievously.
+
+"Dear me, boy! How could I manage with a sleigh and reindeer in this
+mud? I save those for colder climates. Now, before I am off, I think I
+have something left in my bag."
+
+Opening a large satchel, he brought out half a dozen packages, and
+then taking up his cap and gloves and wishing them a Happy New Year,
+he was off before they could say "Jack Robinson."
+
+"He is a fine old fellow," said Carl, examining the gun he had been
+wishing for.
+
+"Indeed he is!" echoed Dora, taking a peep at the beautiful
+illustrated copy of "Little Women," and then she was called to lead in
+the closing Virginia reel with Uncle William.
+
+"Well, how did you like the party?" Carl asked her as they drove home.
+
+"I have had the best time I ever had in my life," she answered with a
+happy laugh.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE HARP MAN'S BENEFIT.
+
+
+"Where is my wig?"
+
+"I have lost my banner!"
+
+"Tell Ikey to hurry, he has to go on first. Do you think that chimney
+will stand?"
+
+There was such confusion behind the scenes on New Year's eve that
+Cousin Helen put her hands over her ears when she came in.
+
+"It is time to begin," she said. "Ikey and Helen are first."
+
+The performers had advertised their entertainment very thoroughly, and
+as a result a large and interested audience of young people had
+assembled before eight o'clock.
+
+When at length the curtain rose in response to vigorous clapping, it
+brought to view a fine stage, on which was a cottage with a window and
+door and a lifelike chimney, and everything was covered with
+glistening snow. After the audience had had time to admire this scene
+sufficiently, a boy and girl entered, dressed in outdoor costume. They
+looked sad, and the girl took her handkerchief from her muff and held
+it to her eyes. Her companion begged her not to cry, for Father Time
+would surely help them. Then he knocked at the door of the cottage. It
+opened at once and out came a veritable Father Time, leaning on his
+staff. His long white beard, his scythe and hourglass, all proved his
+identity. Looking at the children he asked:
+
+    "Who is it knocks at my door to-day?
+    Speak to me quickly, I cannot stay."
+
+The little girl replied:
+
+    "Dear Father Time, we've come to you,
+    Perhaps you'll tell us what to do.
+    Our teacher says that in the year
+    Too many holidays appear.
+    She says we must at least drop one,
+    And she'd be glad if there were none."
+
+And the boy added:
+
+    "It is hard to know what day to choose,
+    When there isn't one you care to lose."
+
+In great astonishment Father Time exclaimed:
+
+    "To drop a holiday! Absurd!
+    Impossible! Upon my word!
+    Affairs like this belong to me,
+    As I'll soon let this teacher see."
+
+He rapped on the ground with his staff and a small page appeared,
+wearing a pointed cap and carrying a tin horn. Bowing low before
+Father Time, he was instructed to call the Holidays together. He
+withdrew and was heard blowing his horn in the distance. Presently
+music sounded, and the eight Holidays came marching in, with banners,
+singing:
+
+    "Joyous Holidays,
+    Full of gayety,
+    Bringing happy hours,
+    Merry days are we.
+
+    "Children love us well,
+    Surely they have reason.
+    Happiness and mirth
+    Bring we every season.
+
+    "Father Time, we've come,
+    Answering to your call,
+    Glad to do your will
+    Are we one and all."
+
+After marching twice around the stage they took their stand in a
+semicircle before Father Time and the children.
+
+Father Time: "These children have come to me in deep distress, because
+their teacher (a most singular person) says there are too many
+Holidays, and one of them must be given up. I have sent for you to
+reassure them; speak for yourselves."
+
+The Holidays looked at each other in dismay, and exclaimed:
+
+    "Holidays are we,
+    And we've come to stay,
+    Caring not a whit
+    What such people say."
+
+Boy and girl (clapping their hands): "Oh, dear Holidays, we are so
+glad! But are you _sure_ she can't send any of you away?"
+
+New Year's day now stepped forward. It was Jim Carter, whose suit of
+cotton batting, decorated with tinsel and cedar, was most becoming.
+Banner in hand he recited:
+
+    "First upon the list,
+    I'd be greatly missed.
+    Pages fresh and new,
+    Resolutions true,
+    Wishes for good cheer
+    In the coming year,
+    Where would these all be,
+    Were it not for me?"
+
+Both children:
+
+    "No matter what the teachers say,
+    We can't give up our New Year's Day."
+
+Next came Elsie, looking exceedingly like a valentine in her gauzy
+dress, her fair hair waving over her shoulders. In her own airy way
+she recited:
+
+    "Surely you know, if you are not quite stupid,
+    That I belong to that gay god Cupid.
+    Send me away and I very much fear
+    You'll find him infesting each day of the year."
+
+Both children:
+
+    "We never could endure to part
+    From you who lie so near our heart."
+
+The next Holiday excited great laughter and applause as he came
+forward. It was Aleck, in powdered wig, velvet coat, knee breeches,
+silk stockings, and shining shoe-buckles. In one hand he carried a
+small hatchet. The occasion was almost too much for him, and he spoke
+his lines with difficulty:
+
+    "My very great importance
+    To see you cannot fail,
+    I point a useful moral
+    And adorn a thrilling tale.
+    And with my honored hatchet
+    I'm sure you'll ever find
+    I make a good impression
+    Upon the youthful mind."
+
+Girl and boy:
+
+    "Indeed, we do not doubt you;
+    We could never do without you."
+
+Washington's Birthday was of course followed by April Fool's Day. This
+part was taken by Fred Ames, in a suit of figured chintz, with cap and
+bells. He recited:
+
+    "Don't think I'm the one to be laid on the shelf;
+    I have a few words now to say for myself.
+    To nonsense each one at some time must give vent;
+    To furnish you with an excuse I am sent.
+    To give you a day without precept or rule,
+    In which you may each be a gay April Fool."
+
+The children:
+
+    "Though not the most important on the list,
+    We know, dear April Fool, you would be missed."
+
+Next came Constance, with a garland of roses on her head, and her
+white dress trimmed with flowers. She recited:
+
+    "When first the flowers begin to show
+      Their happy little faces,
+    And tiny leaves begin to grow,
+      To make us shady places,
+    'Tis then I sing in merry tune--
+    Sweet Summer's coming very soon."
+
+The children:
+
+    "Pretty May-Day must not go,
+    We have always loved her so."
+
+After Constance came Louise, who made a charming Goddess of Liberty,
+dressed in stars and stripes, with a flag in her hand. She said:
+
+    "I come to tell the story
+      Of the birthday of our land,
+    To remind you of her glory,
+      And to help you understand
+    How by good men, brave and true,
+    This great land was won for you."
+
+The children:
+
+    "Dear Fourth, we love your fun and noise,
+    You're ever dear to girls and boys."
+
+Thanksgiving Day was represented by Dora, dressed as a Puritan maiden,
+carrying a basket of apples and a sheaf of wheat. She made a pleasant
+picture as she recited:
+
+    "When wintry days once more appear,
+    I come well laden with good cheer.
+    You can't lose _me_ at any rate,
+    For I'm appointed by the State."
+
+The children:
+
+    "As long as we're living
+    We'll keep dear Thanksgiving."
+
+Last of all came Christmas Day. This was Carl, in white, like New
+Year's, with trimmings of holly and mistletoe. A brave young Holiday
+he looked, as he repeated:
+
+    "Last comes to you the merry day
+    O'er which St. Nicholas holds sway;
+    A day that's sent your hearts to fill
+    With peace and joy and glad goodwill.
+    And down through all the centuries long
+    Echo the angel words and song,
+    And every year again I tell
+    The old sweet story, loved so well."
+
+As he finished, the children said eagerly:
+
+    "Dear Holidays, we love you all;
+    You're good and true and gay,
+    And we hope, as you have said,
+    That all have come to stay.
+    But though we value all the rest,
+    'Tis Christmas Day we love the best."
+
+At this the other Holidays stepped out, and bowing to Christmas, said:
+
+    "We all unite in words of praise,
+    And crown him king of Holidays."
+
+Then New Year's Day placed a crown on his head, May-Day gave him a
+rose, Fourth of July, a flag, Thanksgiving, an apple, Washington's
+Birthday offered his hatchet, and St. Valentine gave him a sugar
+heart; and joining hands the children and the Holidays danced around
+him, singing:
+
+    "We all unite in words of praise,
+    And crown him king of Holidays."
+
+The curtain fell on a tableau: the Holidays, with their flags and
+banners, old Father Time, and the happy children.
+
+The applause was so vehement it had to rise again for a moment, and
+then there was an intermission while some of the actors changed their
+costumes.
+
+When the curtain went up for the last time the cottage was gone, and
+in its place appeared a row of high-backed chairs on which were seated
+five little ladies in the quaintest of short-waisted gowns, each with
+a reticule on her arm, from which she took her needles and began to
+knit. Then Bess, who sat at one end of the line, looked up, and said
+in her own sweet little way:
+
+    "We're learning to knit, you see, because
+    We wish to be nice grandmammas;
+    You would not care, I'm sure, a bit
+    For a grandmamma who couldn't knit."
+
+Dora, who came next, continued:
+
+    "How daintily warm, how soft and sweet,
+    The tiny socks for baby's feet.
+    Nothing you'll find in all the land
+    Fashioned like these by grandma's hand."
+
+Here Elsie took it up:
+
+    "All the older children too can tell
+    How grandma's stockings wear so well,
+    And how she makes, with greatest pains,
+    Comforters, afghans, balls, and reins."
+
+Louise had just made a discovery that surprised her, and with shining
+eyes she recited:
+
+    "There's nothing so good, the children know,
+    As grandmamma's stories of long ago.
+    Empty-handed she could not tell
+    All the dear old stories half so well."
+
+Constance sat at the end of the row, and looking at the others she
+said:
+
+    "When she was a girl like you and me,
+    'Twas then she learned to knit, you see.
+    So like her now we must begin
+    Carefully putting the stitches in."
+
+Then together they recited:
+
+    "Our shining needles we gayly ply,
+    Getting ready for by and by.
+    Aren't you glad to know there'll be
+    Five old ladies as nice as we?"
+
+At the last line they rose, each dropped a profound courtesy and
+marched from the stage. The enthusiastic audience recalled them half a
+dozen times, till Mr. Hazeltine was obliged to announce that the
+entertainment was over.
+
+No one had enjoyed it more than a person who sat in an easy-chair,
+where without any effort she could see all that went on.
+
+Here the children gathered when it was over, exclaiming, "Why, Miss
+Brown, we did not know you were coming! How did you get here, and how
+did you like it?"
+
+It was of no use to try to answer so many questions, so she only
+laughed and said she had enjoyed herself immensely.
+
+Then they must rush off to see how much money had been taken in.
+
+Mr. Caruth, who had been pressed into service as doorkeeper by Cousin
+Helen, was in the hall with Aunt Zélie.
+
+"Here are nine dollars and a half for you, Grandma," he said, putting
+a box into Louise's hands.
+
+"Oh, thank you! Then that will be enough with the basket money. Don't
+you think our entertainment was pretty good, Mr. Caruth?" she asked.
+
+"Delightful! I was just telling Mrs. Howard that it was a star
+performance," he answered.
+
+"I don't know what that is, but Aunt Zélie and Cousin Helen made it
+all up, every bit," Bess said proudly.
+
+The performers were so enchanted with the evening's fun that they
+refused to take off their gay costumes, and declared one and all that
+they meant to see the old year out.
+
+The Father of his Country forgot his dignity, and cut up all sorts of
+antics with April Fool's Day. Even Father Time joined in the fun, and
+Christmas and New Year bestrewed the floor with cotton batting as they
+danced with the old ladies.
+
+But they were tired out before midnight, and when the city bells rang
+in the new year they were all sound asleep and heard not a bit of it.
+
+And this is what came of it:
+
+Of course in the first place the harp was mended and paid for, and its
+owner was able once more to earn something for his family. With her
+burden thus made lighter, Marie worked away cheerfully at her
+embroidery, and Tina went happily to school in the warm dress Mrs.
+Howard gave her. Many were the blessings invoked on the heads of the
+young people who had helped them!
+
+"But after all," said Bess, "it was only fun for us."
+
+In the second place Uncle William was so pleased with the five old
+ladies that a charming idea came into his head. After a consultation
+with Miss Brown, he sent them one Saturday afternoon a note and a big
+bundle. Here is the note:
+
+   MY DEAR LITTLE FRIENDS: I was delighted the other night to find
+   that your small fingers were already learning to be useful, and I
+   take the liberty of giving them some more work to do. I know an
+   old colored woman who, after spending most of her life in taking
+   care of little children, is now paralyzed, and can only lie in
+   bed. Nothing pleases her so much as bright colors, so I want you
+   to make her a gay afghan. She will not mind any uneven stitches
+   if they happen to put in, and will be very proud of it.
+
+   I send the yarn of which to make it. There are to be five
+   stripes, one for each of you.
+
+   Hoping that you will enjoy the work, and at the same time the
+   thought that it is to please a poor old invalid, I am
+   affectionately your friend,
+
+                         WILLIAM S. HAZELTINE.
+
+The bundle when it was unrolled was found to contain some of the
+oddest-looking balls of yarn that ever were seen.
+
+"I think he must have wound them himself," remarked Louise, shaking
+her head over the lumpy, unsymmetrical ball she held.
+
+However, Miss Brown said the shape did not matter, and work was begun,
+with great interest. Dora was the first to make a discovery, perhaps
+because she could knit more rapidly than the others. One of the lumps
+in her ball proved to be caused by something rolled in tissue paper.
+Feeling sure that this was the key to one of Uncle William's
+surprises, they looked on eagerly while she pulled the paper off and
+found a gold thimble with her name on it. Not long after Elsie found a
+tiny pair of scissors. Never had any work been so delightful! It
+usually happened that some one of the gay balls yielded a prize each
+Saturday afternoon. Sometimes only a big sugar plum, but oftener
+something pretty and useful. A tiny book of texts, a dainty
+handkerchief rolled into smallest compass, rings of twisted gold with
+the letters M.K. on bangles attached to them,--these were some of the
+things found in the wonder balls, for that is what they are called in
+Germany, where Mr. Hazeltine first heard of them.
+
+"It is so exactly like him, I thought he must have invented it
+himself," said Dora.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+CLOUDS.
+
+
+The beautiful snow-storm which came two weeks after Christmas seemed
+to be the cause of all the unhappiness, though the real reason for it
+was to be found in quite another quarter.
+
+A deep snow followed by a week of clear cold weather seldom came more
+than once during the winter in this part of the country, and the
+children were wild with delight. Aunt Zélie was obliged to do a little
+of the curbing that Aunt Marcia so often advised, and Bess and Louise
+thought it hard that they were not allowed to hitch their sleds behind
+wagons as Carl and Ikey did.
+
+The boys first got into trouble. They began at once building forts in
+their playground at school, and were soon divided into two opposing
+forces, each with one of the older boys for captain.
+
+For a time things went very well, and Carl and Ikey, though they
+belonged to different sides, could discuss their battles
+good-naturedly. But this did not last. One day the cry of "Not fair"
+arose; someone was hurt and resented it, his friends took it up, and
+all good feeling went to the winds. When the bell called them in there
+were some bad bruises, and, worse still, angry looks and accusations.
+
+On the way home the dispute ran high between Carl and Ikey. The
+first-named in particular was very much excited, and declared he
+wanted nothing more to do with cheats. Ikey retorted warmly, with
+natural indignation, and so they parted.
+
+About the same time discord arose among the girls.
+
+Mr. Hazeltine had had a slide made for the children in the back yard.
+It was built from the top of the stable loft, and was as good a
+substitute for a hill as such an affair could be. Here they had a
+grand time till one day when Elsie insisted it was her turn to slide.
+
+"No, it is Dora's," objected Louise. "Isn't it, Constance?"
+
+But Constance, always devoted to Elsie, was not sure. Bess and Helen
+both agreed with Louise.
+
+"I am sure it is my turn to slide," said Dora, "but if Elsie thinks it
+is hers, I'd rather have her take it."
+
+Bess had very positive ideas of fairness, however, and would not give
+up. "No," she declared, "it is her turn, and we must play fair or it
+isn't any fun."
+
+"But I know it is my turn," said Elsie, equally stubborn; "Connie
+thinks so too."
+
+"Never mind, Bess," pleaded Dora.
+
+"I _shall_ mind; for when Louise and Helen and I all say it is your
+turn, and only Constance thinks it is Elsie's, you have a--a
+majority, and she ought to see it."
+
+"Yes," added Louise, admiring her sister's big word; "I think you
+ought, Elsie."
+
+"And it is _our_ slide," put in Helen very unwisely.
+
+"That doesn't make any difference," Bess hastened to say; but the
+mischief was done.
+
+"Then keep your old slide," Elsie cried angrily. "I wouldn't be so
+selfish. Come, Constance, let's not stay where they don't want us."
+
+"Don't go, Elsie; it is not worth quarrelling about," urged Dora; but
+she wouldn't listen and walked off with an air of offended dignity,
+followed rather reluctantly by Constance. Dora wanted to go after her,
+but Louise held her fast.
+
+"Don't go, Dody; it won't do a bit of good. If she is mad, she can
+just _be_ mad."
+
+They took a few more slides, finding it not half so much fun as
+before. Dora looked very sober, for quarrelling was something she was
+not accustomed to, and after a visit to Carie, who was sick with a
+cold, she went home feeling exceedingly uncomfortable. Perhaps it
+would be all right to-morrow, she thought, but that did not prove to
+be the case.
+
+When they met at school Elsie entirely ignored Bess and Louise, who in
+their turn treated her with a lofty indifference wonderful to behold.
+
+"I am not at all mad at you, Dora," Elsie said to her; "but I am at
+Bess and Louise, for they were impolite. I am not going to speak to
+them till they say they are sorry."
+
+"Oh, dear! I feel as though it were my fault in some way. It will
+spoil our club and everything," sighed Dora.
+
+How long this unhappy state of affairs might have continued had not
+the Big Front Door taken matters in hand, it is impossible to say.
+
+On the afternoon of the quarrel Elsie had a story book with her, which
+in her hasty departure she forgot. She remembered it before she
+reached home, but did not like to go back. The next day she planned a
+very cold note which was to be carried by one of the servants. Mrs.
+Morris, however, saw no reason why her daughter should not do her own
+errand, and all arguments were in vain. Finding that it was of no use
+to plead, after some rebellious tears she decided to go for her book
+herself.
+
+Bess, Louise, and Dora were studying their history lesson together,
+when Joanna came in to say that Elsie was downstairs and wanted the
+book she had left.
+
+"I wonder," said Bess, when it had been found and sent down, "if she
+will come to the club."
+
+After they went back to their lessons Dora's thoughts kept wandering
+off to that miserable quarrel, and she said, as she put on her hat,
+"If Elsie were willing to make up, you would be, wouldn't you?"
+
+"Oh, yes," they both answered readily, Louise adding, "but she doesn't
+want to."
+
+Elsie felt rather uncomfortable as she sat in the library. She hoped
+that none of the children would come in and find her there. She could
+not help remembering the pleasant time she had had in that very room a
+few weeks ago, getting ready for the New Year's eve entertainment, and
+for a moment she was sorry about the quarrel.
+
+When Joanna brought her the book she hurried away, and, opening the
+front door for herself, pulled it to behind her with a bang, when to
+her dismay she found herself held fast. The door had closed on her
+dress. She pulled and twisted, but it was of no use--she was a
+prisoner. She could not reach the bell, and only a dead latch-key
+would open it from the outside. It was late in the afternoon and few
+people were passing; then too she did not like to call for help. The
+poor child felt herself to be in a somewhat ridiculous position, and
+if she dreaded anything it was being made fun of.
+
+Suppose Carl should come in and find her! He was such a tease he would
+tell the other boys, and they would think it a great joke. The wind
+was so cold and penetrating that after a little Elsie forgot her fear
+of being laughed at, and began to long for anybody who would release
+her. All the passers-by seemed to be on the other side of the street.
+Once she called to a colored boy, but he only looked at her stupidly
+and went on.
+
+"Oh, dear! what shall I do!" she cried, sinking down on the cold
+marble step. "I wish I had never thought of my book."
+
+She wondered what Bess and Louise would think if she were found frozen
+to death on their doorstep. Her mother would be sorry she had not
+allowed one of the servants to take her note. There was some comfort
+in this thought. Then--was that really someone coming down the walk at
+the side of the house? She held her breath. Yes, it certainly was. She
+immediately returned to life.
+
+It was Dora on her way home, so busy thinking that she started when
+Elsie called her.
+
+"Why, Elsie Morris," she exclaimed as she caught sight of the forlorn
+figure on the doorstep.
+
+"Oh, Dora, please help me. I am caught and can't get out."
+
+"Have you been here all this time?" Dora asked, running up the steps
+in great surprise. "Shall I ring the bell or go around?" pausing with
+her hand on the knob.
+
+"You'd better ring. I don't want to see the girls."
+
+Dora's hand still rested on the bell, but she hesitated. "Elsie," she
+said, "I just believe this has happened so we can make up. Won't you?
+I know that Bess and Louise will if you will. Think how unhappy we
+are! We can't have any more good times." Dora felt that she had the
+advantage.
+
+"No," said Elsie crossly; "and I wish you would ring that bell; I am
+as cold as I can be. It was my turn, and it was selfish and mean in
+them not to let me have it."
+
+"Oh, Elsie, they are not selfish; they are always ready to do what we
+like, but they thought it was my turn. That is why I feel so badly
+about it; for if it had been her own turn I think Bess would have
+given up. Please, _please_ promise to make up."
+
+That Dora cared a great deal was plain, for her eyes were full of
+tears, and those tears did much towards gaining the victory.
+
+"I am not the least bit mad with you, Dora," Elsie hastened to say,
+"but I am with Bess. Please ring the bell."
+
+"In one minute, if you will only promise to make up."
+
+"Dora Warner, I tell you I _can't_," stamping her foot. "I can't say
+it wasn't my turn, for that would be a story."
+
+"That won't make any difference, for you need not say anything about
+it, only that you are willing to make up. You think you were right,
+and Bess thinks she was right, so all you have to do is not to say
+anything about it. _Please_, Elsie."
+
+Dora's logic may not have been altogether convincing, but her
+earnestness was not to be resisted.
+
+"Well," began the prisoner, "I suppose I shall freeze to death if I
+don't, so I will only--"
+
+Dora waited for nothing more, but gave the bell a joyous pull.
+
+Louise, who was on her way upstairs, ran back to see who was at the
+door.
+
+"Why, it is Dora!" she exclaimed, opening it.
+
+It did not take long to explain, and Elsie was glad to sit down by the
+register in the hall and make it up in earnest.
+
+Bess, who heard them talking and ran down, was quite ready to meet her
+more than half way, and no one would have guessed, seeing their
+friendliness, that an hour ago they were not on speaking terms.
+
+Elsie was pitied and petted to her heart's content, while Dora beamed
+on them like a genial little sun which had at last made its way
+through the clouds.
+
+Aunt Zélie heard the whole story that night.
+
+"Wasn't it funny, Elsie's getting caught?" said Louise. "I believe it
+is really a magic door; Dora thinks so too."
+
+"I don't know. It seems to me if the rest of you had been as anxious
+for peace as she was, the door need not have come to your relief. If
+you had each been trying to help," said her aunt.
+
+"I believe I have been forgetting the text," Bess said gravely.
+
+If only the quarrel between Carl and Ikey could have been settled as
+quickly. A week passed and matters did not mend. The walk to and from
+school was now taken alone, and neither made any sign of recognition
+when they met. Ikey was miserable at the sight of Carl's intimacy
+with Jim, and he imagined, too, that Mrs. Howard took her nephew's
+part, and this was hardest of all.
+
+The fact was Aunt Zélie knew little or nothing about it. She had a
+house full of company, and Carie was sick besides.
+
+In spite of appearances to the contrary, Carl was no happier than his
+friend, and quite as keenly missed the daily companionship in lessons
+and play. It had its effect in making him overbearing and
+fault-finding in an unusual degree. The family began to wonder what
+had happened to merry, good-tempered Carl, when one Saturday morning
+matters reached a climax. As he came upstairs from the library where
+he had been copying a composition, his father called to him from the
+hall below. Running into the girls' room, he laid his paper on the
+table there, with strict injunctions to them not to touch it.
+
+Some minutes passed before his return, and Helen, who was apt to be
+attracted by forbidden fruit, could not resist going over to look at
+it. "I only want to see if I can read it," she said in reply to a
+warning word from Bess, who passed through the room on her way to the
+star chamber, where she and Louise were busy.
+
+Helen, left to herself, was seized with a desire to make a capital S
+like Carl's. Finding a pen and some ink, she set to work, forgetting
+everything else till Bess, returning for something, exclaimed, "Why,
+Helen, what are you doing? Here he comes."
+
+Very much startled, she looked around quickly, and the pen fell from
+her unaccustomed fingers upon the composition, scattering ink in every
+direction. At this moment her brother entered the room, and at one
+glance took in Helen's frightened look and the blotted paper.
+
+"Didn't I tell you not to touch that?" he thundered, all the stored-up
+anger of weeks coming to the surface, and, springing forward, he
+caught her by the shoulder, gave her a furious shake, and pushed her
+from him with all his strength. With a frightened scream she fell
+backwards, striking her head against the edge of the half-open door.
+
+"You wicked boy!" cried Bess, greatly shocked; "perhaps you have
+killed her."
+
+But Helen's cries told that it was not so bad as this. Everybody came
+running to see what the matter was, and Joanna picked her up and
+carried her into Aunt Zélie's room, where it was found that a large
+lump on her head and a bruise on her arm were the worst of her
+injuries. Bess told how it happened.
+
+"I can't think what ails Carl lately," said Louise.
+
+"He is a mean, hateful boy," sobbed Helen; "I don't care if I _did_
+spoil his composition."
+
+Feeling that it would be of no use to talk to her then, Aunt Zélie
+left her to the tender ministrations of her sisters and Joanna, and
+went to seek the chief offender.
+
+He was still in the girls' room, standing his ground defiantly.
+
+The moment's fright lest he had hurt Helen badly had passed, and the
+sight of his composition stirred his anger afresh.
+
+"Is it true that you threw your sister down?" His aunt stood before
+him with a look in her dark eyes which it was not pleasant to meet.
+
+Carl glanced down, but answered, "Yes, and here is what _she_ did!"
+holding up the blotted paper.
+
+"Does that excuse your unmanliness, your--you might have killed her,
+you know. I can't talk to you now, Carl; you'd better go to your room.
+I can't tell you how disappointed I am."
+
+He never thought of not following her suggestion; indeed, he was glad
+to get away from those indignant eyes.
+
+"Of course," he muttered to himself, "I am all to blame and nothing is
+said to Helen about spoiling my work. Boys are always found fault
+with, but girls can do anything."
+
+Down in his heart he knew this was not true, but he chose to think it.
+He flung himself into a chair by the window. It was a gloomy, thawing
+day; the snow, as if aghast at the trouble it had caused, was melting
+sadly away. There was nothing in the prospect to make him feel
+cheerful. After awhile he went to work on his composition again, and
+as he wrote he felt more and more like a martyr. When it was finished
+he folded it and put it away, and began to think it must be near
+lunch-time. With the door closed, there in the third story he could
+not hear the bell; however, he would not go down; if they wanted him
+they might send for him. By two o'clock he was feeling deeply injured.
+Nobody cared whether he starved or not. Then he remembered that Uncle
+William was to take them to see Hermann that afternoon. By this time
+they must have gone without him. Carl threw himself on the bed and
+shed some tears of vexation and disappointment. All the while
+something was whispering to him that he deserved to be unhappy. The
+afternoon dragged slowly; he grew very hungry, and at last saying to
+himself that he would go and get some biscuit, and "Tom Sawyer," one
+of his favorite books, he went softly downstairs.
+
+The house was so quiet that the sight of Mr. Smith asleep on a hall
+chair was a positive relief. After visiting the pantry he went to the
+library for his book. The door was half open, and when he reached it
+he suddenly stopped, for there was Aunt Zélie by the table with her
+head bowed on her arms. Evidently she had not heard him, and Carl
+almost held his breath. He thought she was crying; he was not sure,
+but certainly she was unhappy. It came to him in that moment, as it
+never had before, how tender and sweet and helpful she was. She had
+sorrow of her own, he knew, and who was there to comfort her as she
+comforted others? And he had disappointed her--had behaved shamefully.
+As he stood there it seemed to him that he must have been crazy. He
+could not endure the sight of that sorrowful figure, and turning to go
+away, instead; the next minute he was kneeling beside her saying,
+"Aunt Zélie, I am _so_ sorry."
+
+She was startled, for she had not heard him; but she turned and put
+her arms around him for a moment, without speaking.
+
+"Aunt Zélie, I know how contemptible I am; you ought not to have
+anything to do with me," Carl exclaimed in a great burst of
+contrition. She took his hand and held it fast as she answered, "I
+can't throw stones at you, dear, but perhaps I can help you to learn
+the lesson I have had to learn many times."
+
+He never forgot that afternoon. How he sat beside her with his head on
+her shoulder, while she talked to him as she had never talked before.
+How his face glowed with mingled shame and pride as she said that, of
+all the children, he was, if possible, the dearest to her.
+
+"But I have more fear for you than for the others. I long to have you
+grow up a strong, true man--master of yourself in every sense. If you
+do not, I shall feel that in some way it is my fault."
+
+"I will try to be what you want me to be--like Uncle Carl--if I
+can; and nobody in the world could help me as you do."
+
+  [Illustration: "HE TOLD HER ABOUT THE TROUBLE AT SCHOOL."]
+
+"I shall not leave you till you leave me," Aunt Zélie said, smiling
+rather wistfully at the tall boy.
+
+"That will be never, and I will always take care of you," answered
+Carl, laying his cheek against her hand. He told her about the trouble
+at school too, finding it a relief to confess everything and she
+listened gravely.
+
+"For a little misunderstanding like this, a little hateful pride,
+pleasant friendships are given up, and the good times we expected to
+have in the club this winter! Have my Good Neighbors forgotten their
+motto already?"
+
+"I'm afraid so," Carl said, thinking how hard it would be to make
+things right again.
+
+"Have you told Father?" he asked.
+
+"No, he did not come to lunch."
+
+"Then I shall have to tell him," with a sigh.
+
+This was not an easy thing to do. That they were the best of
+companions and friends made it all the harder, for he felt he had
+forfeited the right to this good-fellowship.
+
+Carl told his story with such evident shame and repentance that,
+though he listened with a grave face, Mr. Hazeltine could not find it
+in his heart to be very severe.
+
+"I did not think," he said, "that my only son could be guilty of such
+a cruel and ungentlemanly act."
+
+Carl winced at this.
+
+"You see," his father continued, laying his hand on his shoulder, "I
+always had such a tender feeling for my little sister that it is hard
+for me to understand how you could be so unkind."
+
+It was Carl's private opinion that Aunt Zélie could never have been so
+trying as Helen, but he did not say so. They had a serious talk, and
+for a week after, Carl was seen only at the table, for he and his
+father decided that as he had sinned against the happiness of the
+family, he must forfeit the privileges of the family life for a while.
+
+Everybody was glad when the week was over, Carl most of all.
+
+No one else knew how lonely those evenings were, spent in his room, or
+how he longed to join the group around the library fire.
+
+Helen was deeply impressed by her brother's humble apology, and
+decided that after all she wasn't glad she had spoiled his
+composition, but very sorry she had been so meddlesome.
+
+Carl lost no time in starting out to find Ikey and make friends.
+
+It was on Monday morning, and they met just outside the gate.
+
+"Hello!" said Carl.
+
+"Hello!" replied Ikey.
+
+"Know your Latin?"
+
+"Hope so, I have studied it a lot," and they walked down street
+together as if nothing had happened.
+
+"Where were you going this morning when I met you?" Carl asked when
+his neighbor came in, in the old way, with his books that afternoon.
+
+"I was coming over for you. I was tired of it."
+
+"Were you? Why, I was going for you!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+DORA'S BRIGHT IDEA.
+
+
+One thing troubled Carl. It was that Dora knew all about it. She came
+to lunch that dreadful Saturday to go with the others to see Hermann,
+and of course Helen's bruises and his own absence had to be accounted
+for.
+
+On his way home from school one morning he saw her and her mother
+coming towards him on the other side of the street. When they were
+within speaking distance, Mrs. Warner bowed, but Dora looked in
+another direction as if she wished not to see him.
+
+Carl was hurt and mortified, for he was sure he knew the reason.
+
+"I don't care, it is mean to be so hard on a fellow. Aunt Zélie
+isn't," he said to himself.
+
+He did care, however, and was silent and gloomy at lunch. As he left
+the room on his way upstairs to study he heard Bess say, "Dora had
+such an accident to-day." But he did not wait to hear what it was.
+
+An hour later, having an errand to do up town, he went off alone
+instead of asking Ikey to go with him as usual.
+
+The clear, cold air was making him cheerful in spite of himself, when,
+as he drew near home after a long walk, he saw two familiar figures in
+front of him. His spirits immediately fell, for they were Ikey and
+Dora chatting together most sociably. Carl suddenly felt jealous.
+
+He knew they were great friends, and he never had dreamed of objecting
+till now that he was himself out of favor. He began to walk slowly
+that he might not overtake them, his pride keeping him from turning
+back and going home some other way.
+
+They paused a moment when they reached the corner; then Ikey, with his
+politest bow, left her and crossed the street. Dora stood waiting.
+Carl advanced, trying to look unconscious and indifferent.
+
+Her smile changed to a puzzled look, and then became positive
+astonishment when he was passing without a word.
+
+Always straightforward, she exclaimed, "Why, Carl! Aren't you going to
+speak to me? I am on my way to your house."
+
+"I thought you would not care to speak to me, you didn't this
+morning," he answered somewhat loftily.
+
+"Not speak to you? I don't know what you mean."
+
+"You would not this morning," he persisted.
+
+"Oh, I know now! How absurd! Didn't the girls tell you about my
+glasses getting broken? It must have been when I was going to have
+them mended. You know I am so near-sighted I can't see across the
+street without them."
+
+Carl looked rather foolish. Dora had worn glasses only a short time,
+and he had not noticed their absence.
+
+"You knew I would not do such a thing; how could you be so silly?" She
+was decidedly vexed with him.
+
+"I thought perhaps you really did not care to have anything to do with
+me after--"
+
+"You thought I would stop speaking to you for that!" she exclaimed.
+"Why Bess told me how sorry you were, and at any rate it would have
+been acting as if I never did wrong myself."
+
+"You wouldn't do anything so horrid."
+
+"I _was_ a little surprised at you," Dora, acknowledged, "but it is so
+disagreeable not to be friends with people. I am glad you and Ikey
+have made up; he was telling me about it."
+
+By this time they had reached the gate, and Carl said, "I don't think
+the girls are at home; they were going out with Aunt Zélie, but you
+might come in and wait, if you don't mind talking to me while I look
+over some books for father."
+
+"I don't mind talking to you," she answered, laughing, "but I can't
+stay long. I want 'Water Babies.' Louise said I could have it to
+read."
+
+"Come in, then, and I'll find it for you."
+
+They went up to the star chamber together, and Dora sat down in the
+west window, where a little wintry sunshine still lingered, while Carl
+looked for the book.
+
+"I can't see how you could be such a goose as to think I would not
+speak to you," she said presently.
+
+"I suppose I knew I deserved it." Carl laid "Water Babies" on her lap,
+and, kneeling on the floor with his elbows on the window-sill and his
+chin in his hands, looked thoughtfully out at the bare branches of the
+maples.
+
+"I'll tell you what it is," he said after a minute's silence, "Aunt
+Zélie is a trump."
+
+"I know that, only I'd call her a prettier name," said Dora, smiling.
+
+"You can't know really till you have been very had. She was so good to
+me. It makes a fellow feel awfully when somebody like her cares a lot
+for him and he goes and disappoints her."
+
+"But you won't again, I'm sure."
+
+"You see," Carl went on, "she cares for me particularly because I am
+named for Uncle Carl. Has Bess or Louise ever told you about him?"
+
+Dora shook her head.
+
+"He was Mamma's brother, you know, and he was splendid. I thought
+there was nobody like him when I was a little fellow. He used to be
+here a great deal, and we were glad when he married Aunt Zélie because
+we were so fond of them both. The only thing we did not like about it
+was that Aunt Zélie went away to live, but they came to see us very
+often. Then Uncle Carl died. He was skating with some people, and a
+friend of his went where the ice wouldn't hold, and broke through.
+Nobody knew just what to do, it was so hard to get to him on the
+broken ice, and the man couldn't swim. Uncle Carl saw that he would
+drown before help came, so he went right into the freezing water and
+held up his head till they brought ropes."
+
+"He wasn't drowned, was he?" Dora asked in an awestruck voice.
+
+"No, but he was in the water so long that it made him ill. The other
+man got well. It happened not long before Mamma died. Then, you know,
+Aunt Zélie came back to us."
+
+"You must be glad you are named for him."
+
+"Yes, I am, only I am not good enough. I am afraid I shall never do
+anything brave like that."
+
+"I think, perhaps, little things have to come first," said Dora
+wisely, adding, "He was helping, wasn't he?"
+
+"I had not thought of that," said Carl.
+
+As she walked home an idea came into Dora's head, which interested her
+so much that "Water Babies" lay unopened on her lap for half an hour
+that night. Next day she confided it to Bess and Louise, who highly
+approved.
+
+"Why, Dora, you are very clever. When you are grown up you will be as
+good at thinking of things as Aunt Zélie," said Bess.
+
+"You think of pretty good things yourself, Bess," added Louise.
+
+"And so do you, for you first thought of trying to help the harp man,"
+said Dora merrily.
+
+"The G.N. Club meets to-night, and we'll ask the boys to let us in.
+You come over to dinner," Louise suggested.
+
+"They won't do it," said her sister positively.
+
+"Oh, perhaps they will if we are very polite; we will try."
+
+The weekly meetings of the G.N. Club had begun again with great
+interest. No one enjoyed them more than Aunt Zélie, and nothing was
+allowed to interfere with this engagement with the boys if she could
+help it. However, it happened this evening that some old friends of
+the family who were passing through the city on their way south
+called, and it was impossible to excuse herself, so the boys were left
+to their own devices.
+
+Though the star chamber looked as cheerful as usual and Carl did his
+best as host, it was not quite the same without her.
+
+Jim recalled with wonder that first evening when he hoped she would
+not come. The rehearsals for the harp man's benefit had made them all
+feel very well acquainted with her and one another.
+
+They were beginning work on some screens for the Children's Hospital
+when there came a knock at the door. Ikey opened it and Carie walked
+in.
+
+"I came to bring you a letter," she announced, handing Carl a folded
+paper, and shyly surveying the rest of the company from behind him.
+
+He read it aloud.
+
+   To the G.N.C.:
+
+   We should like to come to your meeting this evening, if you will
+   let us. We have a splendid plan to tell you. Dora thought of it.
+   Send reply by bearer.
+
+                    Yours truly,
+
+                         $1$2.
+
+"Shall we let them come?" he asked.
+
+"Of course," said Jim, and as nobody was actively opposed, Carl
+scribbled, "Come on," on the back of their elegant note.
+
+Within five minutes the girls were established in their midst, quite
+as if they belonged there.
+
+When the screens were duly admired and their offers of help politely
+declined, Bess explained the object of their visit.
+
+"We think it would be nice, now that we haven't secrets any more, and
+because you helped us with the harp man's benefit, for our clubs to be
+friends and meet together sometimes. Dora has thought of a beautiful
+plan. Won't you tell about it yourself, Dora?"
+
+"It is nothing very great," she began modestly. "You know in the days
+of chivalry how all the knights belonged always to some order,--like
+the Knights Templars in 'Ivanhoe,'--and perhaps there are some now; I
+don't know."
+
+"There is the Independent Order of Odd Fellows," suggested Will, and
+Carl added, "Joanna's young man belongs to the Ancient Order of
+something."
+
+"Then I don't see why we shouldn't have one," Dora went on, laughing.
+"My idea was to unite our two clubs in an order, and call it the Order
+of the Big Front Door. We both have the same motto and are trying to
+help, so it would not be anything really new, except that we could
+have a badge to remind us, and have meetings together sometimes. The
+story of the Magic Door put it into my head."
+
+"Good for you, Dora! I'm for it!" cried Ikey.
+
+The funny name took the boys' fancy, and the plan of having joint
+meetings was not altogether objectionable. The story of the Magic Door
+had to be explained to some of them, and while Bess was doing this
+Aunt Zélie came in. She was surprised and delighted to see the
+visitors, and when the new project was told again for her benefit, she
+thought it a very good one.
+
+"I was trying myself to think of some way of keeping our motto in
+mind, and now you must let me furnish the badges. The name, Order of
+the Big Front Door, has given me an idea about them."
+
+"What, Aunt Zélie?" asked Louise. "I am sure it is lovely."
+
+Her aunt only laughed, and would not tell.
+
+"Just as soon as I can get them," she said, "I'll call a meeting of
+the Order."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+SILVER KEYS.
+
+
+"I wonder what they are going to do this afternoon," said little John
+Armstrong.
+
+He sat in his usual place in the bay-window, with his drawing
+materials and his books beside him, but the doings of certain girls
+and boys who constantly passed to and fro interested him more than any
+story book.
+
+John was twelve years old and had never had a friend of his own age.
+That sad disease paralysis laid its hand upon him when he was only a
+baby, so instead of going to school, and running and playing like
+other children, he sat in a wheeled chair and looked on.
+
+He was not exactly unhappy, for he had a quick, bright mind, and a
+love of knowledge which made his lessons a pleasure. Everything that
+love could suggest was lavished upon him by his father and mother, but
+they did not guess how he longed for the companionship of other
+children.
+
+They feared the contrast between himself and them would only make him
+miserable. So in the eighteen months since Dr. Armstrong had been
+preaching in the church on the corner, John had hardly spoken to a
+child. The M.Ks. and the G.Ns. never dreamed how eagerly they were
+watched that winter. Some of them seeing him always at the window fell
+into the way of nodding to him as they passed.
+
+He knew their names from hearing them call each other, and his
+favorites were Louise, Ikey, and Jim.
+
+On this particular Saturday afternoon John felt that something unusual
+was going on. Dora passed with her work-bag, to be met at the
+Hazeltines' gate by Bess and Louise, and they seemed to have something
+very interesting to talk about as they crossed the street together.
+
+A moment later Elsie and Constance went up the Brown house walk. This
+happened every Saturday, but when nearly an hour had gone by Jim
+Carter appeared. His whistle brought Ikey, and then Carl and Aleck,
+and they stood talking almost in front of John's window. How he did
+wish he could hear what they said! Presently they were joined by Will
+and Fred, and finally by Mrs. Howard, who had a package. Each of the
+boys apparently offered to carry this for her, but she declined. Then
+they, too, crossed the street and disappeared within the Brown house.
+
+This was all John saw, except that Louise and Ikey came and sat in the
+window and seemed to be laughing, but that was not unusual.
+
+It was the first meeting of the Order of the Big Front Door, that was
+being held at Miss Brown's this afternoon.
+
+As the M.Ks. were still at work on Aunt Sallie's afghan, their meeting
+was put at half-past two in order to give them an hour and still leave
+time for the other. When this had passed the knitting was put away and
+more chairs brought in, for the Brown house sitting-room was not a
+spacious apartment, and twelve visitors quite filled it.
+
+Much excitement was caused by the box which Aunt Zélie carried, for of
+course it held the long-expected badges.
+
+"It is good of you to meet here," said Miss Brown, giving the G.Ns. a
+cordial welcome.
+
+"It is good of you to let us," replied Mrs. Howard. "You belong to the
+new Order, and must have your badge as well as the rest of us. And now
+the meeting will please be in order, especially the members on the
+window-sill.
+
+"The first business before us is the election of a President. The
+Tellers will please distribute the ballots."
+
+This office was performed by Elsie and Aleck, who also collected and
+counted the votes, and announced the election of Will Archer. In the
+same way Bess was made Secretary and Ikey Treasurer. It was decided
+that the G.Ns. would give up their club once a month for the meeting
+of the Order, when reports from both clubs would be made. When this
+business was finished Aunt Zélie took up her box, saying, "The next
+thing is the distribution of badges; but before I take them out I want
+to say a word."
+
+"Hear! Hear!" murmured Carl.
+
+"No preaching!" begged Aleck.
+
+"_Do_, Mrs. Howard, he needs it," said Dora.
+
+"Yes, I am going to preach a little. I want you to remember that these
+badges are to keep our motto before you. They mean that you promise to
+be helpers, and that is something more than getting up entertainments
+as we did for the harp man. It means being good-tempered and kind at
+home and in school, doing little thoughtful things for people. You
+remember in the story of the Magic Door it was because they forgot
+this that the lock grew rusty and useless, so it seemed to me that the
+most appropriate badge would be this." As she spoke she took from the
+box a tiny silver key. On close inspection it proved to be a pin so
+prettily and ingeniously made that anybody might be pleased to wear
+it. On one side was engraved a part of their motto--"They Helped"--and
+on the other, the letters O.B.F.D.
+
+So great was the enthusiasm that all order went to the winds.
+
+"Aren't they lovely?" "Tiptop!" "Dandy!" "Too pretty for anything!"
+
+And no one was more pleased than Miss Brown.
+
+"I am afraid I can never be half so good to my neighbors as they are
+to me," she said, "but I'll try."
+
+"As if you were not the nicest neighbor we ever had!" cried Louise.
+
+"Let's give Mrs. Howard a vote of thanks," proposed Jim.
+
+Ikey looked at him with envy. Jim always thought of the right thing.
+
+"We ought to thank Dora too, for it was her idea," said Carl as the
+clapping subsided.
+
+"I did not dream of anything so nice," said Dora, patting her little
+key.
+
+"I am glad you are pleased, and I hope they will open some rusty
+locks," said Aunt Zélie.
+
+"And now, if you please, we'll adjourn into the dining-room," said
+Miss Brown. "This is a very special occasion, you know," she added, in
+reply to a grave shake of the head from Mrs. Howard.
+
+They drank success to the new Order in chocolate, and munched crisp
+little sugar cakes which were cleverly twisted into M's and K's. Mary
+had long ago become a friend of the children, and this was her
+contribution to the occasion.
+
+"There is something I should like to suggest," their hostess said as
+Carl passed the peppermints. "I feel an interest in people who, like
+myself, can't get about easily, and I have noticed that little lame
+boy over the way, and I wonder if these silver keys could not open a
+door of pleasure for him."
+
+"Will suggested it long ago, but our Christmas work put it out of our
+thoughts," Mrs. Howard replied.
+
+"Suppose we go now and take him some M.Ks.," Louise said merrily.
+
+"We don't know him," objected Elsie.
+
+"Let Louise and Ikey go, and I will put up some cakes and peppermints
+for him," said Miss Brown.
+
+Ikey, though shy when left to himself, was always willing to follow
+Louise, and they went off together in high spirits, not in the least
+subdued by Aunt Zélie's remark that she hardly thought she would care
+for a visit from two such geese.
+
+John was still at his window waiting for the meeting to be over, and
+laughed at the sight of Louise chasing Ikey around the garden. They
+seemed to be disputing over something that was done up in a napkin. It
+ended by the former getting possession, and then, still laughing, they
+came out of the gate and crossed the street.
+
+John's heart almost stopped beating for a second. Could they be coming
+to see him? He felt both glad and frightened when the maid announced
+that some children wanted to see him, but he told her gravely to ask
+them up. Louise's friendliness was irresistible, and when she came
+straight to his side holding out her hand and saying, "How do you do,
+John? We have been having a meeting at Miss Brown's, and she has sent
+you some sugar cakes. Ikey and I have brought them," John forgot his
+shyness and felt that she was an old acquaintance. He could not think
+of much to say, but he smiled cordially at them.
+
+When the cakes were undone it was of course necessary to explain the
+meaning of so many M's and K's, and this led to an account of the
+other club, and the Order of the Big Front Door. It was like finding
+the missing pages of a fascinating story.
+
+"And that is what you were doing this afternoon?" asked John, admiring
+the little keys. "I did so wonder what was going on when I saw the
+boys go in."
+
+"I didn't know you were watching us," said Ikey.
+
+John's face flushed as he replied, "I hope you do not mind. I often
+do."
+
+Mind! Of course they did not!
+
+The visit was a decided success. When Mrs. Armstrong came hurrying in,
+feeling that she had left John a long time alone, she found him with
+very bright eyes, eating sugar cakes.
+
+This was only the beginning; it soon became an established thing for
+one or two of the Order to spend an afternoon each week with the lame
+boy; and at such times the pleasure was by no means all on one side.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+A PRISONER.
+
+
+"I believe I'll go to see little John this afternoon," said Louise.
+
+"You can take him the last 'St. Nicholas' if you do. I'd rather have
+you go there than to Dora's or Elsie's, for then I shall not wish so
+much that I could go with you," answered Bess, who was to spend the
+afternoon at the dentist's.
+
+Louise found the magazine and then walked as far an the Armstrongs'
+gate with her sister and Joanna.
+
+"Good-by," she said; "I hope Dr. Atmore won't hurt you."
+
+Several hours later Bess entered the room where Mrs. Howard was taking
+off her wraps, and asked, "Do you know where Louise is, Aunt Zélie?"
+
+"Why, no, I have only just come in; can't you find her?"
+
+"No, Auntie, and I have looked everywhere."
+
+"Surely she must be in the house; it is nearly dark. Did you have your
+tooth attended to?"
+
+Bess forgot everything else in the interest of relating her
+afternoon's experience, but when the story was finished she began
+again to wonder what had become of Louise.
+
+"I think Carl has just come in--I hear his whistle; perhaps she is
+with him," said Aunt Zélie. But upon inquiry he had not seen her since
+lunch.
+
+"And you have looked everywhere? In the star chamber, and the library,
+and--"
+
+"Yes, and I have asked Sukey and James, and they have not seen her,"
+Bess replied.
+
+"It is a little strange, for she knows I do not like to have her out
+late. She was going to John's, wasn't she?"
+
+"I know she went there, for she walked as far as the gate with me.
+Perhaps some of the boys are there and will bring her home," said
+Bess.
+
+"We will wait a quarter of an hour, and if she does not come I'll send
+over to the Armstrongs'," said Mrs. Howard.
+
+The minutes slipped away, but no Louise; and Joanna, who was sent in
+search of her, returned with the news that she had left there about
+four o'clock.
+
+"Oh, dear! She must be lost!" Bess exclaimed.
+
+"Louise get lost! Nonsense! She could find her way anywhere," said
+Carl.
+
+"I hardly think she can be lost, but I am worried about her. Joanna,
+you'd better go to Mrs. Warner's, and, Carl, suppose you run over to
+Miss Brown's, she may be there," and Aunt Zélie walked to the window
+and looked out into the darkness. "It is beginning to snow," she said.
+
+Neither Miss Brown nor the Warners had seen Louise, nor had she been
+heard of at the Morrises', and they were trying to think what to do
+next when Mr. Hazeltine came in.
+
+"Father, she must be lost, don't you think so?" asked Bess, when
+matters were explained to him.
+
+"I don't know what to think," he answered. "Louise is not the kind of
+a child to get lost easily."
+
+"So I say," added Carl.
+
+"Then somebody has stolen her like Charlie Ross, and I'll never see
+her again."
+
+"It is too soon to despair, dearie," said Aunt Zélie, as Bess looked
+ready to cry.
+
+"Suppose we have some dinner, and then if we hear nothing in the
+meantime, I'll go to the Armstrongs' and try to find a clue to start
+with," said Mr. Hazeltine.
+
+It was not a cheerful meal, in spite of Aunt Zélie's effort to hide
+her anxiety and talk of other things. It seemed as if Louise's bright
+face must appear each minute; but dinner was over and no word of her.
+
+The snow was falling fast when Carl and his father started out. Little
+John could tell them nothing more than that Louise had been there for
+an hour, and then said she must go, as there was something she wanted
+to do. He watched her out of the gate and thought she went home.
+
+"It is a great puzzle," said Carl when they were on the street again.
+
+"It is indeed," his father replied, looking up and down irresolutely.
+
+"Are you worried? What do you think can have happened to her?"
+
+"I don't know, my son; yes, I am very much worried. I wish William was
+not away from home. I think, perhaps, the best thing I can do is to
+see Roberts." Roberts was a detective, and Carl began to feel that the
+situation was serious.
+
+There was nothing for Aunt Zélie and Bess to do that long evening but
+wait and try to be patient. Mr. Hazeltine promised to telephone the
+moment he discovered the least clue to her whereabouts.
+
+And where was Louise?
+
+While she and John were playing checkers she overheard Mr. Armstrong
+talking to his wife about a book which he evidently was very anxious
+to have, and which he seemed unable to find either at the library or
+the bookstores.
+
+At the first mention of the title Louise was sure she had seen it on
+their own library table at home, and remembered hearing her father and
+uncle discuss it. "I know father will lend it to him," she thought,
+and was about to say so to Mr. Armstrong, when she recollected that
+Uncle William had borrowed it.
+
+"I am sure he has finished it," she thought, "and at any rate he has
+gone to Chicago. I'll go home and ask Aunt Zélie to let me get it."
+Eager to do this kindness, she ran off as soon as the game was
+finished.
+
+But everybody was out. James was at work in the cellar; Mandy so
+occupied with her pantry shelves that she did not know when Louise
+passed through the kitchen; Sukey had taken Helen and Carie for a
+walk, and Aunt Zélie was at a lecture. What should she do?
+
+She went up to the star chamber, hoping to find Carl and coax him to
+go with her, but he was not there. She wanted very much to get that
+book for Mr. Armstrong. He wished to make use of it in a lecture he
+expected to give on Monday night, so it was important that he should
+have it as soon as possible. She knew the way to Uncle William's
+perfectly, but she and Bess never went so far by themselves.
+
+"I can go all the way on the cars," she said to herself. "Nothing
+could happen to me, and I can't ask Aunt Zélie when she isn't here."
+Trying to satisfy her conscience in this way, she found her
+pocket-book and started out. It happened that she saw nobody she knew
+as she waited on the corner for the car, feeling very independent.
+
+The afternoon was cold and cloudy, and the ride seemed longer than
+usual.
+
+"I wish I had asked Dora to come with me," she thought; "I shall have
+to hurry to get hack before dark."
+
+"I want to go to the library just a minute, Bruce," she said to the
+man who opened the door.
+
+He looked somewhat surprised to see her alone, but made no comment,
+only replying, "I am afraid it is rather cold there; we are having the
+furnace cleaned to-day."
+
+"I only want to get a book. I'm not going to stay. And you needn't
+wait, Bruce. I can let myself out," she said.
+
+The library was at the end of the hall, almost opposite the front
+door, but somewhat cut off from the rest of the house, as it
+communicated with no other room.
+
+As Louise entered she pushed the door to behind her. Yes, there was
+the volume she wanted on the table. Taking it up and turning to go,
+her eyes fell on the corner where Uncle William kept his story
+books--books intended for his young guests, which he very much enjoyed
+reading himself sometimes, and to which he was constantly adding. As
+there seemed to be some new ones, Louise sat down to examine them, and
+before she knew it became absorbed. When at length she looked up it
+was beginning to grow dark.
+
+"Dear me! what will Aunt Zélie say? I must hurry," she exclaimed, and
+running to the door she stopped in bewilderment, for there wasn't any
+knob, and yet it was securely latched. She was very much puzzled. For
+a few minutes it seemed rather funny to be fastened up in Uncle
+William's library, but when all her attempts to open the door failed
+it did not seem so much like a joke. She tried pounding on it, but any
+noise such small hands might make could not be heard twenty feet away.
+Louise soon realized this; the servants she knew were on the other
+side of the house and might not come near the library till the next
+day. She thought of the windows, and tried them one after another,
+standing on tiptoe on the sill, but she could not move the fastenings.
+The one that faced the street was too far back for any possibility of
+attracting the attention of passers-by.
+
+"What shall I do? They won't know what has become of me," she said.
+She wondered if Bruce would not come to turn on the light in the hall,
+only to be disappointed again, for when she peeped through the keyhole
+it was already burning. Again and again she tried to move the latch
+with a pen-knife, and then with a paper-cutter, but without success.
+
+Then she sat down to think. There was nothing to do but wait. She was
+a brave little person, but as she saw how dark it was growing and
+thought of home with all its light and cheer she could not keep the
+tears out of her eyes.
+
+How foolish she had been, and naughty, too! What right had she to the
+book? She ought to have asked her father's permission before she
+thought of going for it. This was all quite clear now.
+
+The room was cold, and outside the wind whistled about the house. The
+snow had begun to fall so thickly that when she went to the window she
+could not see the street. It was some comfort to turn on the electric
+light, but it did not keep her from being cold and tired and hungry.
+The clock said a quarter past six; in a few minutes more they would be
+eating dinner at home. Somebody _must_ come; she couldn't stay there
+all night.
+
+She went to the door again and called "Bruce! Bruce!" till she was
+tired. Slowly the hands of the clock moved on: seven; half-past;
+eight. Her excited imagination began to bring to her mind all the
+stories of burglars she had ever heard. Suppose some one should come
+to rob the house, knowing the family were away! She was afraid to take
+her eyes off the door, and much as she longed for release she almost
+dreaded to see it open. She sat on the floor, pulling a great
+bear-skin rug over her, and by and by she fell asleep with her head on
+a chair. Then she dreamed that she was out in a sleigh in a furious
+snow-storm. Carl was with her and Bruce was driving, and they were
+chased by wolves. (This was probably suggested by the story she had
+been reading, which was one of Russian adventure.) The wolves gained
+upon them, though they seemed to be going like the wind; she felt
+their hot breath on her face as they climbed over the back of the
+sleigh. Just as she was being dragged out she thought Carl cried,
+"There goes Louise!" Then she opened her eyes to find herself on the
+library floor, with Mr. Caruth and Bruce standing over her, and Dan,
+the big mastiff, trying to lick her face. The clock on the mantel said
+half-past ten.
+
+About half an hour earlier Mr. Caruth, going home on a street-car, met
+an acquaintance who remarked that he had just seen Mr. Hazeltine, who
+was much worried over the disappearance of his little girl. His
+informer did not know which of the children it was, or any
+particulars, and after riding another block Mr. Caruth rang the bell
+and got off, intending to go hack to the Hazeltines and learn the
+truth of the matter.
+
+On his way to take the down-town car he passed Mr. William Hazeltine's
+house. He noticed that only a dim light burned in the hall, and
+recalled the fact that they were out of town, but happening to glance
+in the direction of the library he was surprised to see it brilliantly
+illuminated. Hesitating for a moment, he turned and went up the steps.
+"I'll take occasion to ask Bruce if he knows anything about one of the
+children getting lost," he said to himself.
+
+After some minutes the door was opened by the sleepy-looking man, who
+was not disposed to be quite amiable. In reply to Mr. Caruth's
+question he said he knew nothing about it.
+
+"Well, see here, Bruce, what does that light in the library mean? Mr.
+and Mrs. Hazeltine are both away, aren't they?"
+
+The man looked at him in surprise, and said there wasn't any light in
+the library.
+
+"Just come out here, then, and tell me what you call this," and Mr.
+Caruth led the way to the corner of the house.
+
+"I haven't been near the library since morning, sir," the astonished
+man exclaimed.
+
+"How about the other servants?"
+
+"They are all away but the cook, and she went to bed an hour ago.
+There was a man here attending to some locks, but he left about noon."
+
+"It can't be burglars, for they wouldn't leave the blinds open. We
+must look into this," said Mr. Caruth, as they entered the house.
+
+The dog had followed Bruce to the door, and under his protection they
+entered the library.
+
+A more unexpected sight could hardly have met their gaze--Louise fast
+asleep on the floor, with the bear-skin partly covering her!
+
+Dan's cold nose aroused her, and she started up with wide-open,
+bewildered eyes.
+
+"Don't be frightened, it is only Dan," said Mr. Caruth, lifting her
+into a chair. "Get wide awake and then tell us why you are spending
+the night here. I am afraid from what I hear that they are worried
+about you at home."
+
+"I'm awake now and I must go. You will take me, won't you?" said
+Louise, rising and pushing back her hair, and looking about for her
+hat. "I did not mean to stay here," she added, "but I couldn't get
+out--there isn't any knob on the door."
+
+Bruce, who had been standing open-mouthed, turned at this to examine
+the door, and sure enough there was a knob on the outside, but not on
+the inside. He could not explain why it had been left so; he only knew
+that the man who came to make some change in the door-knobs had said
+that something was wrong and he could not finish the work till the
+next day.
+
+A long ring at the hell startled Mrs. Howard, and aroused Bess from a
+troubled doze on the sofa. They ran into the hall just as Joanna, who
+was on the watch, opened the door with a scream of delight.
+
+"Louise! Louise! Where have you been? Where did you find her, Mr.
+Caruth?" Bess laughed and cried at the same time, and Aunt Zélie was
+almost as bad. Louise was hugged and kissed and asked the same
+questions over and over again, because it was impossible to take in
+anything more than the glad fact that she was found.
+
+In the midst of it Carl rushed in, exclaiming, "We can't find a trace
+of her, and Roberts says--"
+
+"The next time you want a detective you'd better employ me," remarked
+Mr. Caruth calmly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+SOMETHING ELSE HAPPENS.
+
+
+Louise's adventure resulted in a cold that came near being pneumonia,
+and kept her housed for more than a week. As she paid so dearly for
+her thoughtlessness, no one had the heart to scold her; indeed, she
+received an unusual amount of petting.
+
+Mr. Hazeltine did suggest that the next time she wished to help one of
+her neighbors it might be as well to count the cost, and her meek
+"Yes, Father," showed that she saw her mistake.
+
+"I wonder what will happen next," said Carl one day, a week later,
+speaking from the depths of the wardrobe, where he was rummaging.
+
+"Nothing, I hope," remarked Bess, who sat in the window with Louise,
+supervising a new mansion for the Carletons.
+
+"Not even something nice?" asked her brother.
+
+"Nothing really nice has happened since Aunt Zélie gave us our silver
+keys," said Louise. "There is the postman; I am going to see if he has
+anything for us," and putting aside her papers she ran downstairs.
+
+She and the postman were great friends, and always had some merry
+words to exchange when they met.
+
+"I treat you vell to-day," said the cheery Dutchman; "I bring you two
+letter."
+
+"Thank you, but they aren't for me. They are for my aunt. You must
+bring me one for myself."
+
+"Dot is too bad, I vill haf one for you next time." He trotted off,
+and Louise carried the letters in and laid them on the library table,
+as Aunt Zélie was not at home, and then went back to her drawing. Just
+before dark Mrs. Howard came in, bringing Cousin Helen with her to
+spend the night. The children were delighted at this, for it meant a
+merry evening if nobody came to call. The one provoking thing about
+Cousin Helen was that she had so many friends.
+
+Bess was charmed to discover that it was beginning to rain.
+
+"Now we can sit around the fire after dinner and tell stories," she
+said, putting away her papers in an old checker-board.
+
+Their cousin, like their aunt, was generally willing to do what the
+children wished, so they made a sociable group in the library after
+dinner.
+
+"Let's play something first," suggested Miss Hazeltine, taking
+possession of the sleepy-hollow chair.
+
+"'I Have a Thought,'" Aunt Zélie proposed; "little Helen likes that."
+
+"I have a thought that rhymes with deep," announced Carl.
+
+"Is it what Cousin Helen will do if she sits in that chair?" asked
+Bess.
+
+"Thank you, miss, I am not such a sleepy-head as you think," said her
+cousin, with pretended indignation.
+
+It was not till some one had a thought rhyming with "better" that
+Louise was reminded of the letters the postman left.
+
+"There are two, Auntie," she said, bringing them; "one is from
+Father."
+
+"Yes, just a note to say he will be at home to-morrow at three. I
+don't know this writing," opening the other.
+
+"Why, it is from Miss Lyons, Aunt Mary's companion!" she exclaimed,
+looking at the signature.
+
+"You are frowning, Aunt Zélie," remarked Carl.
+
+"Don't keep us in suspense, Zélie. Is there anything wrong?" asked her
+cousin.
+
+"Nothing really serious. Aunt Mary fell and broke her ankle, and will
+have to stay in bed for several weeks; but the trouble is Miss Lyons's
+brother is very ill and she has to go to him."
+
+"So that is it? And she wants some one to take her place for a while,
+I suppose. I'd go in a minute if Father and Mother were not away."
+
+"Of course you could not go, Helen. I am the one. Frank will be at
+home, and Sukey is here to take care of the children. I wish I had had
+this sooner; I must telegraph to Miss Lyons that I will take the nine
+o'clock train to-morrow."
+
+While she was speaking the children were silent from astonishment, but
+a wail arose presently.
+
+"Why can't Aunt Mary take care of herself?"
+
+"What shall we do without you?"
+
+"Don't go, _please_ don't go!"
+
+"Children, I must; think of poor Miss Lyons."
+
+"If you put on such long faces when she is only going sixty miles away
+for a few weeks, what would you do if she should go away to live?"
+asked Cousin Helen.
+
+"But she never will do that, for she has promised," said Carl
+confidently.
+
+Bess's face suddenly brightened. "It will be helping, to let her go,
+won't it?"
+
+"I suppose so," sighed Louise, "but it is such a dreadful thing."
+
+"Oh, no, not dreadful at all!" and Aunt Zélie laughed at the doleful
+faces. "You can help, all of you, by being cheerful. And think what
+nice letters you can write me!"
+
+"What will the club do?" Carl demanded.
+
+"Conduct itself with propriety, to be sure; and now I must pack my
+trunk."
+
+"Think of your wishing that something would happen!" said Bess
+reproachfully to her brother as they went upstairs.
+
+It was very forlorn next morning to say good-by, knowing that when
+they came from school Aunt Zélie would not be there; but they
+remembered their promise and tried to be cheerful. How the rest of the
+day passed Bess told in a letter written that evening:
+
+   DEAR AUNT ZÉLIE: You have been gone ten hours. Carl counted it
+   up, and we miss you very much. Father has come home, so that is
+   one comfort. He is reading the paper now. It was lonely at lunch
+   with only us, but Nannie came over with a note from Miss Brown
+   asking us to come and take five o'clock tea, Carie and all. We
+   had a good time. Miss Brown told stories and showed us some funny
+   old things that belonged to her aunt. There was some jewelry that
+   Louise and I would like to have to play Queen Mary in. Carl liked
+   an old "Pilgrim's Progress" that was printed more than a hundred
+   years ago, but Ikey said he would rather have a new one.
+
+   Carie was good as could be, and we had tea out of the little
+   cups. We are grateful to Miss Brown. I think she was being a good
+   neighbor, don't you? Father says it is bedtime, so good-night,
+   dear Aunt Zélie.
+
+                    From your loving nieces,
+
+                         BESS and LOUISE.
+
+Several days later she received one from Carl:
+
+   DEAR AUNT ZÉLIE: I have not written before because there was
+   nothing of interest to tell you. We are getting on very well,
+   though I think Joanna is too bossy, and mammy is nearly as bad.
+   But we have been pretty good on the whole. Cousin Helen was not
+   going to let Aleck stay Friday night, for fear he would cut up,
+   but Father said, "Nonsense!" so he came. We had a better time at
+   the club than we expected. The boys were dreadfully sorry you
+   were not there. Our screens are coming on finely, though Ikey
+   pasted a dragon on upside-down. Will read the last chapter of
+   "The Talisman" aloud while we worked. Then Father came up and was
+   as jolly as could be. He advised us to read the "Life of
+   Washington" next, and we decided to begin it next week. Father is
+   coming up again if he can. The O.B.F.D. will meet next week, so
+   we can't have the club; I forgot. Some of us will write you about
+   it. I hope Miss Lyons's brother will soon be well and Aunt Mary
+   too. Good-by,
+
+                    Your devoted nephew,
+
+                         WILLIAM CARLETON HAZELTINE.
+
+A week or two later Aunt Zélie received two long letters in the same
+envelope, from her nieces:
+
+   DEAR AUNTIE: We have so much to tell you that we are going to
+   divide it between us. Aunt Marcia has just been here and has
+   asked Father to let Helen go with her to Florida. Isn't that
+   lovely? Uncle William said he wished he could take us all, but I
+   don't believe Aunt Marcia does. Louise and I wish we could go.
+   Aleck wants Helen to bring him an alligator. Another thing we
+   have to tell you is that Louise went to hear Patti sing, with Mr.
+   Caruth. He was going to take Cousin Helen, but she was sick, so
+   he came and asked Louise if she would go instead. Aunt Marcia
+   said it was a great compliment to such a little girl, and that
+   she must wear her white silk dress. I couldn't help wanting to
+   go, because we always go together, and she was sorry too. Mr.
+   Caruth brought her some flowers just as if she was a young lady,
+   and I heard him tell Father she was a beautiful child. She had a
+   lovely time, but she was sleepy next day. Now Louise is going to
+   tell you about the meeting of the Order.
+
+                    Your devoted niece,
+
+                         ELIZABETH HAZELTINE.
+
+   DARLING AUNT ZÉLIE: Bess says I must tell you about the O.B.F.D.
+   It met yesterday afternoon. We trimmed the star chamber with our
+   flags, and Carl cut some big letters out of gilt
+   paper,--O.B.F.D.'s I mean,--and put them on the wall. Everybody
+   came, and we had a nice time. Carl made a speech of welcome; and
+   Jim played on the banjo, and then we had reports. We each wrote
+   on a piece of paper how we were trying to help, and Will read
+   them. We didn't put our names, because Bess said it would seem as
+   if we were proud of ourselves. Connie said some poetry and Aleck
+   sang a funny song. Ikey and Will both had to pay fines. We are
+   each going to pay ten cents a month and give the money to the
+   Children's Hospital. When we thought it was all over Jim got up
+   and said he had a present for us, and what do you think it was?
+   Our motto painted in colors. Father says it is illuminated, and
+   little John did it. Jim had it framed. We hung it on the wall,
+   and we think perhaps we will ask John to belong to the Order. I
+   liked Patti very much, but I wished Bess could go.
+
+                    With a great many kisses and lots of love,
+
+                         LOUISE HAZELTINE.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+AUNT SUKEY'S STORY.
+
+
+"It is a whole month since Aunt Zélie went away, and nearly a week
+since we had a letter. I wonder if Miss Lyons's brother is not well
+yet;" Bess sighed, for time was beginning to drag.
+
+"Suppose Miss Lyons couldn't go back at all, would your aunt have to
+stay?" asked Dora, who had come in to spend the afternoon.
+
+"Dear, no! Aunt Mary would have to get another companion; Aunt Zélie
+belongs to us," answered Carl, who sat on the floor showing Carie
+pictures.
+
+There was one supposed to represent the drowning of Pharaoh and his
+host which interested her deeply, and her brother made it even more
+thrilling by singing in an explosive manner one of Sukey's songs:
+
+    "Oh! didn't old Pharaoh get drowned--
+    Oh! _didn't_ old Pharaoh got drowned--
+    Oh! DIDN'T old Pharaoh get drowned in the Red sea?"
+
+"Is Carl here?" asked Louise, looking in; "here's Ikey."
+
+"What are you boys going to do this afternoon? Don't you want to play
+something?" asked Bess.
+
+"No, thanks, we have something else on hand," was the unsatisfactory
+reply.
+
+"What?" said Louise.
+
+"Never mind; little girls mustn't ask questions," responded Carl
+paternally, as he and Ikey left the room. A moment later he returned
+to call through the half-opened door, "I know something I'm not going
+to tell."
+
+"Never mind, I can get it out of Ikey," responded Louise.
+
+"Unfortunately he doesn't know it," came from the third-story stairs.
+
+"Perhaps Mandy will let us make some candy; let's ask her, and not
+tell the boys," Louise suggested.
+
+So while Joanna carried Carie off for a walk the others went down to
+the kitchen.
+
+It was a large, bright room, and it was Mandy's pride to keep it
+shining. Aunt Sukey sat by one of the windows with the mending basket
+beside her, and the presiding genius stood at the spotless table
+rolling out croquettes.
+
+"Mandy, we are so lonely without Auntie! mayn't we make some candy to
+amuse us?" Louise put on her most coaxing expression.
+
+"The kitchen ain't the place for young ladies to get their dresses
+dirty in, and their fingers burned," said Sukey severely.
+
+"But we aren't young ladies, mammy, and we will be careful," urged
+Bess.
+
+"I don't think anyone _could_ get dirty in this kitchen," Dora added
+in honest admiration.
+
+This compliment pleased Mandy, and furthermore it was her kitchen, so
+she said good-naturedly, "You can make all the candy you want, so long
+as you get through before dinner-time."
+
+With this permission the sugar and molasses were soon simmering in a
+saucepan, sending forth a pleasant fragrance.
+
+When it was well begun Bess sat down by Sukey, saying, "Now tell us a
+story, mammy."
+
+"Oh, go 'long, I tole you all my stories long ago! You all's getting
+too big for stories. Looks like it was just yesterday that Miss Zélie
+was askin', 'Mammy, tell me a story,' same as you."
+
+"Was Auntie pretty when she was a little girl?" asked Bess.
+
+"There never was a child as good-looking from first to last. Louise
+favors her, and it looks like I forget sometimes that it ain't Miss
+Zélie; but pretty is as pretty does, that's the truth, and she was
+pretty in manners as well as face."
+
+"Go on and tell us about her," begged Louise, for though they had
+heard it all many times there was nothing they liked so well to listen
+to. Nor was there anything Sukey liked so well to tell, so as she
+sorted and turned and rolled the stockings in a leisurely way, she
+began.
+
+The sunshine came in at the window and rested on Louise's bright head
+and Dora's dark one, as they sat together in the same chair. Bess's
+seat was an upturned earthen jar, and the same sunlight fell on her
+small folded hands and on the brown wrinkled ones at work with the
+stockings.
+
+"Well, you know how Miss Zélie's ma died when she wasn't as big as
+little Carie, and the last thing she said to me was, 'Sukey, you mind
+my baby.' Miss Elizabeth always set great store by me, and I 'lowed
+that freedom or nothin' could take me from old Master's family. It was
+powerful lonesome in this big house in those days. Your grandpa took
+your grandma's death mighty hard, and he had to travel a good deal for
+his health, so Miss Zélie didn't have any one to look after her but
+Mr. William and me. Mr. Frank, your pa, was away at college. Then Mr.
+William got married. Miss Marcia is a good woman and kind-hearted, but
+she ain't any gift at managin' children, and that's the truth. Miss
+Zélie was a smart, lively child with a temper of her own, and if I do
+say it she would have had a hard time if it had not been for her old
+mammy. When she was ten years old Mr. Frank--he had been home from
+college a year--come to me and says, 'Sukey, I'm goin' to be married.'
+
+"I didn't know whether to be glad or sorry, but I wished him good
+luck, an' he went back up North for his wife."
+
+"That was Mamma, you know," Louise explained to Dora.
+
+"I remember how Miss Zélie come to me, and says she, 'Mammy, do you
+think she will love me?'
+
+"About that time Miss Marcia took it into her head to go to Europe.
+She said something about taking Miss Zélie along, but I up an' tole
+her that where my child went I went too, an' she 'lowed she didn't
+want me.
+
+"It was the prettiest kind of a day when they came home, and we was
+out on the porch watchin' for them. They drove up presently with your
+grandpa, and Miss Elinor she came up the walk ahead of Mr. Frank,
+smiling as sweet us could be, an' she says, 'So this is my little
+sister.' I knew that minute they'd be friends.
+
+"Your ma was dreadful fond of children, and she made a great pet of
+Miss Zélie, and she was as happy as a bird."
+
+"Isn't it interesting to think of Aunt Zélie being a little girl?"
+said Bess; "but go on, Sukey, and tell about when Carl was born."
+
+"Well, it did seem like she was just too happy when the baby came. He
+was a fine child, and Miss Elinor said Miss Zélie might name him.
+Well, she and your grandpa would sit and argue about that name, and
+after I don't know how long they settled on William Carleton. That was
+the name of Miss Elinor's only brother, and William was old Master's
+name too. Mr. Carl used to come down right often, and he and Miss
+Zélie was great friends, though he was eight years older. Well,
+when--"
+
+Just at this moment the kitchen door opened; the children had their
+backs to it, but Sukey sat facing it, and her story came to a sudden
+stop. Bess, turning to look, was clasped from behind. Could it
+possibly be? Yes, it certainly was Aunt Zélie herself.
+
+"You darling! When did you come?" asked Louise, holding her fast.
+
+"This very minute. I wrote to Frank that I would be home to-morrow,
+and then found that I could get off to-day."
+
+"And is Miss Lyons's brother well?" inquired Bess.
+
+"Almost, and she sent her thanks to you for letting me take her
+place."
+
+"She is welcome, now you are at home again," laughed Louise, with
+another hug.
+
+The candy was almost forgotten in the delight at Aunt Zélie's return,
+and would have been spoiled if Mandy had not taken it in hand.
+
+When the traveller went to change her dress Louise had a little
+triumph over Carl which pleased her exceedingly.
+
+Going up to the star chamber, she called, "Well, I have found out your
+secret, Mr. Carl. It is that Auntie is coming home to-morrow."
+
+"Who told you?" he demanded.
+
+"Never mind, I told you I'd find out," and she ran away without
+giving him a chance to ask any more questions.
+
+An hour later, when the boys came downstairs, there was Aunt Zélie
+looking as if she had never, never been away, and the girls quite
+consumed with delight at their surprise.
+
+"Louise, that was mean!" Carl cried. "How long have you been here, I'd
+like to know?" with one of his bearlike hugs.
+
+"I did not _mean_ to be mean, really, and you and Ikey can have all
+the candy you want," said Louise generously.
+
+Mrs. Howard had certainly no reason to doubt her popularity. The news
+of her arrival spread, and the next day in the afternoon she held an
+impromptu reception.
+
+One after another the boys and girls dropped in, till the whole eleven
+were there. The first to arrive was Jim, with a great bunch of roses,
+at which extravagance Aunt Zélie shook her head, though she could not
+help appreciating their beauty and Jim's thoughtfulness.
+
+Ikey wished that he could do magnificent things like that,--he
+sometimes dreamed of it,--but alas! he was in a chronically penniless
+state. He had nothing for her but a message from his mother, but when
+he screwed up sufficient courage to deliver it it seemed to please her
+as much as the roses. The message was: "Thank Mrs. Howard for being so
+good to my boy. Some day I hope to see her and tell her how I love
+her for it." Ikey's heart fairly glowed when Aunt Zélie said that it
+was only a pleasure to be good to such a nice boy.
+
+Last of all came Cousin Helen and Aleck, who stayed and spent a merry
+evening.
+
+"It is so nice to have Aunt Zélie back, I am almost glad she went,"
+Bess was heard to say.
+
+And that lady herself thought that such a welcome quite made up for
+the four rather lonely weeks in the country with her invalid aunt.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+THE ORDER OF THE BIG FRONT DOOR.
+
+
+On the afternoon of the meeting at Miss Brown's, when the silver keys
+were distributed, Jim had walked home with Aunt Zélie and said as they
+reached the gate, "Thank you very much for the pin, Mrs. Howard; I
+mean to remember the motto and be a helper if I can."
+
+"I am sure you do, and you are more than welcome," she replied,
+thinking, as she looked into the bright, handsome face, "He wants to
+please me now, but perhaps it will grow into a higher motive."
+
+Jim was quite in earnest when he said this. Three months in the Good
+Neighbors Club had somewhat changed his point of view. He might still
+be inconsiderate and thoughtless, but he no longer defended himself by
+saying that every fellow must look out for himself.
+
+The friendship of little John Armstrong was doing much for him. A
+strong liking had sprung up between the two, rather to the surprise of
+everybody. From the first John showed a decided preference for Jim,
+who was so big and strong and capable, everything he himself was not;
+and in the same way the helpless weakness of the invalid made its
+appeal to the boy who in all his life had never been ill.
+
+Certainly Miss Brown was right when she said that the silver keys
+could open a door of pleasure to the lame boy.
+
+The children could not guess the happiness their companionship gave
+him. He listened with eager interest to all they told him of their
+life at home and at school, and when they were gone he lived it over
+again in imagination. He cherished a secret desire to belong to the
+Order, but would not have mentioned it for the world, for how could he
+help? He wrote the motto in his note-book, and then for weeks spent
+all his spare time copying it on parchment in letters taken from an
+old English missal, one of his father's treasures, drawing and
+coloring them with greatest care. When it was done it was really
+beautiful, and Jim, who was in the secret, had it nicely framed and
+presented it, as we know, at the next meeting of the Order.
+
+But John wanted to be a real helper. He thought about it a great deal,
+but everything was done for him; there seemed to be no chance.
+
+One day he noticed a lot of magazines which his father had been
+looking over, and left lying on the floor when he was suddenly called
+away. They belonged on the lower shelves of the bookcase, and it
+occurred to him that he might replace them. He rolled his chair over
+to that side of the room, and with a good deal of effort put them
+back in order on the shelves. Then when Dr. Armstrong thanked his wife
+that evening for putting them away, and she answered that she had not
+even seen them, John had the great delight of surprising them. It sent
+him to bed with a happy heart. However, next day he began to doubt
+whether so small a thing would count, and when Jim dropped in in the
+afternoon he asked his opinion. "Of course, you see, I can't do much
+of anything, but I'd like to help a little," he said.
+
+"Count?" said Jim, the despiser of trifles; "of course it does;
+everything counts."
+
+He told the boys and Aunt Zélie about it at the next meeting of the
+G.N. Club. "I can't help feeling sorry for the little fellow; I never
+thought before how hard it would be not to be able to do things like
+other people, but just sit still and be waited on; so I told him I
+thought it would count. Don't you think so?" Jim looked at Aunt Zélie
+appealingly, half afraid the boys would laugh at his soft-heartedness.
+
+"I certainly do," she answered, and Will said, "There are a great many
+things he could do, I am sure. Did he ever show you his scrap-books?
+They are beautifully done. He could make some smaller ones for the
+hospital."
+
+"Why couldn't we make him a member of the Order? He would be so
+pleased," said Jim.
+
+"He couldn't come, could he?" asked Ikey, not meaning to object.
+
+"Why couldn't he?" said Carl; "some of us could carry him over as
+easily as not."
+
+"I say let's talk it over with the girls and have him here next
+Friday," said Will.
+
+The girls entered into it willingly. "Of course he ought to belong,
+for he made us that beautiful motto," said Elsie.
+
+"And we must get up something interesting for him," said Louise, who
+with Jim was on the entertainment committee.
+
+Aunt Zélie consulted Mrs. Armstrong and found she was not willing to
+let John go out at night, so the time of the meeting was changed to
+Friday afternoon. Nothing was said to John himself till that morning,
+when Carl stopped in on his way to school to invite him.
+
+"Could I go? Do you think I could go, Mother?" he asked eagerly, and
+from then until lunch time he lived in delightful anticipation.
+
+After that the minutes dragged till three, when the boys came for him,
+and the journey from the parsonage to the star chamber was easily
+accomplished. This apartment presented a festive appearance, decorated
+with flags and bunting which had done service in one of Aunt Marcia's
+numerous charitable entertainments.
+
+"You see, John," Louise explained as soon as his chair had been placed
+in a corner from which he could see everything, "Aunt Zélie said we
+ought to have colors for our Order, and I thought, and so did Bess
+and Dora, that red, white, and blue would be nicest, because they are
+the colors of our country. Carl says it is silly, for we are not doing
+anything for our country, but I'm sure we would if we could."
+
+As Louise chattered away John looked around him. His motto hung in the
+place of honor over the mantel. In front of this was a low platform
+which dated back to Uncle William's time, and had often done duty for
+tableaux and such things; on it were two chairs and a table for the
+President and Secretary. Chairs for the audience were arranged in rows
+facing this. It was a most exciting moment to John when Will took the
+chair and called the meeting to order in a business-like way. Bess
+read the minutes of the last meeting, and Ikey gave the Treasurer's
+report. Then came reports from the two clubs, given respectively by
+Elsie and Aleck. The M.Ks. were still at work on the afghan for old
+Aunt Sallie, which was nearly done, and Miss Brown was reading aloud
+to them "A New England Girlhood."
+
+The G.Ns. had finished one of their screens and were at work on
+another while they listened to "The Life of Washington."
+
+"Next in order is the election of new members," said Will, and John
+started and flushed and then felt ashamed that he could be so silly as
+to think he was meant.
+
+Jim rose and said, "Mr. President, I nominate John Armstrong."
+
+This was seconded by Ikey, and the President continued: "John
+Armstrong is nominated; all in favor will please say 'aye.'"
+
+The "ayes" were overwhelming, and accompanied by such a clapping of
+hands that the President forgot to ask for the "noes."
+
+When it was quiet again John found voice to say timidly, "I'm afraid I
+won't amount to much, but I am very much obliged and I'll try."
+
+When Louise pinned a little silver key with a tiny bow of red, white,
+and blue ribbon on his coat no Knight of the Garter was ever prouder
+of his decoration.
+
+The President announced that he had been told of a little girl who had
+to lie on her back for a year on account of some spinal trouble, and
+who had almost nothing to amuse her, so if anyone had scrap-books or
+toys and would send them to her it would be helping.
+
+John's eyes grew bright; here was something for him to do.
+
+After this the meeting adjourned, the table and chairs were removed
+from the platform, a white curtain drawn, the room darkened, and the
+audience, such as did not take part, were treated to shadow pictures.
+
+John, who had never seen any before, laughed till he cried at "Lord
+Ullin's Daughter" and "The Ballad of the Oysterman." This last was
+performed with particularly fine effect by Carl and Louise, and
+everybody knows how funny it is when well done.
+
+John was carried home again very tired, but with a radiant face, eager
+to show his silver key. As the spring days grew warm and pleasant his
+wheeled chair was often seen on the sidewalk, or in the Hazeltines'
+garden, where he liked to watch the games of tennis and croquet,
+drawing clever little caricatures of the players meanwhile. Somebody
+was always ready to wheel him about, and in the pleasure of young
+companionship he grew stronger, and his face lost much of its pathetic
+look.
+
+About this time old Mr. Ford, whose eyes were growing dim, discovered
+that when the print of his paper was particularly fine a pair of
+strong young eyes were ready to lend their service. Sweet-tempered
+Ikey had always been willing enough to help when it occurred to him,
+but his thoughts were likely to be anywhere else than at home, so that
+the broadest hints were lost on him. Now, with the little key to
+remind him, he was oftener on the lookout for opportunities, and as
+the months passed his grandfather was heard to say: "Isaac is a fine
+boy, only a little mischievous," and Mrs. Ford added: "Yes, he is
+really growing like his father."
+
+The letters that found their way across the sea were not homesick in
+these days, and Ikey's mother ceased to worry about him.
+
+In ways like these the silver keys did their work. Their owners did
+not forthwith turn into models of helpfulness and unselfishness; such
+things need time to grow, and this is exactly what they began to do.
+Only little sprouts, hardly to be noticed at first, they gave promise
+of being sturdy plants some day.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+WORK AND PLAY.
+
+
+Miss Brown sat in her accustomed place by the window, where the sun
+was pouring in in a springlike way, though it was only February. Her
+sitting-room wore a festive air; the curtains looked crisp and white
+as if they were just hung, the old mahogany shone with more than its
+ordinary lustre, and on a table at her side stood a bowl filled with
+white carnations. She looked about her with happy eyes, for she had
+been away a month and had discovered that there was no place like
+home, after all.
+
+From the pleasant room she turned to the window, and her glance went
+across the sunny street and rested on the Big Front Door.
+
+It opened presently, as she rather expected, and Bess and Louise came
+out with their work-bags, and stood talking to Aunt Zélie, who
+followed them.
+
+"Dear, dear, how those children are growing! It seems only yesterday
+that they broke my window and came to confess."
+
+As she watched them Miss Brown thought, as she had so often before,
+what a happy home that was, and how much of its brightness found its
+way over to her!
+
+"Come for us early this afternoon, Carl, for we want to go out to
+Uncle William's," said Bess to her brother, who had joined them and
+was carefully marking his aunt's height on the wall.
+
+"You are not expecting me to grow any more, I suppose," said that
+lady, laughing.
+
+"I simply wish to prove to you that I am two inches taller, so you
+can't lord it over me any longer, madam."
+
+"I was under the impression that the lording came from quite a
+different quarter."
+
+"That is a base slander; you know I am your humble slave, so take it
+back," and Carl gave her a hug that compelled her to cry for mercy.
+
+"If you must embrace me, let it not be in public; what will the
+neighbors think?" she said, as he released her.
+
+"They may think that I am very fond of you, and where is the harm?"
+following her into the hall and closing the door.
+
+Over at Miss Brown's a few minutes later five work-bags were being
+opened, their owners all talking at once as they took out their
+thimbles and needles.
+
+Though nearly two years and a half had passed since the day when the
+M.Ks. took their first lesson in knitting, the club still flourished,
+and after a month's holiday they were eager to begin the meetings
+again.
+
+"We did hardly any work while you were gone, we were so afraid of
+making some mistake," said Louise, bringing her chair to Miss Brown's
+side.
+
+"Uncle William's dreams ought to be sweet when he takes his nap under
+this; I believe Dora's stripe is the prettiest of all," and Bess held
+up her friend's work admiringly.
+
+"Dora's stripes are always prettiest," said Elsie; "I wish I could do
+half so well."
+
+"Aren't they absurd, Miss Brown, when it is only because daisies look
+particularly well on tan color?" said Dora, laughing.
+
+"I think the skilful fingers have something to do with it, but I am
+proud of all the work."
+
+"We have improved a little since we made the afghan for Aunt Sallie,
+haven't we?" remarked Constance.
+
+"You have, indeed, but you were such dear little girls then, and now
+you are growing distressingly tall; I do not half like it." Miss Brown
+shook her head disapprovingly as she looked around the circle.
+
+"I think it will be very nice to be grown up," said Elsie, who was
+already beginning to consider herself a young lady at fourteen.
+
+"I'd much rather stay a little girl. I don't like growing up. Next
+year Carl is going away to school, and all our good times will be
+over," and Bess sighed as though the weight of years already rested on
+her shoulders.
+
+"Well, we _are_ only little girls yet, so what is the use of
+worrying?" said Louise, who, though she was tallest of all, was more
+of a child than any of the others.
+
+Dora was perhaps more changed than any of her friends. She was growing
+very sweet and womanly, and her manners were as simple and frank as
+ever. Her mother's feeble health brought her more care than fell to
+the share of most girls of her age, and this made her seem older than
+she really was.
+
+This afternoon she seemed somewhat preoccupied and silent. When
+appealed to she answered as brightly as usual, but a thoughtful,
+anxious look came to her face when she turned to her work.
+
+Miss Brown noticed it and wondered what was troubling her.
+
+"Girls," exclaimed Bess, "suppose we give Uncle William a party when
+we finish the slumber robe--just our set, you know."
+
+This suggestion met with enthusiastic approval, and was discussed with
+great glee till Louise announced the arrival of the boys.
+
+On pleasant Saturdays they often dropped in about five o'clock, and
+when work was put up went with the girls for a walk, a custom which
+Aunt Zélie encouraged, for she liked to have her boys and girls
+together.
+
+Carl came across the street, followed by Will and Aleck; Ikey, who was
+waiting at his gate, joined them; and a moment later Jim came hurrying
+round the corner.
+
+"Let's show them the slumber robe," proposed Louise. So they were
+called in while Bess and Elsie spread their work over a chair.
+
+The boys went through the ordeal fairly well, being amiably desirous
+of pleasing the proud needlewomen.
+
+Will brought down their scorn upon his head by saying it was pretty,
+as if it were not "lovely," and Aleck insulted Dora by examining her
+daisies with a critical air and then asking what sort of flowers they
+were.
+
+For this stupidity Carl promised to punish him.
+
+"Aren't you coming with us, Dora?" asked Bess when they reached the
+street, seeing that she turned toward home.
+
+"I am sorry, but I can't this afternoon," she said.
+
+They united in coaxing her, but she would not listen, and with a
+cheerful good-by walked briskly away.
+
+"Mayn't I carry your parcel for you?" asked a voice at her side.
+
+"Why, Carl, I thought you had gone with the others! It isn't dark. I
+do not need anyone."
+
+"Please, ma'm, I'd like to walk with you if you don't mind."
+
+Dora couldn't help smiling, though she said severely, "I don't believe
+you. It is because you think I am lonely by myself. I am much obliged
+to you, but I wish you would run after the others."
+
+Carl coolly took possession of the work-bag. "You will have to make
+the best of it, for I am going home with you."
+
+They walked on in silence for a minute; then he asked meekly, "Are you
+mad?"
+
+"You know I am not."
+
+"Then you might tell what is the matter. You don't know how much good,
+honest confession does one."
+
+"Yes, I do, but I have nothing to confess. I am worried about
+something, but you cannot help me, and it is not worth speaking of, at
+any rate."
+
+"Come home, then, and tell Aunt Zélie; she is pretty good at helping."
+
+"I ought to know that; still I don't know what even she could do. It
+is not much, after all; I am just rather low in my mind, as Mrs. West
+says." Dora smiled with an attempt at cheerfulness not altogether
+successful.
+
+"Don't fib; brace up and make a clean breast of it, and if you need
+advice I am full of it."
+
+"Dear me, you are such a goose! I shall not have any peace till I tell
+you. Well, then, the beginning of it is that Mrs. West is going to
+Florida to live."
+
+"I am sorry, but it seems to me matters might be worse," Carl answered
+gravely.
+
+"Of course you don't understand it. It means that we must find another
+boarding place, _where_ I am sure I do not know. We can't afford any
+that are near here, and Mamma does so hate to board, she is not a bit
+happy. I would give anything if we could have a little house all to
+ourselves."
+
+"There is one thing certain, you shall not go away from this
+neighborhood. Don't worry about it, it will come out all right."
+
+Dora felt a little comforted by Carl's sympathy, though she knew he
+could not help her.
+
+"Are you sure you could not find a small house that would do?" he
+asked.
+
+"Yes, I know that is quite out of the question. Even a small house
+would cost too much, and then it would be too lonely for Mamma, when I
+am at school. You see it was foolish in me to tell you, for it only
+bothers you for nothing."
+
+"Just wait a minute, I have an idea," said Carl, putting his hands in
+his pockets and assuming an air of deep meditation.
+
+"It is ever so much better than Mrs. West's!" he exclaimed presently.
+"I am glad the old lady is going. I shall not tell you what it is till
+I investigate, but I am sure it will do."
+
+He was so interested in his scheme, whatever it might be, that he
+would not wait a moment, but rushed away as soon as the door was
+opened.
+
+"Ridiculous boy! What can he be thinking of?" Dora said to herself as
+she went upstairs, her curiosity much stronger than her faith.
+
+"Aunt Zélie, can't you come with me over to the bakery?" asked Carl,
+bursting in upon her five minutes later.
+
+"If it is a matter of life and death I presume I can," she replied.
+"What is going on there?"
+
+"Nothing; I'll tell you about it, only do get your things, or it will
+be dark."
+
+As she put on her hat and coat he told her about Dora's trouble, which
+she could appreciate far better than he.
+
+"She said she knew they could not find a house that would do," he went
+on, "and that reminded me that there is a 'For Rent' sign in the
+windows over the bakery. You know if they lived there Mrs. Smith would
+be good to them, and perhaps they could get their meals from her. So I
+want you to look at the rooms and see what you think. Dora would
+listen to you."
+
+Very much amused, Aunt Zélie went with him, agreeing that it might be
+practicable.
+
+Mrs. Smith, the wife of the confectioner, was delighted to show her
+rooms, and led the way through the store into the entrance hall at the
+side, and on upstairs. There were two large, bright rooms opening into
+the hall, with a bath-room adjoining. The rent was very reasonable,
+and she said she could furnish meals. Aunt Zélie was forced to admit
+that her nephew's plan had a good deal to recommend it.
+
+Nothing would do but they must go and tell Dora about it before they
+went home.
+
+She was very much surprised to see them, and listened with eyes that
+grew bright as the plan was unfolded.
+
+"Didn't I tell you it would be better than staying here?" Carl asked
+triumphantly.
+
+"It sounds as if it would be perfect; how did you come to think of
+it?" Dora said gratefully.
+
+She could hardly wait till Monday afternoon to go and see for herself.
+Mrs. Howard went with her then, and so did Bess and Louise, but they
+only sat on the window-sill and built castles while the others made
+calculations and discussed carpets and curtains.
+
+"They are such pleasant rooms, so much more so than the one we have
+now," Dora said. "I think, and the doctor said so too, that sunshine
+is the best thing for Mamma. I believe I have thought of everything,
+and it won't cost much more than boarding at Mrs. West's. If it were
+only on the other side of the street I could see the Big Front Door."
+
+Aunt Zélie offered to take charge of the cleaning and getting ready,
+so that her lessons need not be interrupted, and nothing remained but
+to gain her mother's consent to the plan.
+
+Mrs. Warner made no objection to it when she heard that Mr. Hazeltine
+and Mrs. Howard thought it wise, but she did not show the interest
+Dora hoped for.
+
+Once it was decided upon, things seemed almost to arrange themselves.
+All her young friends took an interest in Dora's moving, and Elsie,
+who doubted the propriety of living over a store,--for as yet "flats"
+had not been heard of in this part of the country,--nevertheless
+confided to Bess that she was going to make her a beautiful
+pincushion. This suggested an idea to Bess.
+
+"Don't you think it would nice for each of us to give Dora something
+for her housekeeping?" she asked at the dinner table that evening.
+
+Uncle William and Aunt Marcia were there, and the Warners had just
+been spoken of. "A good suggestion," said the first-named; "suppose we
+do."
+
+"I don't approve of this move at all," Mrs. Hazeltine announced; "Mrs.
+Warner must have lost her mind to consent."
+
+"It is a great deal nicer than you imagine, Aunt Marcia," urged Bess.
+
+"Dora doesn't care about being fashionable, and you can have more fun
+if you don't," observed Louise.
+
+"You seem to care for nothing but fun," said her aunt, with dignity.
+
+"At any rate we all admire Dora's energy and good sense, and would
+like to do something to help her," said Mr. Frank Hazeltine.
+
+So they put their heads together and made their plans.
+
+It was arranged that Mrs. Warner should come to her new quarters on
+Saturday morning, and Dora lingered long on Friday afternoon putting a
+few last touches here and there, arranging her little sideboard with
+some pretty glass and china, relics of her mother's early
+housekeeping, till everything was in dainty order.
+
+"I do hope Mamma will think it pleasant," she said to Louise, who was
+helping.
+
+"She will, I'm sure," Louise answered, looking around the room, which
+was indeed very attractive with the afternoon sunshine streaming in
+through the windows draped in their pretty muslin curtains.
+
+"Everything is so sweet and cosey I almost envy you," she added,
+dusting the top of the clock with a tiny feather duster.
+
+"Louise Hazeltine, how could you envy anybody?" Dora exclaimed. "There
+are two things I ought to have, and mean to sometime," she went on,
+"and they are some plants and a canary."
+
+Louise looked out of the window to hide a smile.
+
+One more peep had to be taken at the other room, where two snowy beds
+looked restful and inviting; then she locked the doors, leaving the
+key with Mrs. Smith that the fires might be made in the morning.
+
+"I hope you will like it, Mamma," were her last words that night and
+her first thought next morning.
+
+Mr. Hazeltine sent his carriage for Mrs. Warner, and short as the
+drive was it seemed tiresomely long to Dora.
+
+"I am glad it is pleasant so that the sunshine will be in your
+windows; it is always there by eleven o'clock," she said.
+
+Mrs. Smith was at the door to welcome them, with her small son Tommy
+to carry up any bundles.
+
+"I declare," she remarked to her husband, "it doesn't look right for a
+woman that has a daughter like Miss Dora to be so terrible
+down-hearted."
+
+In her eagerness to see how her mother was pleased, Dora hardly
+noticed anything herself when she opened the door.
+
+A more hopelessly gloomy person than Mrs. Warner could not have failed
+to be impressed with the sweet, cheerful comfort which pervaded the
+room. The sunshine from the south windows lay in two great patches on
+the quiet carpet, and glistened in a corner of something that did not
+look quite familiar; the fire burned briskly, doing its best to add to
+the cheeriness.
+
+"My dear daughter, how could you do all this?" she asked, her face
+brightening.
+
+"Do you like it? I am so glad!" Then Dora began to look about in some
+bewilderment; something had certainly happened to the room since
+yesterday. In the corner by the fireplace was the dearest mahogany
+desk, and on it a card which read, "For a brave little girl, from
+Uncle William." Glancing up, her eyes rested on the sweet face of a
+Madonna, which she guessed at once came from Aunt Zélie.
+
+"How good they are to me!'" she exclaimed, feeling almost like
+crying; but just then the canary in the window burst into a song, thus
+calling attention to himself and to the pot of ivy from Miss Brown.
+
+It was a morning of surprises. While her mother sat in her easy-chair,
+with a more cheerful face than she had worn for years, Dora went about
+finding every now and then something new. There were hyacinths from
+Helen and Carie, Elsie's pincushion on the bureau, a table cover from
+Constance, and on the sideboard a cunning teapot, with this touching
+verse tied on the handle:
+
+    "Whene'er a cup of tea you drink,
+    Of me I hope you'll kindly think.
+    To make the memory more complete,
+    Be sure to take it very sweet."
+
+This effusion did not need Carl's initials to tell her where it came
+from. The last thing to be discovered was a beautiful chair to match
+the desk, from Carl's father.
+
+Late in the afternoon a happy face looked in on Aunt Zélie, and a
+merry voice exclaimed, "It is going to be a success; and to-day has
+been better than Christmas!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+UNCLE WILLIAM IS SURPRISED.
+
+
+Dora's housekeeping seemed to thrive from the first. Her mother grew
+more cheerful and a little stronger, and she herself was rosy and
+happy. It was so pleasant to come home every day after school and find
+Fanny, their small maid, who came each morning and stayed till after
+lunch, setting their own little table. And then, what a pleasure to
+study at her beautiful desk!
+
+"It is lovely, if it is over a confectionery, isn't it, Mamma?" she
+would say.
+
+It was her great pleasure to keep this small domain in the daintiest
+order, and Saturday morning was sure to find her busy with her duster.
+On this particular morning, as she was shaking it out of the window,
+she saw Bess and Louise coming in.
+
+"If you aren't busy, Dora, we want to talk to you about something."
+began the last-named person before she was fairly in the room.
+
+"I am just through, and delighted to see you," she said hospitably.
+
+"It is about the afghan," Bess explained. "We can finish it easily
+this afternoon, and the twentieth is Uncle William's birthday; don't
+you think it would be best to give it to him then?"
+
+"We asked the boys about the party and they are in favor of it, and
+Aunt Zélie says we can have it. Now what kind of a party shall it be?
+We want suggestions," said Louise, folding her hands in her lap, and
+leaning back as if she had only to ask.
+
+"Why not have a surprise party?--ask him to dinner as if it were
+nothing special, you know."
+
+"The very thing!" they both exclaimed.
+
+"Why didn't we think of surprising the dear old duck, who is always
+surprising us?" Louise added.
+
+Bess shook her head at her sister. "That is not a becoming way in
+which to speak of your uncle. But that is a good idea, Dora; you are a
+very bright girl."
+
+"Thank you, I am glad I am satisfactory. Do you need any more
+suggestions?"
+
+"It must be a real party; we must trim the house and have Carl present
+the slumber robe; and do you think we could have a cake with candles?
+Forty-eight would be a good many."
+
+"Four dozen," said Dora, as Louise paused for breath. "Why don't you
+leave the decorations to the boys? We have done our share in making
+the afghan."
+
+"Another brilliant idea. We will," said Bess.
+
+They discussed it again over their work that afternoon, and Constance
+and Elsie gave their entire approval to the plan.
+
+A party at the Hazeltines' was always welcome, and the combination of
+circumstances made this particularly pleasant to anticipate.
+
+Their fingers flew as they talked, and by five o'clock the last stitch
+was taken, and the work of nearly six months finished.
+
+After surveying it fondly on all sides and trying its effect on Miss
+Brown's sofa, it was reluctantly wrapped in a sheet and put away till
+the all-important day.
+
+It was hard to do justice to lessons the next week, with such
+interesting preparations to be made. Aunt Zélie had shaken her head
+over parties during the school term, but gave in to the plan that this
+was a very special occasion. They couldn't help the fact that Uncle
+William's birthday came in March.
+
+Everything was ready in good time, Mr. Hazeltine was invited to
+dinner, and a hint was given to his wife.
+
+At seven o'clock on Thursday evening most of the party had assembled,
+and the Hazeltine house was pervaded by an air of expectancy.
+
+In the place of honor in the long drawing-room sat Miss Brown, who
+could not resist the united urging of Aunt Zélie and the girls.
+
+"We arranged this corner just for you," said Bess, coming to greet her
+as soon as she was seated. "We knew you would look like a picture in
+it."
+
+Miss Brown laughed and said that would be a new sensation, as she had
+never before been a picture.
+
+"Oh, yes, you have been, but perhaps you didn't know it!" said Louise.
+"This time you are to know it, and every one is to admire you, for you
+are part of our decorations; I am glad you wore that lovely shawl."
+
+She made a picture, truly, with her bright eyes and snowy hair against
+the crimson velvet of the chair, a delicate white lace shawl over her
+dark dress, and a copper lamp with a deep rose-colored shade throwing
+a soft radiance about her.
+
+"And here is somebody to keep you company," said Bess, bringing Aunt
+Zélie to sit beside her.
+
+Mrs. Howard's eyes followed lovingly her two pretty nieces as they
+danced away to join the group around the afghan.
+
+"I wonder," said Miss Brown, watching them, "what difference it would
+have made in me if I had had such a home when I was a child."
+
+"It is a beautiful and helpful thing to have a happy childhood to look
+back upon," answered their aunt. "When I meet discontented, cynical
+people I feel sure that no sweet true child-life lies behind them. I
+want my boys and girls to be able to say that their happiest times
+have been at home. Here comes our housekeeper."
+
+There was certainly a housewifely air about Dora's plump little figure
+in her simple white dress as she came to speak to Miss Brown and get
+Aunt Zélie to pin on her flowers.
+
+"Everybody is here but Ikey and Jim," announced Louise, whose blue
+ribbons were fluttering from one end of the house to the other.
+
+"Here they are!" called Carl from the window, "and someone else; it
+must be Uncle William!"
+
+Great excitement prevailed till the door opened and it proved to be
+Mr. Caruth.
+
+"I had forgotten you were invited, but I am very glad to see you,"
+Louise said, advancing to meet him.
+
+"Then I should not have been missed if I had not come?" he said,
+shaking hands with Mrs. Howard.
+
+"Oh, I had only forgotten for a minute, because I have so much on my
+mind!" she explained, laughing. "Why, Jim, what lovely flowers! Ikey,
+where is your buttonhole bouquet that I took so much trouble to make?"
+
+Ikey stared blankly at his undecorated coat. "Oh! I forgot it. I put
+it in the refrigerator; I'll go and get it."
+
+"In the _refrigerator_?" repeated the girls with one voice. "Just like
+a boy!"
+
+"Well, why not? That is where you put things to keep;" and Ikey
+departed to find his posies, while Jim divided his roses between
+Louise and Aunt Zélie.
+
+In three minutes Ikey came flying back quite breathless, announcing
+that Uncle William was at the gate.
+
+The festive air which reigned inside found its way out through various
+cracks and crevices, causing Mr. Hazeltine to remark that the house
+looked unusually brilliant.
+
+The truth did not dawn upon him till he stood in the parlor floor
+before a semicircle of bright faces, all very full of the fun of the
+occasion.
+
+Across the top of the large mirror he saw "Welcome," in letters of
+evergreen, and a chorus of "Many happy returns!" greeted him.
+
+"Bless me! what does this mean? Is it possible that it is my
+birthday?" he exclaimed.
+
+"Yes, and it's a _s'prise_ party; aren't you _s'prised_?" demanded
+Carie, unable to keep quiet any longer.
+
+"Surprised? I should say so! I shall have to have forty-eight kisses
+from somebody."
+
+Carie immediately volunteered her share, and altogether it is probable
+that he really received more than he was entitled to.
+
+He made his way to Miss Brown's corner after a while, and when the
+excitement subsided a little Carl stepped forward and said in an
+extremely lawyer-like manner: "I have the honor to be chosen spokesman
+this evening, to welcome you and wish you many happy returns of the
+day in the name of the members of the Order of the Big Front Door, who
+in testimony of their affection for you tender you this reception. I
+am also requested to present to you, in behalf of the Merry Knitters,
+this slumber robe, the work of their own fair fingers, which they
+offer as a slight token of their appreciation of all your kindness to
+them. May your dreams be sweet!"
+
+Aleck and Ikey advanced and threw the slumber robe over a chair before
+the astonished Uncle William.
+
+For it moment it quite took his breath away. He was touched and
+gratified that the girls should have done so much work for him, and
+found it necessary to clear his throat vigorously before he replied to
+Carl's graceful effort.
+
+"I am sure I can truthfully say that only once before in my life have
+I been so completely surprised. I thank you all most heartily for
+remembering an old fellow like me, and I particularly thank the M.Ks.
+for their beautiful gift. I shall prize it as one of my greatest
+treasures. I also thank Miss Brown for coming to my party; I consider
+it a great honor. As I had not the same opportunity as my nephew for
+preparing a speech I shall not say any more except to thank you all
+again."
+
+He sat down amid great applause.
+
+The slumber robe became for a while the centre of attraction. It was
+as great a surprise to Aunt Marcia as to her husband, and she admired
+it extremely, praising the young needlewomen warmly.
+
+"Mr. Caruth and I feel envious, and want to know what you have done
+that so much work should be bestowed on you?" said Mr. Frank
+Hazeltine, joining the group around it.
+
+"You see, Father, he is a sort of public benefactor; he gets up wonder
+balls and takes us to the circus, so he has to be publicly rewarded,"
+Louise explained gayly.
+
+"I am sure I was Santa Claus once," said Mr. Caruth.
+
+Supper was announced presently, and what a birthday supper it was!
+Mandy and Sukey had done their best for Mr. William, and their best
+was not to be sniffed at. Aunt Zélie contributed menu cards, each with
+a flower and a quotation on it.
+
+Dora thought hers the prettiest of all. On it were a thistle and a
+wild rose, and the lines were:
+
+    "Duty, like a strict preceptor,
+      Sometimes frowns or seems to frown.
+    Choose her thistle for thy sceptre,
+      While youth's roses are thy crown."
+
+"It was written by a poet for his own little daughter Dora," said Mrs.
+Howard.
+
+Aleck had:
+
+    "The heights by great men reached and kept
+      Were not attained by sudden flight,
+    But they while their companions slept
+      Were toiling upward in the night."
+
+"Cousin Zélie thinks I am lazy," he said, laughing.
+
+"Mine is better than Dora's, and I know where it came from, and she
+has not an idea," said Carl. His lines were:
+
+    "My good blade carves the casques of men,
+      My tough lance thrusteth sure,
+    My strength is as the strength of ten
+      Because my heart is pure."
+
+"I don't care, for I can find out, and that is half the fun," Dora
+replied, comparing hers with Louise's, which had lilies of the valley
+on it, and these lines:
+
+    "I pray the prayer of Plato old--
+      God make thee beautiful within,
+    And may thine eyes the good behold
+      In everything save sin."
+
+Uncle William put his card away before anybody had seen it, and
+refused to show it, in spite of much coaxing.
+
+"It is too complimentary; modesty forbids," Carl suggested.
+
+"Why didn't you and Miss Helen favor us with something original, Mrs.
+Howard?" asked Mr. Caruth.
+
+"He is making fun of the Harp Man's Benefit," said Miss Hazeltine.
+
+"I am afraid we exhausted our genius on that occasion," her cousin
+answered, laughing.
+
+"Uncle William, there is one thing you must tell us," said Bess, "and
+that is, _when_ you were more surprised than to-night?"
+
+"Oh, that was long ago!" he replied. "It was Aunt Marcia who surprised
+me." All eyes turned to Mrs. Hazeltine.
+
+"Aunt Marcia, how did you do it?"
+
+"I am sure I can't tell you. I think I am the one most apt to be
+surprised."
+
+"You'll have to tell," said Carl, turning to his uncle.
+
+"Well, if you must know, it was when she said '_Yes._'"
+
+Everybody laughed, and his wife said majestically: "My dear, you are
+very absurd." But she did not appear seriously displeased.
+
+"I don't understand," remarked Helen; "what did she say yes _to_?" and
+this of course brought down the house.
+
+After supper was over they danced and played games till, all too soon,
+the evening was over.
+
+"Good times never last quite long enough," Louise said, as her uncle
+was arranging for the farewell Virginia reel.
+
+"I thought they lasted the year around," remarked Mr. Caruth, who
+stood beside her.
+
+"I mean special ones," she answered gayly, as she went off with him to
+take her place, leaving Ikey rather crestfallen.
+
+The others had quickly paired off: Carl and Dora, Aleck and Bess, Jim
+and Elsie, Will and Constance. Elsie called "Tucker" aggravatingly as
+she passed.
+
+"Anyway, I didn't want to dance with her," he said to himself.
+
+Miss Hazeltine was playing for them, and Aunt Marcia sat with Miss
+Brown looking on; Aunt Zélie stood in the doorway.
+
+She smiled at Ikey when he looked in her direction, saying: "Do you
+want a partner?"
+
+His gloom turned to rapture. "Oh! Mrs. Howard, will you?"
+
+"I'll try," she answered, as they took their places, his heart beating
+quickly with pride and delight. And never was a dance performed with
+more reverent devotion.
+
+"Why, Aunt Zélie, that is not fair!" called Carl, as he and Dora
+danced down the middle and back again.
+
+"I didn't know you danced, Mrs. Howard," said Jim, upon whom Ikey cast
+a triumphant glance.
+
+When it was over she was besieged with partners for another, but she
+refused, declaring it was too late.
+
+So ended Uncle William's surprise party.
+
+When the door had closed on the last guest and Bess at the piano was
+playing a snatch of a waltz, Carl pounced upon his aunt and carried
+her off before she knew it.
+
+"Ikey shall not get ahead of _me_," he said, as after sailing twice
+around the room he dropped her breathless on the sofa.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+JIM.
+
+
+For various reasons, after a flourishing existence of two winters, the
+G.N. Club was given up, or perhaps it should be said was merged in the
+Order of the Big Front Door, which still held monthly meetings, and
+whose members wore their silver keys and tried in different ways to
+carry out their motto.
+
+There was hardly time in the press of school work for the weekly
+meetings, and, besides, out of the little club had grown what was
+known as the Boys' Civic League, an organization among schoolboys, in
+which, under the direction of one of their professors, they studied
+the history of their own town and pledged themselves to do all they
+could for its welfare. So, as Mrs. Howard wished it, the Good
+Neighbors gave up their club and joined the League.
+
+They still considered themselves her boys, however, and a week seldom
+passed in which some of them did not spend an hour with her. They owed
+more than they knew to her companionship, for in varying degrees her
+love for what was pure and true had left its impress on their
+characters. Her interest in them had grown with their years, and she
+looked forward with regret to the next winter, when most of them would
+go away to school. She would miss their boyish devotion, and she
+dreaded the temptations which they must so surely meet. Each one must
+fight his own battle, she knew, and she had not much fear for quiet,
+painstaking Will, or even for Carl, with all his faults; Ikey was
+still a good deal of a child, conscientious and open-hearted; but
+Aleck, with his brightness and indolence, and Jim, with his handsome
+face, engaging ways, and money, gave her most concern.
+
+Three years had brought about some changes. Little John's place was
+vacant. A sudden sharp illness, and the frail life went out, leaving a
+sweet and gentle memory, for John had helped in ways he did not dream
+of. Every one of those merry girls and boys was more thoughtful and
+tender for the association with him. Seeing the pleasure their
+companionship gave him, they learned the value of simple friendliness.
+Fred Ames had gone to Chicago to live, and this reduced the members of
+the Order to ten, not counting, of course, the "Honoraries," as Miss
+Brown and Aunt Zélie were called.
+
+"I can't imagine what ails Jim," Carl remarked at the lunch table one
+day, a week or two after Uncle William's birthday; "he wasn't at
+school and when I stopped there on my way home the man said he
+believed he had a headache and could not see anyone. That is not in
+the least like Jim."
+
+"I see nothing so strange in that. A headache can be a very serious
+thing while it lasts," said his father.
+
+"But if you had seen the man. He looked as if he were making it up."
+
+"Much study has affected your imagination, Carl," laughed Cousin
+Helen.
+
+"And what is the matter with you, then, Cousin Helen? Who sent Aunt
+Zélie a postal card with nothing on it but the address?" inquired
+Louise.
+
+This caused a laugh, for Miss Hazeltine was just now the target for
+all the teasing her young relatives could contrive.
+
+Always somewhat famous for her absent mindedness, now that she was
+soon to be married they chose to lay anything of the kind to the fact
+of her being so deeply in love.
+
+"Let me tell you the latest joke," cried Aleck. "Last Sunday, when Mr.
+Arthur was here, they went to service at St. John's. The usher wanted
+to take them up front, but Sister Helen, being very modest, stopped at
+a seat half-way and asked politely, 'Can't we _occupew this py_?'"
+
+"Aleck, you are too bad! I only half said it," exclaimed the victim,
+while the others shouted.
+
+Bess and Louise were in the seventh heaven of delight at the prospect
+of being bridesmaids, and took a rapturous interest in all the
+preparations, their only regret being that Mr. Caruth was not to be
+the groom. Everybody was so occupied with other things that afternoon
+that Carl's remark about Jim was forgotten till he came in at
+dinner-time, looking very much excited.
+
+"You won't think I am crazy now. The Carters have gone to smash, and
+it is reported that Mr. Carter tried to kill himself."
+
+"Carl! How dreadful! Are you sure?" Aunt Zélie dropped her book in her
+astonishment.
+
+"I am not altogether surprised," said Mr. Hazeltine, coming in. "He
+was known as one of the most reckless speculators in the country. His
+wealth was gained in that way, and now it has gone as it came."
+
+"Think of poor Jim," said Carl.
+
+"Poor boy! And yet it may not be the worst thing for him," added Mrs.
+Howard.
+
+"What shall I do?" asked Carl. "I am awfully sorry for him, but I am
+afraid he won't want to see me, and I shouldn't know what to say,
+anyway. I wonder if he will have to give up college and everything.
+Poor Jim!"
+
+Poor Jim, indeed! There could not have been found a more wretchedly
+miserable boy than he. The loss of their money he hardly thought
+of,--did not realize,--but the horrid notoriety of it all made him
+sick.
+
+With burning face he read the sensational newspaper reports, and
+thought how the boys at school were talking about him--perhaps pitying
+him. He did not want their pity; he would rather have them
+indifferent. He wished he might never see any of them again.
+
+Toward his father he felt a certain resentment. It was not true that
+Mr. Carter had tried to kill himself, but mind and body had given way
+under the long strain, and he was ill with brain fever.
+
+Mrs. Carter was altogether unnerved by the suddenness of the calamity,
+so that she was not allowed in her husband's room. If it had not been
+for her Jim would have run away, but he was very fond of his mother.
+He was the chief object of her interest and affection since his
+sisters had married and left home. She laughingly declared that Jim
+could make her do anything, and certainly he brought about many
+improvements. She received good-naturedly his hints that Mrs. Howard
+did this, or that at the Hazeltines' things were done so. He could not
+desert her now that she had no one else to depend on.
+
+Two dreadful days passed slowly, a number of his friends called to
+inquire, and left kind messages, for he would not see them. He spent
+his time strolling aimlessly through the handsome house, occasionally
+going in to see his mother. He was very gentle to her, though he found
+her lamentations hard to bear.
+
+Late in the afternoon of the second day he sat in his room, trying to
+read. He was quite worn out with anxiety and loss of sleep, and was
+half-dozing, when his attention was attracted by a gleam of sunshine
+reflected in something on the table beside him. It was the little
+silver key. The words of the motto stared him in the face: "They
+Helped." How much it recalled to him--such pleasant companionships,
+and some real effort to be kind and useful! Was he going to fail now?
+Perhaps this was his great opportunity. If _he_ did not help, who
+would?
+
+He stood up before the mirror, stretching himself to his full
+height,--a tall, broad-shouldered young fellow.
+
+"Many a boy younger than I takes care of himself, and so can I, and of
+my mother too," and wide awake now he sat down to think.
+
+On the table lay a note from Mrs. Howard, which he had only half read.
+He took it up now, and the warm affection it expressed, and the
+confidence that he would bear his trouble bravely, stirred his
+manliness--he would not disappoint her. "I have been a coward," he
+said, and with the same prompt decision which had surprised his
+companions on that Halloween so long ago he turned his back on his
+pride and useless regrets and became a man. When his father's brother
+arrived that night Jim met him, saw to his comfort, explained all he
+knew about the trouble, and asked such intelligent questions, with
+such an evident determination to help himself, that his uncle was
+greatly pleased.
+
+There were weeks of anxious nursing while Mr. Carter hung between life
+and death, and his son, strong and gentle, made himself most useful in
+the sick-room. When at last the once sturdy, ambitious man struggled
+back to life he was only the wreck of what he had been.
+
+Jim returned to school when his father was out of danger, as his uncle
+thought he ought to finish the term. He was very much subdued, but his
+companions appreciated his manliness, and gave him a warm welcome.
+
+"He has lots of pluck," said Carl warmly; "he was as anxious to go to
+college as any of us, but he doesn't say a word about it now--says he
+is going to work this summer."
+
+"I wish you would tell him how pleased I am with him," said Aunt
+Zélie. "I see so little of him lately, he seems almost shy."
+
+The big house was sold, and when Mr. Carter could be moved he was
+taken to their new home, a little place that belonged to his wife.
+When everything was settled it was found that they would have a small
+income, enough to support two people in some degree of comfort. Then
+Jim's uncle, to everybody's surprise, offered to send him to college.
+
+"I don't believe in it very much, but you are such a likely boy you
+may make something out of it, so if you want to go I'll foot the
+bills."
+
+Jim brought the news one Friday night to a meeting of the O.B.F.D. It
+was early, and only Carl and his aunt were in the room.
+
+"I shall work very hard, for I mean to pay Uncle James back some day,"
+he said.
+
+"That is right; I am sure you will, and I am glad for you and proud of
+you, for you deserve it," Aunt Zélie said earnestly.
+
+"Are you really?" he asked humbly, but looking in his pleasure quite
+like his old self.
+
+"Why, of course we are _all_ proud of you, boy," said Carl.
+
+And Jim thought he had never been so happy before. He had discovered
+that there are some things better even than money.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+A DISAPPOINTMENT.
+
+
+Dora thought one of the pleasantest things about housekeeping was
+being able to give a tea-party now and then. They were of necessity
+very small affairs, if for no other reason than because Mrs. Warner
+could not stand much excitement.
+
+Mrs. Smith was delighted to do anything for Miss Dora, and finding out
+in some way when her birthday came, herself proposed a celebration.
+
+Mrs. Warner entered into the idea with unusual interest, so Dora
+consented to invite Bess, Louise, Carl, Aleck, and Ikey.
+
+If it had been an order for a grand reception, Mrs. Smith could not
+have filled it with more pleasure. She sent up a delicious little
+supper, and as the crowning glory, and a present from herself, an
+immense birthday cake in pink icing, with fifteen candles on it.
+
+It is needless to say they had a merry time. The hostess did the
+honors with a great deal of grace, looking very pretty in a charming
+gown brought to her from New York by Aunt Marcia. Mrs. Hazeltine was
+in the habit of bringing home pretty things to her nieces, and as she
+said she considered Dora one of them it was not possible to refuse
+her gifts.
+
+"Suppose we tell what we mean to be when we are grown up," suggested
+Bess, when the feast was over and they had drawn their chairs together
+in a cosey group.
+
+"Dear me! I don't know," said Dora.
+
+"Well, what you would like to be, then?"
+
+"I think perhaps I shall be some kind of a teacher, but--I know you
+will laugh--I believe I'd like to keep a store and live back of it, as
+Mrs. Smith does."
+
+"A confectionery, Dora?" asked Louise, as they all laughed at this
+lofty ambition. "I'll promise you my custom."
+
+"Ikey, you are next; what are you going to do?" inquired Bess.
+
+"Well, after Carl and I go to college I am going to study medicine. By
+that time Father will have left the navy, I hope, and we will all live
+here together, and I'll practise."
+
+"Perhaps there will be an office for you back of Dora's store," said
+Carl.
+
+"I'd like to write books," said Bess. "Beautiful stories that
+everybody will want to read. Then I'll make lots of money and build
+hospitals and do ever so much good."
+
+"The hospitals will be for Ikey to practise in, I suppose, my great
+and good cousin," remarked Aleck, with a profound bow.
+
+"I mean to be a judge," announced Carl, who was next. "Now, Aleck."
+
+"I am going to try for West Point next year. Father has given his
+consent, and--well, I'll be a general."
+
+"I don't see how you can unless there is a war," said Ikey.
+
+"Perhaps there'll be one then, and if I am wounded I can go to Bess's
+hospital and have you practise on me."
+
+"Louise, you are the last; what noble ambition have you?"
+
+"I think I'll illustrate Bess's books and help Dora keep store," she
+said, laughing.
+
+A knock at the door interrupted just then, and Uncle William's cheery
+face appeared. "It is so late I must not stop," he said; "but I ran
+away from a political meeting to wish my little girl many happy
+returns."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"There is to be another wedding in the family," said Mrs. Howard,
+entering the library one day with some hyacinths in her hand.
+
+"Do you mean it really? I did not know there was anybody to get
+married but Cousin Helen," Bess exclaimed.
+
+Carl looked up from a weighty volume he was consulting. "That is easy
+to guess; it is Joanna, of course."
+
+"Is it Jo, Auntie?"
+
+"Yes, she confided it to me a few minutes ago. It will be in June, and
+Patrick Loughlin is the happy man."
+
+"I should think she would rather live with us, but there is no
+accounting for taste," said Bess, as she went to find Louise and tell
+the news.
+
+"I can't imagine what ails Ikey; he is as cross as a bear," remarked
+Carl, closing his book with a bang.
+
+"Perhaps he is worrying over examinations," Aunt Zélie suggested.
+
+Her nephew laughed. "That would not be like Ikey; and then he has done
+finely this term, so that there will not be a bit of trouble about his
+passing."
+
+"I sincerely hope that there is not another of my boys in trouble,"
+she said anxiously.
+
+"Oh! it can't be any thing really, only I never knew him to be
+snappish. I thought I'd mention it, for you might get it out of him if
+you happen to see him."
+
+About the middle of the afternoon Mrs. Howard closed the front door
+behind her and came out into the pleasant spring air. As she reached
+the gate she caught sight of a light-brown head in one of the
+third-story windows across the street, and acting on a sudden impulse
+she made a signal.
+
+The window went up promptly, and going over she called: "Can't you
+come with me out to Neffler's? I'd like some company. Never mind, of
+course, if you are busy."
+
+"Thank you, I am not busy; I'll come," and in two minutes Ikey was
+beside her.
+
+It was easy to see he was not quite himself. Usually he would have
+been bubbling over with gayety at the honor of being chosen a
+companion for a long walk to the florist's, but now the conversation
+was all on one side.
+
+Mrs. Howard did her best to be entertaining, and took no notice of his
+evident preoccupation until she had given her orders and they turned
+toward home; then she said: "I have been waiting in the hope that you
+would tell me what is troubling you, but now I shall have to ask; Carl
+and I are both wondering what has happened."
+
+Ikey looked very much surprised, being under the delusion that he was
+concealing his feelings perfectly.
+
+"I am not in any trouble," he began, "though I am bothered about
+something, and I oughtn't to be; that is what makes it so bad."
+
+His companion looked sympathetic and waited for further revelations.
+
+"You see," Ikey went on, "I wrote to Papa about going to school with
+Carl next winter and to Yale the year after, and he was willing and so
+was Grandfather; it seemed all settled. I knew they would be back in
+June, certainly Mamma and Alice, so we could spend the summer
+together. Then I thought, of course, they would be settled somewhere
+where I could go for my holidays, but now all my plans are spoiled:
+Papa has to go to the Pacific coast."
+
+If his father had been sent to Siberia, Ikey's tone could not have
+been more tragic. Mrs. Howard could hardly help smiling.
+
+"I don't quite understand yet," she said. "Does that mean that you
+will still be separated from your father and mother? or--"
+
+"That is what makes me feel so mean," he burst out. "Of course I want
+to be with them, and yet I can't bear to go to California, and that is
+what I must do. Give up going with Carl, and go to some horrid old
+university out there. They seem to think I shall like it. Mamma is
+pleased because she used to live in San Francisco, and Grandfather
+thinks he will go out too. There is no help for it."
+
+"Then you will have to make the best of it, will you not? It is
+perfectly natural to feel as you do, after setting your heart on the
+other plan, and I am sure it does not mean any lack of affection for
+your father and mother."
+
+"I am glad you think it doesn't," he said, in a relieved tone, for he
+had been torturing himself with the thought that he was a most
+unnatural son.
+
+"I hate to think of going so far away and never seeing any of you
+again, when you have been so good to me." His voice faltered.
+
+"I should feel very badly if you could leave us without caring, after
+all our good times together. Carl will be dreadfully disappointed,
+but as for not meeting again, California is not so far away as that,
+and it is not likely your father will be there for the rest of his
+life." She spoke with great cheerfulness, not daring to be too
+sympathetic.
+
+"I'll try not to hate it so," Ikey said, bracing up a little.
+
+Mrs. Howard insisted on taking him home to dinner, and when Carl came
+in he found him holding a skein of wool for Bess while Louise read
+aloud, and if not quite his usual gay self he was at least more
+cheerful than he had been for days.
+
+The storm which arose when his friends heard of the change in his
+plans was most comforting. Carl declared he didn't half care about
+going to college himself if Ikey couldn't go, and Bess remarked
+sorrowfully that everything would be different next winter, with
+Cousin Helen married and the boys all away.
+
+"Why, Ikey and Cousin Helen are going to the same place!" exclaimed
+Louise, "and we are going to see her, so we'll see him too." Here was
+a gleam of brightness, and Carl added, "And of course when you get to
+be a doctor you will come back to practise in Bess's hospital."
+
+When letters came from his mother and father, telling more fully their
+plans, and overflowing with the pleasure of being all together again,
+Ikey would not have been his warm-hearted self if he had not been
+glad. Dear as were the friendships which he had made in the three
+years spent at his grandfather's, family ties were stronger.
+
+Old Mr. Ford said he did not know what he should do without his
+grandson, and talked seriously of accepting his son's invitation to
+try a winter in California.
+
+It was finally arranged that Ikey should meet his parents in New York
+sometime about the middle of July, and as that was more than two
+months distant, and the present full of interesting events, as Louise
+expressed it, he put aside his disappointment and was as merry as
+ever.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+AUNT ZÉLIE.
+
+
+The interesting events were, first, the school commencements, and, the
+week after, Cousin Helen's wedding.
+
+This last, which was a grand affair, took place at her country home.
+The ceremony was performed on the lawn, under the big forest trees,
+and Bess and Louise made two charming and happy bridesmaids, quite
+worthy of such a lovely bride.
+
+The ten were all invited, for Miss Hazeltine took a deep interest in
+the Order of the Big Front Door, and said she meant to start something
+of the kind in her new home. There never was such a beautiful wedding,
+these young people thought, and they were not alone in their opinion.
+
+The sweet summer day, the blue sky, the trees and grass, and the gay
+company, all made a lasting impression on the guests.
+
+The bride would have no formality, but moved about among her friends
+as if it were simply a garden party.
+
+"Do you know what this reminds me of?" Bess asked Louise, as they sat
+on the grass with the other girls, waiting for the boys to bring them
+some ices.
+
+"No, what?"
+
+"Why, Lucie Carleton's wedding, to be sure; you haven't forgotten
+that?" They both laughed at the recollection.
+
+"Of course I haven't. What fun it was, and how long it is since we
+have played 'the Carletons'!"
+
+"What is the joke?" inquired Jim, coming back with his hands full.
+
+"Oh, just something this wedding reminds us of," Bess replied.
+
+"I'm reminded that there is not much more fun for me," said Ikey, in a
+momentary fit of despondency.
+
+"What a long face!" laughed Dora. "Remember this is a cheerful
+occasion. The next thing you will be married yourself to some
+California girl."
+
+"He is coming back to see us before then, aren't you, Ikey?" said
+Louise.
+
+"In six years he is coming back to stay," added Carl.
+
+"I wonder where we shall all be six years from now," said Constance,
+placidly eating her ice.
+
+"Dear me, I shall be twenty; think of it!" From Bess's tone one might
+have inferred that this meant extreme old age.
+
+"I expect to be married before that," remarked Elsie confidently.
+
+"Is it possible? I wonder to whom," Aleck exclaimed with an air of
+great surprise.
+
+"I am sure I don't know, for I have never seen anybody I'd marry if he
+begged me forever," she retorted scornfully.
+
+"Be quiet, you two geese, and don't spoil this lovely day by
+quarrelling," admonished Dora.
+
+"To change the subject, isn't Aunt Zélie a daisy?" said Carl, pointing
+across the lawn where she stood, looking wonderfully fair and sweet in
+her soft white dress, with a touch of sunlight on her hair.
+
+"There is nobody in the world like her," said Dora.
+
+"I should think not!" echoed Jim.
+
+"She is the dearest, loveliest, most beautiful, and
+everything-else-you-can-think-of person that ever lived," Louise
+declared with emphasis.
+
+"You haven't left much for the rest of us to say," remarked Will, "but
+I am sure we all agree."
+
+There must have been some attraction about the ten pairs of eyes, for
+just then she turned, and seeing them smiled and threw a kiss in their
+direction.
+
+The sad thing about this wedding was the parting which followed. Mr.
+Arthur found himself very unpopular when at last it dawned upon her
+young relatives what it meant to tell Cousin Helen good-by with the
+certainty that, though she promised to come back often to visit, she
+would never live among them, their merry playfellow, again.
+
+Aleck discovered that he was extremely fond of this sister, and felt
+what he considered an unmanly tightness about his throat when she
+kissed him. The bridesmaids were decidedly tearful, and only the
+thought of the other wedding in prospect restored their cheerfulness.
+This last-mentioned affair took place two days later at the Cathedral.
+The whole family attended, and Joanna, in blue with a white veil and
+wreath, with Nannie for bridesmaid, in a dress the counterpart of her
+own, made a blooming and happy bride. After a wedding breakfast at the
+Hazeltines' the couple departed, with many good wishes for their
+happiness, to have their pictures taken.
+
+Aunt Zélie sat alone in the wide hall that afternoon. The door was
+open, and outside the sunshine sifted through the vines as the wind
+kept them swinging softly to and fro; it was very still, and the
+ticking of the tall clock had a mournful sound.
+
+No doubt it was the reaction after the excitement of the last few
+weeks that made her feel so weary and sad. Unhappy thoughts seemed
+determined to take possession of her mind--regrets for the past and
+fears for the future; she could not throw off the depression.
+
+She thought of Carl's going, and how she would miss him. Would he
+become weaned from the old happy home life? Had she done all she might
+have done to help him to good, true manhood?
+
+She asked herself these questions sadly; in her present mood it seemed
+to her she had failed of what she most wished to accomplish.
+
+These dreary thoughts so engrossed her that Jim's voice, asking, "May
+I come in?" caused her to start.
+
+"Certainly," she answered, "I am glad to see you, though I warn you I
+am not in a very good humor."
+
+He did not appear alarmed. "I met Carl and he said I'd probably find
+you here. I want to tell you something."
+
+"I am ready to listen," she said encouragingly, but Jim seemed to find
+it hard to begin, and looked at the floor in a hesitating way quite
+unusual.
+
+Aunt Zélie watched him, thinking that something had come into that
+handsome young face of late which spoke hopefully for the future.
+
+She was very much surprised at his words.
+
+"Mrs. Howard, I have decided not to go to college." They were resolute
+eyes that looked up at her.
+
+"But I thought your uncle wished you to go--that it was all settled.
+Are you sure you are doing wisely?"
+
+His face flushed.
+
+"I beg your pardon, dear," she said before he could reply. "I know you
+have a good reason. I am surprised, that is all."
+
+"It is on Mother's account, chiefly; she needs me now that Father is
+so feeble. Then you know she is used to having things, and though she
+thinks she could get along, I should feel mean to have her scrimp and
+pinch at home when I am having a good time at college. I went to see
+Mr. Barrows to-day, and he thinks he can give me a situation. They say
+it is a good place for a fellow to get a start in, so I am going to be
+a business man."
+
+He spoke earnestly and cheerfully, but she guessed the struggle it had
+cost. He was used to "having things" himself.
+
+She laid her hand on his. "You are learning to be brave and unselfish,
+to help in the truest sense, and these are far more valuable lessons
+than any you could learn out of books. I honor you for your decision."
+Aunt Zélie spoke with shining eyes.
+
+"If I have learned anything it is you who have taught me," Jim said
+gently.
+
+"If I have really been a help to you I am very glad and thankful, but
+I am sure most of the credit belongs to the boy who was so ready to be
+helped."
+
+When he left, after half an hour's talk, her sympathy and interest had
+already made his sacrifice seem a little easier, but he did not guess
+how he had on his part cheered and comforted this kind friend.
+
+Jim had been gone only a few minutes when Aunt Zélie's corner was
+again invaded. This time it was Ikey who looked in, and seeing her
+alone came and took possession of a stool at her feet.
+
+"I am going a week from next Thursday," he announced.
+
+"I don't enjoy all these changes in the least," she said, patting the
+curly head; "I can't think what I shall do without my boys."
+
+"You have been so awfully good to me, only I never could say so like
+Jim. I don't want to go away and have you think I don't care, for I
+do, and I hope you won't forget me." Ikey got through this speech with
+difficulty.
+
+Aunt Zélie couldn't help laughing at him. "You are a dear boy, and
+there is not the slightest danger that we will ever forget you," she
+said, and then she told him about the talk she had just had with Jim.
+
+"He is splendid, isn't he? and I used to wonder why Carl liked him."
+
+"Yes, he has changed a good deal since we first knew him, but I am
+proud of all my boys, and believe I can trust them wherever they go."
+
+It was almost dark in the hall when she found herself taken possession
+of by two strong arms, and Carl's voice inquired what she was doing
+all alone.
+
+"Feeling ashamed of myself."
+
+"Very unnecessary, I am sure."
+
+"No, I was worrying a little over you boys for one thing; then I had a
+visit from Jim."
+
+"He is tiptop, but I don't know what I am going to do without old
+Ikey."
+
+"Then tell him so, for he is afraid we will forget him."
+
+"Ikey is a great goose; but indeed, Aunt Zélie, you need not be afraid
+for us! I don't mean to be self-confident,--I know I shall often do
+wrong,--but it means a lot to a fellow when he has somebody like you
+to care for him."
+
+"Why, how dark it is! Who is here? I can't see," exclaimed Bess,
+coming in, followed by her father and Louise.
+
+"Carl making love to Aunt Zélie," said the latter, dropping down on
+the other side of her aunt, and taking possession of all that was
+left.
+
+Bess surveyed them discontentedly. "There is not a scrap of a place
+for me."
+
+"You will have to put up with your old father," said Mr. Hazeltine.
+
+"You are better than nobody," she said saucily.
+
+"I forgot to tell you," began Louise suddenly, "that Mr. Caruth is
+going to Japan."
+
+"Is that so?" her father said in surprise, while Carl and Bess both
+exclaimed. "Did you know anything of it, Zélie?"
+
+"It is rather a sudden decision, I fancy. Some friends have been
+urging him to go. He was here this afternoon and said good-by," she
+replied.
+
+"I met him just as he was leaving," said Louise, "and he asked me to
+say good-by to everybody for him."
+
+"If everybody goes, what are we to do?" asked Bess disconsolately.
+
+"Suppose we go, too! What do you say, Zélie, to sending Carie and
+Helen to comfort Aunt Annie in her loneliness while the rest of us go
+off for a holiday? We can see Ikey on his way and drop Carl at school
+later on."
+
+"You are an angel to think of such a thing!" cried Louise, and Mr.
+Hazeltine was so nearly suffocated by his ecstatic daughters that he
+almost regretted his proposal.
+
+Aunt Zélie wouldn't have dared to object if she had wished to, so she
+and her brother made their plans while the girls and Carl ran over to
+tell Ikey the good news.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+THE BIG FRONT DOOR IS LEFT ALONE.
+
+
+"If Dora could only go!" Bess said, as she and Louise flew around in a
+delightful bustle of preparation.
+
+As this was quite out of the question, Dora was content to stay at
+home. She promised Helen that she would go over and pet Mr. Smith, the
+cat, occasionally, that he might not feel her absence too deeply, and
+Aunt Zélie told her to help herself to all the flowers she wanted.
+Uncle William sent her half a dozen new books, and the girls and Carl
+promised to write often.
+
+The boys felt themselves to be most important members of society as
+the time for leaving drew near, for they were petted and feasted and
+made much of generally.
+
+Aunt Marcia gave them an elegant dinner; Elsie had a fęte in their
+honor; but best of all was the farewell tea-party at Miss Brown's the
+evening before they left, to which only the ten were invited.
+
+It would be impossible to tell of all the fun they had, and how Mary
+actually came so near laughing at some of the nonsense that she had
+to beat a hasty retreat to the kitchen to save her dignity.
+
+They drank the health of the departing members in lemonade, and then
+Ikey proposed "the Lady of the Brown House, who has been altogether
+jolly, though we did begin by breaking her window."
+
+This was received with great applause, and Aleck said, "You must make
+a speech, Miss Brown."
+
+"I am afraid I shall not be equal to the occasion," she answered; "but
+I must say that I have always been glad of that broken window. I owe
+to it some of my happiest hours, and I thank you all for you kindness
+to your invalid neighbor."
+
+"Three cheers for Miss Brown!" cried Aleck.
+
+"I think she will be just as much complimented if we make less noise,"
+suggested Bess. "I am sure she knows that we all love her, and if we
+have given her any happiness it is only a piece of the pleasure she
+has given us come back to her."
+
+"Hurrah for Bess!" cried the irrepressible one.
+
+Next Will proposed the Big Front Door.
+
+Great enthusiasm prevailed as Carl rose to respond. They all expected
+one of his spread-eagle efforts, but instead he said: "I thank you all
+in the name of the Big Front Door and the people who live behind it.
+We have had good times there and hope to have more in the future, but
+besides this it has helped us to do right sometimes, and though our
+Order may seem rather childish now, let us not forget our motto, and
+keep our silver keys to remind us to be helpers wherever we go."
+
+He sat down with a flushed face, rather abashed at his own
+earnestness.
+
+"Good for you!" said Jim cordially, and the others responded, "We
+will! We will!"
+
+In the midst of the festivities Louise was discovered in tears. "I did
+not mean to," she said, "but it seems as if everything was coming to
+an end."
+
+"It is only the end of a chapter, and we will begin another
+presently," Dora suggested brightly.
+
+In two minutes Louise was laughing through her tears, and the party
+came to an end as cheerfully as it had begun.
+
+Dora waved a good-by to the travellers as they passed early the next
+morning. In the afternoon she went over to the deserted house, where
+only Sukey was left in charge, petted Mr. Smith, and cut some roses;
+then she went out and sat on the carriage block and recalled the day
+three years before when she had stopped there to rest, and had
+wondered who lived in that pleasant house.
+
+There was the same big, hospitable door, but it would not open to-day
+to let out two merry little maidens.
+
+From her window Miss Brown nodded and beckoned, so she ran across and
+paid her a visit.
+
+"Come often and cheer me up, for I shall miss my neighbors
+dreadfully," that lady said as she was leaving.
+
+"I will," answered Dora, adding merrily, "but you still have the Big
+Front Door."
+
+THE END.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Story of the Big Front Door, by 
+Mary Finley Leonard
+
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+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Story of the Big Front Door, by Mary F. Leonard.
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+    .sidenote {width: 20%; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 1em; font-size: smaller; float: right; clear: right;}
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+
+<pre>
+
+Project Gutenberg's The Story of the Big Front Door, by Mary Finley Leonard
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Story of the Big Front Door
+
+Author: Mary Finley Leonard
+
+Release Date: September 20, 2006 [EBook #19340]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STORY OF THE BIG FRONT DOOR ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Garcia, Jeannie Howse and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Kentuckiana Digital Library)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+<div class="tr">
+<p class="cen" style="font-weight: bold;">Transcriber's Note:</p>
+<br />
+<p class="noin">Inconsistent hyphenation in the original document has been preserved.</p>
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+<div class="img"><a name="frontis" id="frontis"></a>
+<a href="images/frontis.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/frontis.jpg" width="55%" alt="They had drawn their Chairs together in a cosey Group." /></a><br />
+<p class="cen sc" style="margin-top: .2em;">"They had drawn their Chairs together in a cosey Group."</p>
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+<h2>THE STORY</h2>
+<h5>OF</h5>
+<h1>THE BIG FRONT DOOR</h1>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+
+<h4>BY</h4>
+<h3>MARY F. LEONARD</h3>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+
+<h5 style="font-variant: small-caps; letter-spacing: 2px;">"They helped every one his neighbor."</h5>
+<br />
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+
+
+<h5><span class="sc">New York: 46 East Fourteenth Street</span><br />
+THOMAS Y. CROWELL &amp; COMPANY<br />
+<span class="sc">Boston: 100 Purchase Street</span></h5>
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+
+<h5 style="font-variant: small-caps;">Copyright, 1898,<br />
+By Thomas Y. Crowell &amp; Company.</h5>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="toc" id="toc"></a><hr />
+<br />
+
+<h3>CONTENTS.</h3>
+<br />
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="80%" summary="Table of Contents">
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr" width="15%"><span style="font-size: 90%;">CHAPTER</span></td>
+  <td width="70%">&nbsp;</td>
+  <td class="tdr" width="15%"><span style="font-size: 90%;">PAGE</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">I.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">The Outlaws</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">1</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">II.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">In the Star Chamber</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">12</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">III.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">The Lady of the Brown House</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">20</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">IV.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">Dora</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">31</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">V.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">Uncle William</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">51</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">VI.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">The Magic Door</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">59</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">VII.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">Ikey's Accident</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">65</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">VIII.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">The M.KS.</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">74</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">IX.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">A Rival Club</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr"> 84</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">X.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">Good Neighbors</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">93</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">XI.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">Plans</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">103</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">XII.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">Cedar and Holly</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">112</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">XIII.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">The Harp Man's Benefit</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">127</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">XIV.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">Clouds</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">140</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">XV.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">Dora's Bright Idea</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">156</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">XVI.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">Silver Keys</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">165</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">XVII.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">A Prisoner</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">172</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">XVIII.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">Something Else Happens</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">183</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">XIX.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">Aunt Sukey's Story</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">190</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">XX.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">The Order of the Big Front Door</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">198</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr"><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[iv]</a></span>XXI.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">Work and Play</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">206</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">XXII.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">Uncle William is Surprised</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">219</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">XXIII.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">Jim</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">230</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">XXIV.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">A Disappointment</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">238</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">XXV.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">Aunt Z&eacute;lie</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">246</td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+  <td class="tdr">XXVI.</td>
+  <td class="tdlsc"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">The Big Front Door is Left Alone</a></td>
+  <td class="tdr">255</td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a><hr />
+<br />
+
+<h2>THE STORY</h2>
+<h5>OF</h5>
+<h1>THE BIG FRONT DOOR</h1>
+
+<br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER I.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>THE OUTLAWS.</h4>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Come listen to me, ye gallants so free,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">All ye who love mirth for to hear;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And I will tell you of a bold outlaw<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Who lived in Nottinghamshire."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i14"><i>Old Ballad.</i><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<br />
+
+<p>Ikey Ford was the first to make the discovery, and he lost no time in
+carrying the news to the others.</p>
+
+<p>Great was their consternation!</p>
+
+<p>"Moving into the Brown house? Nonsense, Ikey, you are making it up!"
+Carl exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>"What shall we do about the banquet for King Richard?" cried Bess,
+sitting down on the doorstep despairingly.</p>
+
+<p>"And my racket is over there, and your grandma's fur rug, Ikey Ford!"
+wailed Louise, shaking <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span>her finger at the bringer of evil tidings. He
+assented meekly, adding, "and Sallie's clothes-pins."</p>
+
+<p>A stranger might have been puzzled to guess what sort of calamity had
+befallen the little group in the doorway of the pleasant,
+hospitable-looking house among the maple trees, that warm August
+morning. Something serious certainly, for Louise's dimples had
+disappeared, Bess was almost tearful, and the boys, though they
+affected to take it more lightly, wore plainly depressed.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's go over to Ikey's and look through the fence," suggested Carl,
+and, as there seemed nothing else to do, the others agreed.</p>
+
+<p>They filed solemnly down the walk and across the street,&mdash;Bess with a
+roll of green cambric under her arm,&mdash;and nobody uttered a word till a
+secluded spot behind Mrs. Ford's syringa bushes was reached, where,
+through an opening in the division fence, they could look out
+unobserved upon the adjoining house.</p>
+
+<p>"The side windows are open!" Louise announced in a tragic whisper.</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't I tell you so?" replied Ikey with mournful triumph.</p>
+
+<p>It was a small house with a pointed roof, and it stood in the midst of
+an old-fashioned garden, where for years and years lilacs and
+snowballs, peonies and roses, pinks and sweet-william, and dozens of
+other flowers, had bloomed happily in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span>their season, without any
+trouble to anybody. In the background sunflowers and hollyhocks grew,
+and on either side of the front gate two stout little cedars stood
+like sentinels on guard. The street upon which this gate opened was
+wide and shady, and the bustle and din of the city had not yet invaded
+its quiet.</p>
+
+<p>Though in reality a red house grown somewhat rusty, it was called the
+"Brown house," because as far back as any one in the neighborhood
+could remember it had been occupied by an old lady of that name. For
+years before she died she was bed-ridden, and to the children there
+was something mysterious about this person who was never seen, but on
+whose account they were cautioned not to be noisy at their play. After
+her death the house was left closed and unoccupied, but hardly more
+silent than before. An air of mystery still hung about the place; the
+children when they passed peeped in at the flowers alone in their
+glory, and spoke softly as though even yet their owner might be
+disturbed.</p>
+
+<p>This was in the early spring; as the summer wore on this garden grew
+more and more irresistible. Other playgrounds lost their charm to the
+eyes that looked in at the long waving grass and the pleasant shady
+places under the apple trees.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's play Robin Hood," Bess proposed one morning as they sat in a
+row on the fence.</p>
+
+<p>Carl and Louise received the idea with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span>enthusiasm, and Ikey listened
+in silent admiration as the details of the fascinating game were
+unfolded.</p>
+
+<p>The Hazeltine children had from their babyhood been in the habit of
+making plays of their favorite stories, but it seemed to Ikey
+immensely clever; so while the others argued over who should take this
+part and who that, he joyfully accepted whatever was offered him.</p>
+
+<p>He did not fare so badly either, for being plump and rosy he was
+allowed to personate the jolly Friar Tuck. Robin Hood fell naturally
+to Carl as the oldest and the leader, Bess became Little John, Louise
+appeared by turns as Allan-a-Dale and the sheriff of Nottingham, and
+little Helen was occasionally pressed into service as Maid Marian. Who
+first thought of turning the deserted garden into Sherwood forest no
+one could ever remember, but as they sat on the fence that morning
+with the waving sea of grass below them, somebody began</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"One for the money,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Two for the show,..."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class="noin">and away they all went. Some minutes later, Mrs. Ford, glancing from
+her window, wondered what had become of the children.</p>
+
+<p>So the fun began and continued through the long summer days, when
+grown people stayed indoors and wondered what the children found to do
+out in the heat from morning till night. But in that distant corner of
+the garden, where, under the shelter of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span>a crooked apple tree, the
+forest rovers had their trysting place, the weather was never too
+warm. The unoccupied house became transformed into Nottingham castle,
+and was never approached without delicious thrills of terror.
+Excitement ran high on the day when Robin was released from the
+jail&mdash;otherwise a small rustic arbor&mdash;by his trusty followers.</p>
+
+<p>There was simply no end to the fun, and the secrecy with which it was
+carried on helped to deepen the interest. The climax was reached when
+preparations were begun for King Richard's banquet.</p>
+
+<p>As usual, it originated with Bess, when she heard that a favorite
+cousin, a boy about Carl's age, was coming to visit them for a few
+days.</p>
+
+<p>"Aleck will make a very good King Richard," said Louise, when the
+matter was under discussion, "and we can pretend that he is just back
+from the Holy Land."</p>
+
+<p>It was decided that this must be a real feast, not merely an occasion
+of pepper grass and cookies, so their combined funds were carefully
+laid out at the corner confectionery. Many articles supposed to be
+necessary to the comfort of the royal guest were smuggled into the
+garden, and everything was in readiness for his arrival on the next
+day, when Ikey made his startling discovery.</p>
+
+<p>It had never occurred to them that some one might come to live in the
+Brown house; they were <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span>quite overwhelmed by it, and for more than an
+hour they sat under the syringa bushes peeping through at their lost
+domain. No one had much to say. Bess was gazing sadly at her roll of
+cambric which was to have done duty as suits of Lincoln green for the
+foresters, and Ikey was thinking of the fur rug and the clothes-pins,
+when Carl proposed a raid for the recovery of their possessions. "The
+girls can wait on the fence and take the things as we bring them," he
+said.</p>
+
+<p>This promised a little excitement, so on the very spot from which they
+had made their first entrance into Sherwood forest, Bess and Louise
+waited while the boys dropped down and disappeared behind the bushes.
+In a few minutes they came rushing back empty handed, to report that
+not a trace of anything was to be found, and that a man with a scythe
+was at work on the other side of the garden cutting down the grass.</p>
+
+<br />
+<hr style='width: 15%;' />
+<br />
+
+<p>It was very quiet in the neighborhood that afternoon. There were no
+children to be seen anywhere, and on the broad piazza of the house
+where the Hazeltines lived the chairs and settees, with here and there
+a gay cushion, appeared to be having a good time all to themselves,
+gathered in sociable groups. The clematis and honeysuckle swung softly
+in the breeze, making graceful shadows, and the maple trees stretched
+out long arms and touched <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span>each other gently now and then. At the back
+of the house on the kitchen steps sat Aunt Sukey, a person of dignity
+and authority. Her hands were folded over her white apron and her eyes
+rested with satisfaction on the rows of peach preserves that
+represented her morning's work.</p>
+
+<p>"Mammy," as the children called her, was a family institution, and
+could not be spared, though her last nursling was fast outgrowing her.</p>
+
+<p>No preserves tasted like Sukey's, and no one could, on occasion, make
+such rolls.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," she remarked, continuing her conversation with Mandy, the cook,
+who was stepping around inside, "they's <i>mischevious</i> of course, but I
+can remember when Mr. Frank and Mr. William was a heap worse."</p>
+
+<p>"Law, Aunt Sukey, I wouldn't want to see 'em if they was any worse
+than that Ikey Ford! It looks like the children has been up to twice
+as many pranks since he come," replied Mandy.</p>
+
+<p>"He don't take after his pa, then; Mr. Isaac was as nice,
+quiet-mannered a boy as you ever see, when he used to go with Mr.
+Frank. But pshaw! all that triflin' is soon over. Look at Miss Z&eacute;lie:
+seems like it warn't no time since she was climbin' fences and tearin'
+her clothes, till I'd get clean discouraged tryin' to keep her nice.
+Oh! they's fine children, I don't care what you say; and Louise is the
+flock of the flower. She is like Miss Z&eacute;lie, with her dark eyes and
+shinin' hair."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span>"Miss Z&eacute;lie herself sets more store by Carl than any of the rest,"
+said Mandy, coming to the door.</p>
+
+<p>"That's cause he favors his ma's family and has a look like his uncle
+Carl. You know Miss Z&eacute;lie married Miss Elinor's brother. He used to
+come here for his holidays when she was a little girl no bigger 'n
+Bess,&mdash;that was after Mr. Frank married Miss Elinor,&mdash;and they was
+always great friends. It looks like it's mighty strange that Miss
+Elinor and Mr. Carl should be taken, and old Sukey left."</p>
+
+<p>There was silence for a minute; then as Sukey wiped her eyes she
+continued, "I've nursed 'em all from Mr. William down, and I knows old
+master's grandchildren is bound to turn out right."</p>
+
+<p>It was almost sunset when Aunt Z&eacute;lie&mdash;tall and fair, like Bess's
+favorite heroines&mdash;came and stood in the front door, wondering where
+the children were. She was not left long in doubt, for hardly had she
+settled herself to enjoy the pleasant air when there was a sudden rush
+from somewhere and she was surrounded by a laughing, breathless little
+company. The outlaws of the morning were scarcely to be recognized.
+Little John and the sheriff of Nottingham were attired in the freshest
+of white dresses, with pink bows on their Gretchen braids, while Robin
+and the Friar were disguised as a pair of bright-faced modern boys,
+and with them was little Helen, a dignified person of eight, who
+carried a doll in her arms.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span>"Auntie, did you know that somebody is coming to live in the Brown
+house?" Louise asked, as they drew their chairs as close as possible
+to hers. At this time in the day she was their own special property,
+though there <i>were</i> people who complained that they always monopolized
+her.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, your father heard that a relative of old Mrs. Brown's was going
+to take the house, but that is all I know," she answered.</p>
+
+<p>"Carl and Ikey saw a cross-looking woman with a feather duster. I do
+hope there will be some nice children," said Bess.</p>
+
+<p>"All boys," Carl added briefly.</p>
+
+<p>"Boys? No, indeed! Girls are much nicer, aren't they, Ikey?" and
+Louise looked at him mischievously over her shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>Ikey's shyness or his politeness, perhaps both, would not allow him to
+reply.</p>
+
+<p>"They are both nice when they are nice," said Aunt Z&eacute;lie. "Being a
+girl myself, of course I like girls, and so does this individual,"
+patting the head against her shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I like <i>some</i> girls!" Carl conceded graciously.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish there would be a little girl for me to play with," remarked
+Helen plaintively, for it was the trial of her life that she was
+considered too little to be made a companion of by the other children
+except on special occasions.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a fortunate thing that the house is to be occupied," said Aunt
+Z&eacute;lie, "for Mr. Jackson, the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span>agent, told Frank that it looked as if
+some one had been camping out in the garden. The grass was trampled
+down and I don't know what damage done."</p>
+
+<p>If she had not happened to be looking across the street she would have
+seen some guilty faces. Bess grew red, Louise opened her mouth and
+shut it again without saying anything, Carl drummed on the back of his
+chair with an air of extreme indifference which Ikey tried to copy,
+and Helen looked from one to the other with very big eyes.</p>
+
+<p>The Fords' tea bell, rung at the front door for Ikey's benefit,
+relieved the strain. Then presently Louise saw her father and baby
+Carie coming up the street, and the Brown house was not mentioned
+again.</p>
+
+<p>As Aunt Z&eacute;lie was on her way upstairs that night she was waylaid in
+the dimly lighted hall by three ghostly figures.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you doing out of bed?" she exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, auntie, we want to tell you something! It is about the Brown
+house. We have been playing Robin Hood in the garden."</p>
+
+<p>"It was a lovely place, and we didn't do any harm, really."</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Z&eacute;lie listened with just a little bit of a smile till she had
+heard the whole story. It had been great fun, there could be no doubt
+of that.</p>
+
+<p>"Was it wrong?" asked Bess anxiously.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span>"We did not hurt anything, not one bit," Carl insisted.</p>
+
+<p>"Why did you keep it such a secret?"</p>
+
+<p>"That was part of the fun; but I wish we had told you," said Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it is nicer to have you know things;" and Bess sighed, relieved
+now that confession was made.</p>
+
+<p>"It is too late to discuss it to-night, but I want you to think about
+it and decide for yourselves whether or not it was right."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you know it before we told you?" Carl asked suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"I only guessed it to-day," she replied, smiling.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER II.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>IN THE STAR CHAMBER.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>There never lived a more genial, kindly man than old Judge Hazeltine,
+and the house he planned and built reflected, as perfectly as a house
+could, the character of its owner.</p>
+
+<p>"The front door looks like the Judge," people used to say, laughing as
+they said it, for he was portly and the door was wide. But they meant
+more than just that, for there were few, even among the unimaginative,
+who did not feel drawn to that door. Hospitality shone from every
+panel, the big fanlight was like a genial sun, and the resemblance to
+his cheery face and cordial manner was not altogether fanciful.</p>
+
+<p>Of the inside of the house perhaps it is enough to say at present that
+it kept the promise of the outside.</p>
+
+<p>After the judge's death the old home fell to the share of the younger
+of his two sons, for the William Hazeltines had already built their
+fine mansion out on Dean avenue, where Aunt Marcia found things more
+suited to her fastidious taste than on the quiet street which had
+ceased to be fashionable.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span>On the other hand, her brother-in-law declared that he much preferred
+his large garden and home-like neighborhood to the elegant monotony of
+her surroundings. The children agreed with their father, and so
+perhaps, for the matter of that, did Uncle William.</p>
+
+<p>At the top of the house there was a long low room, with five windows
+looking east, west, and south, which was known as the star chamber.
+This name had originated with Uncle William in the days when he and
+his brother Frank played and studied there, as Carl and his sisters
+did now. On rainy days when the garden was out of the question the
+children were most likely to be found here.</p>
+
+<p>It was a pleasant place and well suited for any sort of indoor game.
+Except for a rug or two the floor was bare, and the furniture
+consisted of an old claw-footed sofa on which at least six people
+could sit comfortably at one time, a wardrobe, some book-shelves, and
+a hammock swung across one corner. There may have been a chair or two,
+but the wide window-sills made pleasanter resting-places. Here in the
+summer time you looked out into the soft greenness of the maple trees,
+getting glimpses of the quiet street, but when the branches were bare
+a fine outlook was to be had all over the neighborhood, and you saw
+how big houses and little houses stood sociably side by side, while an
+old gray church kept guard at one corner. Here Bess <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>and Louise
+romanced over an imaginary family known as "The Carletons," or played
+dolls with Helen, and here Carl arranged his stamp album and made
+signals to Ikey across the street. Sometimes their father and uncle
+would drop in and pretend they were boys once more. Then what delight
+it was to listen to their stories of boyish pranks!</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Z&eacute;lie was their most frequent visitor. The days when she kept her
+dolls and "dressing-up things" in the old wardrobe, which was now put
+to the same use by her little nieces, were not so very far back in the
+past, and many of her story books were still to be found on the
+shelves among later favorites.</p>
+
+<p>Going up to the star chamber on the morning after the excitement over
+the Brown house, she walked in upon an indignation meeting.</p>
+
+<p>"Just when we wanted to play Crokonole!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is <i>too</i> mean!"</p>
+
+<p>"She might let him come, it spoils all our fun!"</p>
+
+<p>This is what she heard, and she asked in surprise, "What in the world
+is the matter?"</p>
+
+<p>There was silence for a minute, during which the rain made a great
+pattering outside; then little Helen, who was serenely busy with her
+paper dolls, replied, "Ikey's grandma won't let him come over, 'cause
+he took her fur rug and Sallie's clothes-pins."</p>
+
+<p>"What did he want with the clothes-pins and rug?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span>"We wanted them to play with, Aunt Z&eacute;lie. You can do a great many
+things with clothes-pins," Bess explained.</p>
+
+<p>"Aleck was to have been King Richard&mdash;the rug was for him at the
+banquet; and now he hasn't come and we can't do anything," said Louise
+mournfully.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Z&eacute;lie sat down on the sofa and folded her hands in her lap.</p>
+
+<p>"I should like to know how many of <i>our</i> things have been carried over
+to the Brown house garden," she said.</p>
+
+<p>"We took some of the straw cushions and two or three cups that Mandy
+said we might play with," replied Bess, watching her aunt's face
+anxiously. There was another silence, during which Carl became
+absorbed in a book and Louise gave her attention to Helen's dolls.
+Then Aunt Z&eacute;lie spoke:</p>
+
+<p>"The more I think of this the more uncomfortable I feel about it."</p>
+
+<p>"I can't see why," came from Carl.</p>
+
+<p>"Because it seems to me such a lawless proceeding. Do you know that
+there are people who say that no children were ever so lawless as
+American children to-day?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is poetry, auntie; you made a beautiful rhyme," laughed Louise.
+But her aunt refused to smile.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not poetry, but sad fact, I'm afraid. You may not have done
+much actual harm, but you <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span>have shown no respect for other people's
+property. You went into the Brown house garden without leave, and you
+encouraged Ikey to carry off his grandmother's things without
+permission. I have trusted you all summer&mdash;I thought I could; but this
+makes me afraid that you ought to have someone with more experience to
+watch over you. You know when I came back to you two years ago I
+promised to stay so long as I could be a help to you, but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Aunt Z&eacute;lie! You do help us&mdash;don't go away!" cried Bess, clasping
+her around the waist; Louise seized one of her hands tightly in both
+her own, and Carl looked out the window with a flushed face.</p>
+
+<p>"That is not fair, Aunt Z&eacute;lie," was all he said.</p>
+
+<p>He could never forget&mdash;nor could Bess&mdash;how she had come to them in
+their loneliness, and taken the motherless little flock into her arms,
+comforting them and wrapping them all about with her love and
+sympathy. How could they ever do without her?</p>
+
+<p>"You aren't going away, are you?" Helen asked, leaving her dolls and
+coming to her side.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope not, for I can't think what I should do without my children,"
+she answered. And then they all snuggled around her on the old sofa
+and talked things over. It was astonishing what a difference it
+made&mdash;trying to look at the matter from all sides. Even Mrs. Ford's
+indignation did <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span>not seem so very unreasonable when you stopped to
+think how inconvenient it was to be without clothes-pins on Monday
+morning.</p>
+
+<p>"I know it does not seem exactly right as you put it, Aunt Z&eacute;lie,"
+Carl acknowledged, "but it was such fun, we couldn't have had so good
+a time anywhere else."</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose you found the Arnold children playing in our garden some day,
+would you think that because they had found that they couldn't have so
+good a time anywhere else, it was all right?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, auntie, those Arnold boys are not nice at all; we <i>couldn't</i>
+have them in our garden," cried Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"No one was living in the Brown house&mdash;it is different," Carl began.</p>
+
+<p>"I know what she means," said Bess. "Just because it is fun isn't a
+good excuse."</p>
+
+<p>"That is it," answered her aunt. "I believe in fun if only you do not
+put it first, above thought for the feelings or property of others. I
+am sure you did not mean to do wrong, but it would not do for me to
+let you go on being thoughtless, would it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Ford isn't a bit like you, Aunt Z&eacute;lie; she was dreadfully mad at
+Ikey, and said he must stay in his room all day," remarked Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry for Mrs. Ford. I rather think <i>I</i> should be dreadfully mad
+too, if I were in her place. She is an old lady and is used to having
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span>her household affairs move on smoothly, and one day she finds her
+servants upset and some of her property missing, all because certain
+naughty children cared more for a little fun than for her comfort."</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Z&eacute;lie spoke gravely, and her audience looked very much subdued.</p>
+
+<p>In the course of the day Joanna, one of the maids, was sent over to
+the Brown house to inquire about the things left by the children in
+the garden. She returned with the missing articles, which had been
+carried into the house by the man who cut the grass.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you see anybody, Jo? Are there any children?" were the questions
+she met with. But she had only seen a middle-aged woman who was
+cleaning the hall, and had learned nothing about the new occupants.</p>
+
+<p>"It is very stupid of Joanna," said Carl as he rolled up the rug and
+the clothes-pins and marched over to apologize to Mrs. Ford for their
+share of the mischief. He did this so meekly and with such evident
+sincerity that the old lady was greatly mollified, and sent him up to
+tell Ikey he might consider himself released from the day's
+confinement in his room.</p>
+
+<p>For the rest of the week the children were models of propriety. No one
+would have dreamed that they had been outlaws so short a time before.</p>
+
+<p>From the star chamber windows Robin and his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span>merry men looked down on
+the transformation which was taking place in their old domain.</p>
+
+<p>The long grass was cut down, and with it those patches of pepper grass
+that had seasoned many a feast. The bushes and vines were trimmed, the
+walk was reddened, the shutters were thrown open. Every day added
+something to the change, yet, besides the servants, no one had been
+seen about the house.</p>
+
+<p>Who could their new neighbors be? The subject was discussed morning,
+noon, and night, till their father said he would have to tell them the
+story of the man who made a fortune minding his own business. Uncle
+William, who was there at the time, said that probably the man was too
+stupid to enjoy his fortune after he made it, and he pretended to be
+willing to go over and inquire at the door, if Louise would go with
+him.</p>
+
+<p>"At least we know there can't be any children," said Bess, "for they
+couldn't stay in the house all the time."</p>
+
+<p>"Please tell us the story about the man, Father," asked little Helen,
+and couldn't understand why they all laughed.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER III.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>THE LADY OF THE BROWN HOUSE.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>Bang! went the door, and away they rushed, like a small tornado,
+across the porch, down the walk and over the street.</p>
+
+<p>They seemed to be running away from Helen, for a second after they had
+vanished behind Mrs. Ford's oleanders she came around the house.</p>
+
+<p>Indignant tears were in her eyes; it was hard not to be wanted, to be
+thought too little to play with. Bess and Louise had such good times
+with the boys and she had nothing in the world to do this afternoon.
+To be sure they had been very gracious all morning, and had even
+allowed her to listen to a thrilling chapter in the history of the
+Carletons, but this was too good to last.</p>
+
+<p>At lunch certain signs passed back and forth across the table arousing
+her curiosity, and afterwards when she found them laughing on the
+stairs and begged to know what they were going to do, Carl had replied
+provokingly, "What do you suppose?" and now they had run away with
+Ikey somewhere. The house was very quiet; Carie was taking her nap,
+Aunt Z&eacute;lie dressing to go out. Helen sat down on the top step of the
+porch and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span>wiped her eyes, saying to herself, "They are just as mean
+as anything, but I don't care&mdash;I'll have a good time too. I think I'll
+ask Aunt Z&eacute;lie to let me go with her."</p>
+
+<p>It happened that as the runaways reached the gate Aunt Marcia's coup&eacute;
+turned the corner, and her horrified eyes beheld their flight. When
+she stepped from her carriage her lips were firmly closed in a manner
+which indicated that they would be opened presently for somebody's
+benefit. She was so absorbed that she almost fell over the woebegone
+little figure on the step.</p>
+
+<p>"You have been crying&mdash;what is the matter?" she demanded.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Aunt Marcia, I didn't see you&mdash;please excuse me," said Helen,
+whose politeness rarely failed her, rising and putting away her
+handkerchief. Mrs. Hazeltine saw pretty clearly how matters stood.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind, my dear," she said; "perhaps you would like to take a
+drive with me. I am going out to Cousin John's."</p>
+
+<p>Helen was her favorite among the children, because she was quiet and
+demure, and did not tear and soil her clothes as Bess and Louise did.
+Helen on her part looked up to Aunt Marcia with deep admiration, and
+meant to be just like her when she was grown. So she ran off very
+happily to have her dress changed, while Mrs. Hazeltine waylaid Aunt
+Z&eacute;lie as she came downstairs ready for a walk.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span>"Dear me! the children have been in mischief," was this lady's inward
+exclamation, for she knew the signs of disapproval, and felt like
+running away, as she used to do when a child, from Sister Marcia's
+lectures.</p>
+
+<p>She only sat down on the bottom step, however, and waited.</p>
+
+<p>"How do you do, Z&eacute;lie? I see you are going out and I shall not detain
+you for more than a minute. Little Helen is coming to drive with me."</p>
+
+<p>She seated herself in a judicial attitude on one of the high-backed
+hall chairs.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not wish to interfere," she continued, "But I should like to
+inquire if you know where the children are this afternoon?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have a general idea," Aunt Z&eacute;lie replied, slowly putting on her
+glove and reflecting that it would take more than her sister's powers
+to be able to say at any given moment exactly where they were.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you did not know. They are running through the streets,
+Louise without her hat. It may do for boys, but for little girls I
+think it disgraceful."</p>
+
+<p>"I told them they might go to the Ford's; they do not play in the
+street. You must have seen them when they were on their way there, and
+I do not object to their running."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hazeltine shook her head. "How can you <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span>think it proper for Bess
+and Louise to race with the boys in that fashion? You seem to be
+conscientious, yet you do not restrain them in the least."</p>
+
+<p>"I own I do not know how to make a difference between girls and boys.
+Why are they born into the same families if they are not meant to play
+together? And if they are to be strong and healthy they must be out of
+doors. I am sorry to seem to set my judgment up against yours, but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You are stubborn, Z&eacute;lie, like all the Hazeltines. <i>I</i> believe in
+fresh air as much as you do, but I should send Bess and Louise to walk
+with Joanna. However, I see it is of no use to talk to you. I should
+never mention the subject at all if I did not feel a deep interest in
+the children." Mrs. Hazeltine rose. "Here comes Helen," she said, "so
+I'll not detain you any longer," and taking her little niece by the
+hand she sailed away.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the culprits were taking breath on the grass in the Fords'
+back yard, Ikey hospitably treating his guests to apples and salt.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose," Bess began, taking a bite of her apple, "that it is
+rather mean to run away from Helen, but we have been very good to her
+to-day, haven't we, Louise?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, we have; and the more you do for her the more she thinks you
+ought to do."</p>
+
+<p>"She can't expect to go everywhere we go," said Carl decidedly.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span>The business on hand this afternoon was nothing more or less than the
+erection of a telephone which had been constructed by the boys out of
+fruit cans and pieces of old kid gloves. The main difficulty lay in
+getting their line across the street, for it was to communicate
+between Ikey's room and the star chamber. An attempt had been made
+once before, but the result was such a mortifying failure that their
+energy and interest flagged for a while.</p>
+
+<p>The trees caused most of the trouble. Their line first caught in one
+of these at such a distance from the pavement that while they were
+absorbed in getting it off a gentleman who happened to be passing had
+his hat suddenly removed. This accident convulsed everybody but Bess,
+who in great embarrassment tried to explain that it was not intended
+for a practical joke. Finally it was caught and broken by the angry
+driver of a market wagon. Carl, who disliked to give anything up, had
+ever since been trying to think of a plan.</p>
+
+<p>"There must be some way," he said as he lay on his back looking up at
+the sky.</p>
+
+<p>"I know!" cried Bess, seized with an inspiration; "clothes-props!"</p>
+
+<p>"What about them?" asked Ikey doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"It isn't Monday, and any way we can get ours.&mdash;Mandy will let us have
+them," Bess said reassuringly, and then she unfolded her plan.</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't she clever?" exclaimed Louise admiringly.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span>"We'll try it, it may work," said Carl, with masculine condescension.</p>
+
+<p>"What in the world can those children be doing?" somebody wondered as
+she looked through the half-closed blinds of one of the Brown house
+windows a few minutes later.</p>
+
+<p>Mounted on a chair near the Fords' front fence stood Bess holding
+aloft a clothes-prop, and looking like a small copy of "Liberty
+Enlightening the World." Through a groove in the top of the pole ran
+the line, one end of which was safely fastened in Ikey's window.
+Louise had the rest of it in charge and slowly dealt it out as she
+crossed the street in front of Carl, who by means of another pole kept
+it elevated beyond all harm. Once over the street it was easily
+attached to a cord hanging from the star chamber, then slowly and
+cautiously Ikey pulled it up. Several times it caught in the trees,
+but a careful jerk sent it free, and at last it was safe.</p>
+
+<p>"Three cheers for Bess! It was her plan," called Ikey from above.</p>
+
+<p>"It really worked very well," Carl acknowledged.</p>
+
+<p>"I knew all the time it would," added Louise, as they went inside to
+finish their work.</p>
+
+<p>The watcher in the Brown house window returned reluctantly to the book
+she had been reading, as though she found the bit of real life more
+entertaining.</p>
+
+<p>When all was done it was pronounced a success. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>Even though you could
+not hear so very distinctly, at least the bells fastened at each end
+tinkled most realistically when the line was pulled.</p>
+
+<p>As they came out of the side door at the Fords' after inspecting
+Ikey's end of the telephone, Louise catching sight of a ball which lay
+on the grass made a spring for it. The others rushed after her, there
+was a scramble that would have shocked Aunt Marcia beyond expression,
+and Carl getting possession tossed it with all his might&mdash;he did not
+stop to think where. Alas! it went over into the next yard and a crash
+of broken glass told the tale. They looked at each other in
+consternation, and Ikey ran and peeped through the fence.</p>
+
+<p>"You have broken one of the Brown house windows," he reported.</p>
+
+<p>"It wasn't all his fault, it was partly mine," said Louise, who always
+stood by her friends in trouble.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, dear!" sighed Bess. "Just when we were going to be so good! What
+will Aunt Z&eacute;lie say?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll have to go and tell them I did it, and that I'll have the glass
+put in," said Carl.</p>
+
+<p>Louise at once volunteered to go with him, and Bess suggested, "Let's
+all go."</p>
+
+<p>Ikey did not like the plan exactly, but he would not have objected for
+the world. Louise tossed back her long braids and put on her hat, and
+the solemn little party started out.</p>
+
+<p>"Whom shall I ask for?" Carl suddenly <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span>demanded, as they marched up
+the newly reddened walk.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me! We don't know the name," gasped Bess, feeling inclined to
+turn and run.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind, just ask for the lady of the house," said Louise, her
+courage rising to the occasion. "It sounds beggarish, but you can't
+help it."</p>
+
+<p>Bess and Ikey retreated a little when the door was opened by a woman
+who asked somewhat gruffly what they wanted.</p>
+
+<p>Carl hesitated, so Louise in her politest manner inquired for the lady
+of the house.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want with her?" said the woman, eying them sharply.</p>
+
+<p>"We want to <i>see</i> her," was the emphatic reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you can't, then," and the door would have been shut in their
+faces if a voice from inside had not called "Mary!"</p>
+
+<p>She disappeared for a moment, then returning asked them in.</p>
+
+<p>Bess held Ikey's hand tightly as they followed the others along the
+hall. To think of being inside the Brown house!</p>
+
+<p>Before they had time to consider what they were to do or say, they
+found themselves in a quaint room with dim old portraits on the wall;
+but all the children saw was a lady with white hair and bright eyes,
+seated in an invalid's chair by the window. As Louise advanced
+timidly, followed by the others, this lady held out her hand, saying:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span>"You wish to speak to me, Mary says; I am very glad to see you."</p>
+
+<p>They all felt reassured by her pleasant tone, and Louise found her
+voice.</p>
+
+<p>"We came to tell you that, while we were playing, Carl threw his ball
+and broke your window. It was partly my fault too, and we thought we
+would all come and tell you."</p>
+
+<p>"I am very sorry about it, and I will have a new pane put in," Carl
+added.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure it was an accident," said the lady, smiling; "you must not
+feel badly. I shall be glad of it if it helps me to make the
+acquaintance of some of my new neighbors. Won't you tell me your
+names?"</p>
+
+<p>Louise's dimples at once began to show themselves, for she was always
+ready to make friends, and she gave her plump little hand, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"I am Louise Hazeltine, and this is my brother Carl and my sister
+Bess, and Ikey Ford who lives next door."</p>
+
+<p>"We are much obliged to you for not minding about the window," Bess
+added, forgetting her shyness.</p>
+
+<p>"Won't you sit down and talk to me for a while? I am Miss Brown."</p>
+
+<p>The children smiled at each other. "We have always called this the
+Brown house," Carl explained.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you won't have to change. It is much <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span>simpler than if I had
+happened to be named Green or Black, isn't it?" said their new friend,
+laughing. "And now I am sure you can't guess what I call <i>your</i>
+house."</p>
+
+<p>Of course they couldn't, so she told them that she had named it the
+house with the Big Front Door.</p>
+
+<p>This amused them very much, and Louise asked, "How did you know we
+lived there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I have seen you going in and out. I can't move about easily, so
+when I grow tired of reading or sewing I look out of the window."</p>
+
+<p>It was astonishing how much at home they felt. Bess and Louise sat
+together in a big chair chattering away as if they had known Miss
+Brown all their lives. When she asked about the telephone, even Ikey
+had a word to say as they grew merry over the story of their
+difficulties.</p>
+
+<p>As they were leaving, Bess said demurely, "Miss Brown, I think we
+ought to tell you that we have been playing in your garden. We didn't
+mean to do any harm, but Aunt Z&eacute;lie says it wasn't respecting other
+people's property."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear children, I wish you would come often and play in my garden,"
+was the hospitable reply.</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid your Mary wouldn't like it," said Louise; adding quickly,
+"and we'd rather come inside now and see you."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, I hope you will come, and you <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>must excuse poor Mary; she
+is not so ill-natured as she seems."</p>
+
+<p>"Aunt Z&eacute;lie," said Carl that evening as they were relating the day's
+adventures, "Miss Brown is tiptop, she wasn't a bit mad. There is
+something about her like you."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Carl! Her hair is white, and she is not nearly so pretty," cried
+Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, goosie, I didn't say she looked like her, did I?"</p>
+
+<p>"She is very nice at any rate, and has lots of things to show us some
+time&mdash;things she had when she was a little girl. We may go to see her
+again, mayn't we, Auntie?" Bess asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think she would like me to go to see her?" Helen inquired.</p>
+
+<p>"Probably she wouldn't mind; we will take you sometime," Louise
+replied graciously.</p>
+
+<p>Helen had returned from her drive in a happy frame of mind, for Aunt
+Marcia had bought her a charming little card-case, and had ordered
+some engraved cards to go in it. Her sisters admired it as much as its
+proud owner could desire, and were quite attentive all the evening.</p>
+
+<p>"Mary," said Miss Brown that night, "those are nice children; and just
+think! I already know <i>four</i> of my neighbors!"</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER IV.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>DORA.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>One afternoon, when the interest in the Brown house was still at its
+height, and before the children had made the acquaintance of their new
+neighbor, a little girl came slowly up the street carrying a
+sun-umbrella.</p>
+
+<p>A hush had fallen upon the neighborhood; nobody was to be seen, and
+the only sound not made by the birds and insects was the far-away
+click and whirr of a lawn-mower.</p>
+
+<p>She had had a long walk and was tired; a carriage-block under the
+maple trees offered a pleasant resting place, so, closing her
+umbrella, she sat down. She had a pair of frank gray eyes and a smile
+that made you feel at once that she was a cheery little person,
+accustomed to make the best of things.</p>
+
+<p>"How still it is!" she said to herself. "I wonder if some wicked fairy
+has put everybody to sleep? I wish I might go into their houses and
+break the spell. And here comes an enchanted prince," she continued,
+laughing at the fancy, as a large black cat came across the street in
+a leisurely, sleepy way.</p>
+
+<p>The gray eyes seemed to inspire his confidence, for <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>the victim of
+enchantment stopped to rub against her dress.</p>
+
+<p>"Pretty old kitty, you are somebody's pet," she said, softly touching
+the glossy head.</p>
+
+<p>He could have told her that some one in the neighborhood was awake. In
+fact, two individuals had invaded the shady spot where he was taking
+his nap, and persisted in tickling his ears with grass till he was
+obliged to leave. He did not mention this, however, only arched his
+back and purred a little, and then, as if he suddenly remembered
+important business, trotted off through the bars of the gate and up
+the walk leading to a large house. The observer on the carriage-block
+thought it the most attractive house she had ever seen. Everything
+about it told of pleasant times: the tennis net, the hammock under the
+trees, the broad piazza, and, most of all, the wide front door which
+seemed to invite her to come in and see what sort of people lived
+behind it. "I wonder who lives here. I wish I knew. I believe I'll
+follow the cat and find out," she thought merrily.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the door opened and two little girls appeared, all in a
+flutter of dainty blue ruffles. Each carried a cushion, and one had
+what looked like an atlas under her arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we sit on the porch, Bess?" asked the one with yellow hair.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, Louise, don't you think it will be pleasanter under the
+chestnut tree?" the brown-haired <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span>maiden said; and then they came
+across the grass and settled themselves under the horse-chestnut, the
+branches of which met those of the maple tree that cast its shade over
+the carriage-block. They were quite unconscious of the wistful eyes
+that watched them as they bent over the atlas, from which Louise took
+some large sheets of paper.</p>
+
+<p>"How pretty they are! I wish I knew them," the owner of the eyes said
+to herself. Then, feeling rather shy in the presence of these charming
+little persons who might look around presently and wonder what she was
+doing there, she rose and took up her umbrella.</p>
+
+<p>She couldn't help lingering a little, for she wanted very much to know
+what they were going to do. Standing where she was shielded front
+their view by a bush that grew in the fence corner, this is what she
+heard:</p>
+
+<p>"We haven't played the Carletons for ever so long; do begin," urged
+Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"I think Lucy ought to be married," said Bess; "she is eighteen, you
+know, and I suppose people are generally married when they are so old
+as that. Then a wedding will be such fun!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, indeed, and she has been engaged to Edwin Graves a long time."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, her father and mother have at last consented, though they
+wanted her to marry an English earl, who was madly in love with her."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad I finished the new house in time," <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span>said Louise, holding up
+a drawing which represented the interior of a lofty mansion. "But go
+on about the earl."</p>
+
+<p>"She met him at the queen's palace, where all the English young ladies
+were in love with him, but he thought Lucy the most beautiful of all.
+She did not care for him, though, because she loved Edwin and had
+promised to marry him. Even though he hadn't so much money, she said
+she would rather marry a free-born American than any haughty earl."</p>
+
+<p>"That is very interesting," said Louise, admiring the patriotic
+sentiment, "but do you suppose if she didn't marry Edwin he would die
+of a broken heart?"</p>
+
+<p>"But she is going to marry him," said Bess, refusing to consider the
+question.</p>
+
+<p>"And now we will skip the getting ready part and have the wedding. It
+is a beautiful cloudless night in June, and there are roses
+everywhere; the house is filled with them."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll put them in while you are telling it," suggested the artist.</p>
+
+<p>Bess assented to this and continued, "Lucy is dressed now, and she is
+the most beautiful bride anyone ever saw."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you remember Aunt Z&eacute;lie's wedding?" asked Louise. "Cousin Helen
+says she was the prettiest bride she ever saw."</p>
+
+<p>"Not very well. I don't remember how she <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span>looked, but I think she is
+the most beautiful person in the world now."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, so do I!"</p>
+
+<p>The wedding then went on without interruption for a while.</p>
+
+<p>"Lucy is tall and stately, her eyes are blue as the sky, and her hair
+is long and golden. She speaks very softly, and has the sweetest
+smile, and she walks like a queen. Her dress is white silk and
+beautiful lace, with a long, long train, and she wears diamonds and
+carries a bunch of roses."</p>
+
+<p>"Now tell about Edwin Graves, Bess."</p>
+
+<p>"Men are a great deal harder to do," said the story-teller with a
+sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me, then, for I know exactly how he looks," and, clasping her
+hands around her knees and gazing upwards, Louise began: "He is very
+tall and grand-looking, his eyes are black, and his voice is very
+deep."</p>
+
+<p>At this interesting point Bess exclaimed, "Louise, here comes Uncle
+William, and I know he is going to take us driving!"</p>
+
+<p>The listener, who had forgotten everything but the story, came to
+herself with a start. "How dreadful of me!" she said, walking away
+very rapidly, while the story-tellers ran out of the gate to greet a
+tall gentleman who had just driven up.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose they are sisters," she thought, looking back once more
+before she turned the corner.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span>"How nice it must be to live in a house like that. <i>Bess</i> and
+<i>Louise</i>; I wonder what their last name is."</p>
+
+<p>Louise was busy with her drawing one morning, comfortably established
+in a shady corner of the porch, when her aunt called to her:</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you would keep an eye on Carie while Joanna goes on an errand
+for me."</p>
+
+<p>"I will, Aunt Z&eacute;lie," she responded promptly.</p>
+
+<p>It was not likely her charge would give her much trouble, for Carie
+was quite capable of entertaining herself, and was at that moment
+promenading back and forth with an old parasol over her head,
+pretending she was going to market.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't go on the grass, baby; it is wet," cautioned Louise, by way of
+showing her authority, and then returned to the new mansion for the
+Carletons upon which she was working. She soon became so absorbed in
+this that she forget to look up now and then.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Carie talked busily to herself, gesticulating with one small
+forefinger. But after a little she grew tired of filling her basket
+with grass and leaves, and stood peeping out through the bars of the
+gate. How much more fun it would be to go to the real market where she
+had often been with Joanna! She knew perfectly well that she was not
+allowed outside by herself, but that did not make it seem any less
+attractive. With a cautious glance over her shoulder she softly
+pulled <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span>the gate open, and in a moment more was flying up the street.
+When she reached the corner she turned to the right and slackened her
+pace, feeling very important and grown up as she bobbed merrily along
+under her parasol.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you going, little one?" asked a man who passed her.</p>
+
+<p>She gave him a roguish glance as she answered, "To martet."</p>
+
+<p>At the next corner she turned again to the right, safely crossing the
+street, but here everything was unfamiliar and she began to feel
+timid. Then she suddenly saw a very large dog coming toward her. He
+was so large she thought he must be a bear, and, with a frightened
+scream, she turned to run, but tripped over her parasol, and fell, a
+forlorn little heap, on the sidewalk.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter? Are you hurt? You mustn't be afraid of the dog;
+he is good, and doesn't bite."</p>
+
+<p>These reassuring words were spoken by a girl of eleven or twelve, who
+helped her up and brushed off her dress.</p>
+
+<p>"What a darling you are!" she added, as Carie lifted her big blue
+eyes, all swimming in tears, saying, "I fought it was a bear."</p>
+
+<p>"No, indeed; he is only a nice old dog who lives next door to me, so I
+know all about him. Now tell me where you are going all alone?"</p>
+
+<p>"I runned away," was the honest answer, "and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span>I dess you better take
+me home," she added, looking up confidingly into the pleasant face.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you must tell me what your name is and where you live."</p>
+
+<p>Carie could tell her name, but to the other question could only
+answer, "Over there," pointing in the wrong direction with great
+assurance. Her companion was puzzled; she felt certain some one was
+alarmed at the disappearance of this dainty little midget.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll ask Mrs. West if she knows anybody near here named Hazeltine,"
+she said. "Come in and sit on the doorstep till I find out something
+about you."</p>
+
+<p>She was back in a moment. "I think I know now, you dear little thing!
+It must be that lovely house I saw the other day."</p>
+
+<p>For some minutes after Carie's flight Louise worked on, then
+remembering her charge she discovered her absence. She ran to the gate
+and looked up and down the street, she searched the garden and the
+house, and finally burst in upon Aunt Z&eacute;lie crying:</p>
+
+<p>"I have lost her! I have lost her!"</p>
+
+<p>The news spread in a moment; nothing else could be thought of till the
+lost darling was found.</p>
+
+<p>Carl ran in one direction, Sukey in another, and Bess flew over to ask
+if by any chance Miss Brown had seen the runaway. Louise stood on the
+porch, the picture of misery.</p>
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep038" id="imagep038"></a>
+<a href="images/imagep038.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep038.jpg" width="60%" alt="A Girl of Eleven or Twelve helped her up and brushed off her Clothes." /></a>
+<p class="cen sc" style="margin-top: .2em;">"A Girl of Eleven or Twelve helped her up and brushed off her Clothes."</p>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>"You will never trust me again, <i>never</i>" she sobbed as her aunt came
+out and stood beside her, looking anxiously up and down.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure you won't be so careless another time," Aunt Z&eacute;lie said,
+pitying her distress.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment who should turn the corner but the small cause of all
+the excitement, chatting away to her new friend, quite unconscious
+that she was giving anybody any trouble!</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Carie Hazeltine, where have you been?" cried Louise, drying her
+eyes and running to meet her.</p>
+
+<p>"I found her on Chestnut street&mdash;a dog had frightened her," her
+companion explained, reluctantly releasing the plump hand she held.</p>
+
+<p>"You are a naughty girl," said her sister, taking possession of her.
+"You might have been run over, or something dreadful."</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't det run over," Carie insisted indignantly.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, say good-by, and 'thank you for taking care of me.' We are all
+very much obliged to you," Louise added, turning to the stranger.
+Carie held up her mouth for a kiss, and then allowed herself to be led
+away.</p>
+
+<p>"At any rate I know their name is Hazeltine," said Carie's friend to
+herself.</p>
+
+<p>The culprit was soon in a fair way to think she had done something
+very funny and interesting, people made such a fuss over her, so Aunt
+Z&eacute;lie carried her off to be solemnly reproved.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span>"I suppose you are going to the party to-morrow, aren't you?" asked
+Elsie Morris, a neighbor and friend, who had been helping in the
+search.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course," answered Bess. "I am glad you came home in time, Elsie;
+Aleck is going to stay in and go with us."</p>
+
+<p>"There are to be fireworks and lanterns and all sorts of things,"
+observed Aleck, who lay at his ease in the hammock.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I know," said Elsie, "and everybody is to have a&mdash;I don't know
+what you call it&mdash;something to remember the party by. Annie May told
+me herself."</p>
+
+<p>"How nice! It will be almost like Christmas," said Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"Not like one of Uncle William's parties, though," put in Carl.</p>
+
+<p>"School begins next week, and three months of pegging before
+Christmas," groaned Aleck.</p>
+
+<p>"Come on, then; let's make the most of the time we have," Carl urged
+energetically.</p>
+
+<p>It was the afternoon of the next day, and Louise stood before the
+mirror critically viewing her sash.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Joanna! You have made Bess's bows ever so much longer than
+mine."</p>
+
+<p>"I can't see what difference that makes," was the rather sharp reply,
+for the September day was warm and the task of dressing three restless
+young ladies for a party was not conducive to coolness.</p>
+
+<p>"It makes a great deal of difference to us, for <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>we wish to look
+exactly alike," said Louise loftily. "And if you are going to do a
+thing at all, you ought to do it well; Father says so."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me! Here comes Ikey, and we are not ready," exclaimed Bess, who
+stood at the window.</p>
+
+<p>"You might be if you weren't so particular. I never saw the beat of
+your equal," and Joanna whisked Helen's dress over her head.</p>
+
+<p>"The <i>beat</i> of your <i>equal</i>," Bess repeated. "What does that mean,
+Jo?"</p>
+
+<p>"My patience!" was the only reply to be had from this much-enduring
+maid.</p>
+
+<p>"Joanna is cross; I'll get Aunt Z&eacute;lie to tie my sash," said Louise,
+running off, followed by Bess.</p>
+
+<p>Their aunt was in the lower hall with Ikey, who was looking dignified,
+if not a trifle stiff, in a new standing collar. Louise decided that
+he needed a rose in his buttonhole, and danced away to get one when
+her sash had been arranged to her satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>Though there was more than a year's difference in their ages, Bess and
+Louise were exactly the same height, and were sometimes taken for
+twins. This delighted them beyond measure, and to help the impression
+they wished to be dressed alike, down to the smallest detail.</p>
+
+<p>Though Bess's hair curled prettily she insisted on wearing it in two
+braids, because that was the only comfortable fashion in which her
+sister's heavy locks could be arranged. Aunt Z&eacute;lie laughed at them,
+but let them have their way.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>Carl and Aleck were the last to appear, which Bess thought was very
+strange, considering they had no sashes to be tied, or hair to be
+curled or braided.</p>
+
+<p>"Now trot along and have the best kind of a time," said Aunt Z&eacute;lie
+after she had inspected them, and given some finishing touches to
+their cravats; "I am proud of my girls and boys."</p>
+
+<p>They were a merry party as they started out, waving their good-bys,
+Ikey feeling particularly proud to be counted one of her boys. He only
+half wanted to go, for, though sociably inclined, he was bashful, but
+the girls had promised not to desert him.</p>
+
+<p>Carl affected to hold parties in disdain. "They never do anything
+worth while; who cares for 'drop the handkerchief' or dancing?"</p>
+
+<p>When Louise mischievously suggested that he must be going for the
+supper, he strolled ahead with an air of lofty scorn.</p>
+
+<p>The occasion was a birthday party, an outdoor affair, and the large
+yard was hung with Japanese lanterns ready to light when the sun went
+down. As the children came flocking in with their bright faces and gay
+ribbons, it was a pretty scene.</p>
+
+<p>There were swings and all sorts of games, and soon everybody was busy
+having a good time. Even Carl forgot that he did not like parties. But
+there was one person who seemed to be left out of the fun. Stopping to
+rest after some lively game, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span>Bess noticed a girl sitting on a bench
+all by herself. She looked lonely, and Bess felt sorry for her.</p>
+
+<p>"I think I ought to go and speak to her; won't you go with me, Elsie?"
+she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"No; I'd rather not. I think she is funny-looking."</p>
+
+<p>"But I am afraid she does not know anybody."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it is not our party; why doesn't Annie May take care of her?"
+And Elsie smoothed her pink ribbons complacently.</p>
+
+<p>Bess was shy, and thought she could not go by herself to speak to a
+stranger. "I'll wait till I see Louise," she said.</p>
+
+<p>"Who is that girl?" some one asked the little hostess.</p>
+
+<p>"Her name is Dora Warner," was the reply. "Mamma knows her mother.
+They haven't lived here long. I have tried to introduce her, but
+nobody wants to talk to her, and she doesn't know a single game. I
+wish Mamma would come and take care of her."</p>
+
+<p>The stranger sat alone looking on at the merry scene. She felt timid
+and unhappy, and had to wink very hard now and then to get rid of a
+troublesome mist that found its way to her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"I am silly I know; I ought not to expect to get acquainted all at
+once," she said to herself bravely.</p>
+
+<p>If it had not been for the loneliness she might have enjoyed the fun
+going on around her, even <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span>though she had no part in it. Such dainty
+dresses, such laughing and dancing about, such airs and graces, she
+had never before seen! She recognized the charming little girls who
+had so taken her fancy a week or two before&mdash;sisters, she felt sure,
+of that dear little Carie.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, dear!" she said at last; "I can't help wishing I had not come!"</p>
+
+<p>Not thinking what she was doing, Dora took up a croquet mallet which
+had been left on the bench, and began slowly to screw it into the
+ground. Just then a boy rushed by hotly chased by another. The one in
+pursuit tripped on the mallet and fell headlong on the grass.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you hurt? I am so sorry; I did not mean to do it!" she exclaimed
+in dismay.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I am not hurt," he replied, sitting up and rubbing the stains off
+his hands with his handkerchief. "How did you come to do it anyhow?"
+and he gave her a glimpse of a pair of merry brown eyes, and then went
+on polishing his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know," she answered.</p>
+
+<p>"If it had not been for you I could have caught Aleck."</p>
+
+<p>"I am so sorry," Dora said again, in such a mournful tone that the boy
+laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"You needn't think I care! Aleck knows I can catch him. Do you like to
+run?"</p>
+
+<p>"I haven't tried it very often lately. I think you could catch me,"
+she answered.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span>"I probably could; as a general thing girls aren't much on running,
+but you should see Louise!"</p>
+
+<p>"Who is she?" asked Dora.</p>
+
+<p>"She is my sister; I thought everybody knew Louise."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know any one," was the reply in a mournful tone.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you really?" Carl asked, sitting up very straight; "and is that
+the reason you are over here by yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know Annie a little, but you see I haven't lived here since I was a
+baby. We have been travelling about a good deal, so I haven't had a
+chance to know many people. Mamma wanted me to come this afternoon."</p>
+
+<p>There was something exceedingly pleasant in her straightforward
+manner.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't care much for parties myself," said Carl, "but if you want to
+get acquainted you must not stick in a corner."</p>
+
+<p>"What must I do?" Dora asked, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, to begin with, you make friends with somebody who knows
+somebody else, and so on. It is very easy."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I have begun with you, though I do not know your name."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, here goes! My name is Carl Hazeltine, the girl over by the
+oak tree is my sister Louise, the boy with her is Isaac Ford&mdash;the one
+who is laughing I mean; next to him is Elsie <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span>Morris, and that fellow
+coming this way is Aleck Hazeltine, my cousin, and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Dora put out her hand appealingly. "I can't possibly remember so many,
+and I haven't told you my name. It is Dora Warner."</p>
+
+<p>"We used to have a cat named Dora," Carl remarked gravely, taking a
+small round glass from his pocket and composedly surveying his
+necktie, "a nice, white, meek little pussy cat."</p>
+
+<p>"I had a dog once, when we were in London, named Carl&mdash;o. He was a
+curly dog and ever so vain when we tied a ribbon on his collar," was
+the prompt response. Then they both laughed merrily, and Carl asked
+with friendly interest, "Were you really in London!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, we were there last winter."</p>
+
+<p>"Wasn't it great fun?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, for papa was ill, and mamma always with him, so I was lonely."</p>
+
+<p>Something in Dora's tone made Carl notice that her sash was black.</p>
+
+<p>"So I suppose her father is dead," he thought, but could think of
+nothing to say, and jumping up suddenly was off like a flash.</p>
+
+<p>Dora thought her new acquaintance a funny one, but his friendly manner
+had made her feel cheerful again.</p>
+
+<p>She saw him coming back presently, accompanied by a little girl with
+soft dark eyes and a sweet face which she recognized at once.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>"This is my sister Bess," he announced.</p>
+
+<p>Bess sat down beside her, saying gravely, "Carl says you don't know
+anyone. Wouldn't you like to come and play with us? We are going to
+begin a new game."</p>
+
+<p>Dora was quite ready. "Only I am afraid I shall not know how," she
+said.</p>
+
+<p>"That won't make the least difference, for we haven't any of us played
+it before. It is very easy&mdash;just throwing bean-bags," and, taking her
+hand in a friendly clasp, Bess led her toward a gay group that was all
+in an uproar over some of Aleck's nonsense.</p>
+
+<p>"Here comes that odd-looking girl," whispered Elsie to Helen. "Just
+see what a plain dress she has on!"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, you are the girl who brought our Carie home yesterday, aren't
+you?" cried Louise, as Bess introduced Dora.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you really? She has been talking about you all day. Carl, it was
+Dora who found Carie," Bess exclaimed delightedly.</p>
+
+<p>From this moment the charmed circle was open to her. Dora could hardly
+believe she was not dreaming. To be taken into the midst of all the
+fun under the protection of her new friends&mdash;to find herself suddenly
+popular! What could have seemed more incredible half an hour before?
+Louise, who was a born leader, and whose bright face and sunny temper
+made her a general favorite, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span>took her in charge, and Dora entered so
+heartily into the game, laughing so merrily at her mistakes, that her
+companions begun at once to like her.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Elsie, aren't you going to play?" asked Bess.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know how," was her reply, in a fretful tone.</p>
+
+<p>"It is perfectly easy," said one of the others.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind; she doesn't know beans," laughed Aleck, tossing a bag to
+Dora.</p>
+
+<p>"I know you are very rude," pouted Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>"Do play," urged Dora, running to her. "I will show you exactly how,"
+and half reluctantly she yielded, for she really wanted to play.
+Before they were through the game, supper interrupted, and gave them
+something else to think about.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. May, remembering the stranger and coming to look for her,
+concluded that she was quite able to take care of herself, for she
+seemed to be having an extremely good time.</p>
+
+<p>A good time truly it was, Dora thought, as she sat among her new
+friends.</p>
+
+<p>"I am so glad we are acquainted with you," Louise said.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure I am glad," she answered, "and I do hope I shall see Carie
+again sometime. There is one thing I must tell you," she continued.
+"The other day I walked by your house, and I was so tired I sat down
+on your carriage-block to rest. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span>It was very quiet, and nobody was in
+sight, and I was sitting there thinking how very big your front door
+was&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"How did you know it was our house?" asked Bess.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't then, but presently the door opened and you two came out.
+You had on blue dresses, and Louise had a book, and you came and sat
+under a tree not very far from me."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, we didn't see you!"</p>
+
+<p>"I know you did not, and, of course, I ought to have gone away,
+but"&mdash;here Dora's face flushed&mdash;"I couldn't help hearing the beginning
+of your story, and then I forget what I was doing&mdash;it was dreadful; I
+want you to know about it&mdash;I listened to all you said."</p>
+
+<p>"How funny! And we did not see you! Why, Dora, we don't care a bit, do
+we, Bess?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am very glad if you don't. I was so ashamed of myself. I hoped some
+day I should know you, but I did not think it would happen so soon,"
+and Dora heaved a sigh of relief.</p>
+
+<p>"But isn't it funny that you should have found Carie?" said Bess.</p>
+
+<p>"And then have tripped me up," added Carl, joining them. "It is really
+as curious as our getting acquainted with Miss Brown."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is Miss Brown?" asked Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>"She is a person who has lately moved into Nottingham castle," he
+replied gravely.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span>"Robin Hood broke one of her windows," added Aleck.</p>
+
+<p>"What does he mean? I don't understand it at all," fretted Elsie, who
+was so easily teased the boys could never resist the temptation.</p>
+
+<p>"Carl is talking nonsense. I will tell you about her sometime," said
+Bess.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-by, Dora," said Louise when the happy evening was over and they
+were starting home. "I think we ought to be friends because you found
+Carie; don't you, Bess?"</p>
+
+<p>Bess certainly thought so, for she had taken a desperate fancy to this
+new acquaintance.</p>
+
+<p>"You must come to see me; Helen and all of you," Dora said cordially.</p>
+
+<p>"Mamma, I have had a beautiful time, I am glad I went," she exclaimed,
+standing beside her mother's couch a few minutes later. "Does your
+head ache? Then I'll wait till to-morrow to tell you about it;" and
+she went to bed to dream pleasant dreams.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER V.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>UNCLE WILLIAM.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>When the children reached home that evening they found Aunt Marcia and
+Uncle William in the library.</p>
+
+<p>Carie, too, was there, bent on an investigation of her uncle's pocket,
+from which she had just brought to light in triumph a chocolate mouse.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, baby dear, you must go to bed, mammy is waiting for you," said
+Aunt Z&eacute;lie.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me find one uzzer one," pleaded Carie, depositing her prize on
+her uncle's knee, and continuing the search.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course you have had a 'perfectly lovely' time," said Uncle William
+as the party-goers entered.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed we have," answered Louise, establishing herself on an arm of
+her father's chair. "And we've found the nicest girl," she added.</p>
+
+<p>"I found her," said Carl.</p>
+
+<p>"She is the girl who brought Carie home yesterday, and we like her
+very much," explained Bess.</p>
+
+<p>"Annie May hasn't any politeness; she didn't introduce her to more
+than one or two people. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>Think of being at a big party like that and
+not knowing anyone!"</p>
+
+<p>"That is not a proper way in which to speak of your hostess, my son,"
+said Mr. Hazeltine.</p>
+
+<p>"How did you happen to get acquainted with her?" asked Aunt Z&eacute;lie,
+smiling at Carl's vehemence.</p>
+
+<p>"Auntie, it was the funniest thing you ever heard of!" Louise
+exclaimed. "She tripped him up with a croquet mallet!"</p>
+
+<p>"She must have been desperate," remarked her father, pulling one of
+the long braids that hung over her shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"She did not mean to do it&mdash;it was when I was running after Aleck&mdash;and
+she was very sorry. Then I found she didn't know anybody, so I went
+for Bess, and she had a good time after that," Carl explained briefly.</p>
+
+<p>"She has lived in London, and different places abroad," Bess added.</p>
+
+<p>"May we go to see her, auntie? We told her we would if you'd let us."</p>
+
+<p>"Louise, you should never promise to visit people till you know
+something about them," said Aunt Marcia reprovingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Her name is Dora Warner, and she boards with her mother at Mrs.
+West's on Chestnut street, and her father is dead. I think we know a
+good deal about her, Aunt Marcia," Bess said demurely.</p>
+
+<p>"I am going to see her, and take her a chocolate <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>mouse," Carie
+suddenly announced, having been a silent listener while she captured a
+handful of mice.</p>
+
+<p>"I want to know what it is you like so much about your new friend,"
+said Uncle William.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you think of her, Helen?" his wife asked of the little girl,
+sitting so quietly beside her.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I like her, Aunt Marcia, ever so much. She asked <i>me</i> to come to
+see her, and she is older than Bess."</p>
+
+<p>"There is no nonsense about her," said Carl.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it is hard to tell why you like people." Bess twisted her
+handkerchief meditatively. "She isn't exactly pretty, but she is
+pleasant and polite&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and she is ready to do anything, and doesn't think about her
+clothes," Carl interposed.</p>
+
+<p>"Boys think about their clothes as well as girls," said Louise. "I
+know lots of girls who don't think about their clothes."</p>
+
+<p>"So do I&mdash;some who have no regard whatever for them," said Aunt Z&eacute;lie,
+laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know I like the description they give of Dora," remarked Mr.
+William Hazeltine, after the children had left the room.</p>
+
+<p>"I never knew Carl to be so warm in the praise of a new acquaintance,"
+said his brother. "You will have to let them go to see her, Z&eacute;lie."</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, do not be rash; find out who they are first," begged Mrs.
+Hazeltine.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>"I can't help thinking," said her husband, "that this little girl may
+be the daughter of my old friend Dick Warner; you remember him, Frank?
+He died about a year ago, somewhere abroad. As bright and
+sweet-tempered a fellow as ever lived! I must look into it."</p>
+
+<p>Uncle William usually had his own way about things, for the reason
+that no other way was so pleasant. No one could resist his bright face
+and cordial manner. He carried around with him an atmosphere of such
+hearty goodwill that it was next to impossible to be cross or gloomy
+in his presence. People sometimes wondered how he happened to marry
+Mrs. Hazeltine, but the reason was plain enough to him. He regarded
+her with the greatest admiration, feeling that a harum-scarum fellow
+like himself was most fortunate in having such a wife to keep him
+straight. He was very proud and fond of her, and quite blind to what
+others called her managing propensities. Sometimes, indeed, he
+wondered how she could be so severe in her judgment of the children,
+but then someone must be firm. And though she was often annoyed by his
+friendliness with all sorts of odd people, and wished William would
+draw the line somewhere, she always ended by saying leniently that he
+would never be anything but a boy.</p>
+
+<p>He had a warm love for children. No matter how ragged and forlorn they
+might be, they interested him. The newsboys and bootblacks felt that
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span>he was their friend, and many were the treats they received at his
+hand. By his young relatives and their many friends he was looked upon
+as a sort of every-day Santa Claus. One of his peculiarities was a
+love for surprising people. He sent mysterious parcels, left candy
+about in unexpected places, or took the children out for a walk, and
+then whisked them off on some delightful excursion.</p>
+
+<p>Promptness was another of Uncle William's good qualities. Having
+determined to make inquiries about his old friend, he did it at once,
+and so it happened that Dora and her mother were called down to the
+parlor one day to see a tall gentleman with kindly dark eyes and
+iron-gray hair, who won them at once by his simple, cordial manner.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Warner was a thoroughly saddened woman since the death of her
+husband, but even she could not resist his friendliness, and Dora was
+altogether captivated.</p>
+
+<p>The children were surprised and delighted when they heard that their
+uncle had been to see the Warners, and that Dora was really the
+daughter of his old friend.</p>
+
+<p>"So of course we <i>ought</i> to be friends with her," Bess remarked, as
+though it was a solemn duty rather than a pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Z&eacute;lie allowed them to go to see her at once, and invite her to
+spend the next day with them.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't things happen beautifully, Mamma?" <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span>Dora said gayly, as she
+dressed that morning. "To think that I really know Bess and Louise,
+and am going to see them!"</p>
+
+<p>Her mother smiled sadly; she was glad her daughter had found such
+pleasant friends, for she knew that their quiet life was making her
+old for her years.</p>
+
+<p>So Dora, in a flutter of delight, found herself following in the
+footsteps of the black cat, up the walk leading to the Big Front Door.
+And there on the porch, stretched at his ease, was that gentleman
+himself, apparently waiting for her, for he rose to meet her, and
+arched his back, and purred with great friendliness.</p>
+
+<p>Then the door opened and she was inside, but before she could look
+around her, three little girls came flying down the stairs and laid
+violent hands upon her. Talking very fast, and quite breathless with
+laughing, they took her up to the dainty room&mdash;all blue and
+white&mdash;which Bess and Louise called theirs, where she took off her
+hat. Next she had to be presented to Aunt Z&eacute;lie, from whom she
+received a welcome which made her feel at home from that minute. And
+then to the star chamber, where they found Carl, who was very glad
+indeed to see Dora again. One morning was really too short for all
+there was to be said and seen.</p>
+
+<p>Dora was interested in everything: stamp albums, photographs, dolls,
+and most of all in the story books.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span>"You must take 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' home with you," Carl
+insisted when he found she had not read it, and then the others began
+to press their favorites upon her until she was quite overwhelmed.</p>
+
+<p>She must look over at the Brown house garden, and hear about their new
+neighbor, and about Ikey Ford, and how tiresome his grandmother was.
+These confidences were interrupted by Carie, who walked in, eager to
+see the girl who had found her, and other attractions faded before the
+delight of holding this dainty bit of humanity on her lap. Nothing
+could be so charming, Dora thought, as she kissed the rosy cheeks and
+soft hair, and listened to her funny chatter; for Carie, who was not
+given to showing favors indiscriminately, treated her with unusual
+graciousness, bestowing chocolate mice with a lavish hand.</p>
+
+<p>"You ought to be the best children in the world, for you have
+everything," Dora said as they went down to lunch.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, we are!" modestly replied Carl.</p>
+
+<p>When this was over she was taken into a large room full of books and
+beautiful things, among them two portraits. One of these was of a
+white-haired man whose eyes seemed to smile at her as Bess said, "This
+is Grandfather;" the other face had something about it so like Bess's
+own that her low-toned explanation, "This is Mamma," was not needed.</p>
+
+<p>After all, they had not quite everything.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span>When Carl went over to see Ikey about something, they seized the
+opportunity to play the Carletons, it being a game that the masculine
+mind scorned. They sat under the same chestnut tree, and the black cat
+joined them, and was formally introduced to Dora as Mr. Smith.
+Everything was quiet in the neighborhood, somebody was cutting the
+grass not far away, and it really might have been mistaken for that
+afternoon two weeks ago, except that the girl who was then on the
+carriage-block was now in the garden. To make the resemblance
+complete, who should drive up but Uncle William, calling to know if
+anybody wanted to go to the country.</p>
+
+<p>The Carletons were promptly consigned to the seclusion of the atlas,
+while the romancers ran for their hats.</p>
+
+<p>It was almost dark when Dora was set down at her own door, merry and
+rosy.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-by! and do ask your mother to let you go to our school," her
+friends called, waving their handkerchiefs as they turned the corner.
+That happy day settled it. Dora and the Hazeltines became fast
+friends. Everybody liked her, the grown people as well as the
+children. Even Aunt Marcia pronounced her a most well-behaved little
+girl, and hoped Bess and Louise would profit by her example. Carl
+claimed the credit of having discovered her, and Carie always referred
+to her as "My Dora."</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER VI.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>THE MAGIC DOOR.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>When Miss Brown said of the Big Front Door that it made her cheerful
+simply to look at it, she had no idea, nor had anyone else, how much
+was going to grow out of it.</p>
+
+<p>First of all was the story Uncle William told one stormy Sunday
+evening before the wood fire in the library.</p>
+
+<p>It had been a trying day to the children, with the rain coming
+steadily down, their father away, and Aunt Z&eacute;lie sick with a cold.
+Perhaps it was not to be wondered at that by afternoon they had grown
+"cantankerous," as Sukey expressed it, and that something very like
+quarrelling had gone on in the star chamber.</p>
+
+<p>This was all forgotten when the early tea was over, and they gathered
+around the fire with Uncle William in father's arm-chair.</p>
+
+<p>The shadows were dark in the corners of the room, but the soft
+wavering light gilded everything within reach, touching Grandfather's
+portrait with its gentle magic, till he himself seemed to be standing
+there, smiling and about to speak. The young faces turned to Uncle
+William were full of quiet content.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>"Do you know what Miss Brown has named our house?" Bess asked. "She
+calls it the house with the Big Front Door."</p>
+
+<p>"That is a very good name and reminds me of a story."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, please tell it," they all begged, and so without preface Uncle
+William begun:</p>
+
+<p>"Once upon a time a man built a house. He selected the materials with
+greatest care, and watched every brick, stone, and beam used in its
+construction, that everything might be strong and good. But it was to
+the front door that he gave most thought. This was of oak after a
+design of his own, and was wide and massive, with hinges of
+wrought-iron and a dragon's-head knocker. Some of his neighbors
+admired it, others found fault with it, objecting that it was out of
+proportion and too large for a dwelling-house. But after a while they
+discovered that it was more than an ordinary door. There was some
+magic about it; it shed a radiance over the whole neighborhood. People
+when they were perplexed would look towards it, and presently their
+doubts would fade away. Those who were despondent or sorrowful were
+cheered and comforted by the sight of it. In stormy weather it was
+like a small neighborhood sun. And no one rejoiced more than its owner
+in the strange power of the door, for he had a heart full of love and
+goodwill, and he and his children were constantly doing kindnesses to
+their neighbors. They were a happy <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>family too among themselves, and
+the reason seemed to be because they lived in the radiance of the
+magic door.</p>
+
+<p>"At length, to the sorrow of his friends, this good man died. In his
+parting instructions to his children he warned them that the door
+might sometime lose its power, and if its hinges should ever become
+rusty, or its lock hard to turn, he directed them to a certain iron
+box where they would find a key which, if used according to the
+directions attached, would soon restore it. This made little or no
+impression upon them at the time, for, since the oldest of them could
+remember, the door had been always the same, and it seemed improbable
+that it would ever change. They missed their father sadly, but for a
+time continued to live as they had when he was with them. However, as
+the months passed, all unconsciously at first they began to neglect
+their duties; to forget the acts of neighborly kindness they had once
+been so glad to perform; and saddest of all, they fell to quarrelling
+among themselves. Then one day they could not open the door, try as
+they would. Rust was discovered thick upon its hinges, and while they
+were wondering how this could have happened, some one brought word
+that complaint was general in the neighborhood that the door had lost
+its magic power. The children looked at one another in dismay, till
+one remembered the iron box and went in search of it. When it was
+found and opened in the midst of the family there <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>was in it simply an
+ordinary key with a card tied to it, and on the card were written
+these words: 'They helped every one his neighbor.'</p>
+
+<p>"They were for a time at a loss to understand, when one wiser than the
+rest spoke: 'Do you not see,' he said, 'that it was the spirit of
+helpfulness that made our home happy, and gave our door its strange
+power? We have neglected our father's teaching; have been selfish and
+unloving, and so are no longer a blessing to ourselves or others.'</p>
+
+<p>"Each felt in his heart that this was true, and with one accord they
+made up their quarrels; one went to visit a sick neighbor, another
+carried a coat to a poor man and food to his children, and in various
+ways they tried to begin over again, and live as their father had
+lived. Then happiness returned to their home, the key slipped easily
+into the lock, the door opened wide once more, and gradually regained
+its old power. So not only were they happy themselves, but they kept
+alive the memory of their father, whose name was loved and honored by
+all who came within the radiance of the magic door."</p>
+
+<p>There was silence for a few minutes; then Bess asked, "Was Grandfather
+the man who built the house?"</p>
+
+<p>Uncle William smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"You must find the moral for yourselves, but I acknowledge that Miss
+Brown put the idea into my head."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span>"And you told it because we were cross this afternoon, I know," said
+Louise wisely.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose Miss Brown could tell when we are bad just by looking at the
+door!" Carl suggested, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"It would be dreadful," said Bess soberly.</p>
+
+<p>"But it isn't true about <i>our</i> door, is it?" Helen asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course not, goosie," replied her brother.</p>
+
+<p>"Put it the other way, and suppose that Miss Brown could tell when you
+are kind and unselfish, that would not be dreadful," said their uncle.
+"And I forgot to say," he added, "that the key in the story is
+warranted to work like magic anywhere. It was a favorite text of your
+grandfather's. When this house was built I was a little boy, hardly as
+old as Helen, but I remember distinctly the first time I went through
+it. I was very much delighted, and came running down the steps,
+calling, 'Oh, father, what a nice house this is!' and he replied, 'I
+am glad you like it, William. It is only a house now, but we are going
+to try to make it a home.' I don't think I quite understood what he
+meant till long afterwards, though he went on to explain that a home
+is a place where love, obedience, and helpfulness grow, and are stored
+up as the water is stored in Quarry Hill reservoir, to find its way
+out into the world after a while, carrying comfort and cheer.</p>
+
+<p>"Your grandfather did all he could to make this <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span>house a real home
+while he lived, and now the responsibility rests upon you."</p>
+
+<p>"I truly mean to remember the key, and try to be a helper," said Bess,
+finding and marking the text in her own Bible, at Uncle William's
+suggestion. "I like that part about the radiance of the magic door,"
+she added.</p>
+
+<p>"It is easy enough to talk about it, but it's not so easy to <i>be</i>
+good," said Carl with emphasis.</p>
+
+<p>"We are not here to do easy things, and, as Bess says, we can all
+try," Uncle William replied, "and now we have had a sermon, let us
+have some music before I go."</p>
+
+<p>"Let's tell Dora about the magic door; perhaps she would like to
+help!" said Louise, as she and Bess went upstairs to bed.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER VII.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>IKEY'S ACCIDENT.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>The days grew shorter and cooler, the leaves began to flutter down,
+and each morning, from her sitting-room window, Miss Brown watched the
+children start for school.</p>
+
+<p>First the little girls, tossing good-by kisses to Aunt Z&eacute;lie, ran down
+the walk to join Dora or Elsie; then a few minutes later Ikey was at
+the gate whistling for Carl. In the five months since Ikey had come to
+stay with his grandparents the boys had become almost inseparable.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Isaac Clinton Ford was a surgeon in the navy, and having been
+ordered to the Mediterranean, his wife, whose health was not good,
+followed him, with their little daughter, while young Isaac was sent
+to his father's old home. Warmly attached to it himself, Dr. Ford
+could think of no better place for his son, and old Mr. and Mrs. Ford
+felt that it would be almost like having their boy again, from whom
+they had had only brief visits for eighteen years.</p>
+
+<p>Unfortunately, neither took into account that young Isaac was totally
+unlike the quiet, studious boy his father had been. It was a question
+which <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>suffered most during those first weeks, the elderly people
+whose lives had moved on like clockwork for so many years, or the
+mischievous, fun-loving boy suddenly introduced into their household.</p>
+
+<p>The Fords' was a tall, three-story, stone front house, with everything
+about it inside and out in immaculate order. The stone steps and walk
+were spotless, the windows shone, and the shades and curtains were
+arranged in the most exact manner. The only flowers were three
+oleanders in tubs, and these partook of the general tidiness.</p>
+
+<p>It is easy to see that a boy without any deep regard for spotless
+stones, who labored under the delusion that windows were made to look
+out of, and who did not hesitate to push curtains aside and open
+blinds, who whistled when his grandfather was taking his nap, left his
+things lying about, and teased the snappish old pug was destined to be
+a trial. On the other hand, the change from a free and easy home life,
+with a mother as merry-hearted as himself and a father who was more of
+a boy at forty than he had been at twelve, to that humdrum routine
+would have been trying to wiser people than Ikey.</p>
+
+<p>No wonder the first weeks were full of miserable homesickness. Life
+would have been unendurable if the Hazeltines had not discovered him.
+Ikey was ready to meet them more than half way, and before long became
+their boon companion.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span>Mrs. Howard, the children's aunt, guessed how matters stood, for she
+had lived across the street from the Fords most of her life; so she
+went to his grandmother, and asked her to let Ikey play with Carl and
+the little girls every day.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Ford consented, feeling surprised and gratified; and unwilling to
+be lacking in hospitality, she allowed her grandson and his friends
+the freedom of the back yard, on condition that they would respect the
+front. Before the summer was over she had become so used to the sound
+of the children's voices that she no longer found it necessary to go
+to the window every five minutes to see what they were doing.</p>
+
+<p>Ikey had a genius for getting hurt. Cuts, bumps, and bruises were
+matters of every-day occurrence, and were accepted with a heroism born
+of long familiarity. But one morning when he and Carl were on their
+way to school he met with an accident which was unusually hard to
+bear.</p>
+
+<p>As they were passing a high board fence they heard a great barking and
+growling, as if a lot of dogs were tearing one another to pieces.
+"What in the world!" exclaimed Carl, trying to find some crack or
+knothole.</p>
+
+<p>"You can't see in that way," Ikey cried scornfully, and giving a
+spring he grasped the top of the fence and drew himself up to look
+over.</p>
+
+<p>Exactly how it happened he could never tell; probably his curiosity
+was resented, for before he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span>had time to see anything, some sharp
+teeth made themselves felt, and he dropped down groaning, "My nose! My
+nose!" Carl was very much alarmed at sight of the blood that streamed
+down from his face, but had presence of mind to remember a doctor's
+office in the next block.</p>
+
+<p>"Your nose isn't all gone, is it?" he asked anxiously, as he led the
+way.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I think there is some of it left," came in muffled tones from the
+handkerchief Ikey held to his face.</p>
+
+<p>Fortunately the doctor was in and dressed the wound, pronouncing it
+not serious, but advising his patient not to be in such a hurry to
+investigate strange dogs another time, or he might lose the whole of
+his nose instead of only a slice.</p>
+
+<p>Relieved that it was no worse, and not being in the habit of making a
+fuss over his hurts, Ikey decided to go on to school.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps if he could have looked in the glass he would not have been so
+ready, for the yellow plaster did not add to his beauty.</p>
+
+<p>Now all danger was over, Carl could not contain himself, but laughed
+and laughed till his friend's feelings were somewhat hurt.</p>
+
+<p>They were late of course, and created a sensation when they entered,
+and the suppressed amusement among the boys became an uproar at
+recess. It was decidedly trying to be the object of so much school-boy
+wit; to hear over and over again: "Ikey, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span>what ails your
+nose?"&mdash;"Can't you wear it in a sling?"&mdash;"Or put a shade over it?"&mdash;or
+to see on the blackboard lines adapted from Mother Goose:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"It used to be a blackbird, so the story goes,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But now it is a puppy dog that nips off his nose."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>He stood it bravely till school was over, but on the way home, at
+sight of the girls on the corner he made a sudden dive across the
+street.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is Ikey going?" Louise asked, in surprise, of Carl and Aleck.</p>
+
+<p>"He has lost his nose," answered the latter.</p>
+
+<p>"Has he gone to look for it?" laughed Dora.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell us what you mean," said Bess.</p>
+
+<p>With much laughter the boys told the story.</p>
+
+<p>"It is mean of you to make fun. Suppose it was your nose?" and Louise
+held on to her own.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps it won't turn up any more," suggested Bess.</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid he won't go to the ball-game; that will be too bad," said
+Carl.</p>
+
+<p>They were all going with Uncle William to see a game of foot-ball that
+afternoon, and there was only time for a hasty lunch before they
+started. Carl ran over to beg Ikey to go in spite of his
+disfigurement, but a melancholy voice from the third-story landing
+declined so positively that there was nothing left to be said.</p>
+
+<p>From behind the curtains Ikey watched the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span>party start off, and felt
+very unhappy at not being with them.</p>
+
+<p>That was a miserable afternoon! His grandmother's exclamations and
+questions had only made matters worse, and he took refuge in his room,
+declining to eat any lunch.</p>
+
+<p>Before long he succeeded in convincing himself that nobody cared for
+him, except, perhaps, his father and mother, who were so far away.</p>
+
+<p>Maybe the others would be sorry when he died of hydrophobia. He had
+heard that people often had it when they were bitten by dogs, and it
+seemed very probable that this would be his fate.</p>
+
+<p>Absorbed in his misery, he hardly knew how time passed, till some one
+knocked at his door. He lay on the couch with his face buried in the
+pillows, and thinking it was the housemaid he said, "Come in," without
+looking up.</p>
+
+<p>The hand that touched his head, however, was not Katie's, nor the
+voice that said, "You poor boy!"</p>
+
+<p>It was Mrs. Howard, or Aunt Z&eacute;lie as he always called her in his
+thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>Overwhelmed with mingled delight and dismay, he could only struggle to
+a sitting position, with his handkerchief to his nose and not a word
+to say.</p>
+
+<p>She did not appear to notice this, but talked on, and in some way it
+came about that presently his aching head was down on the pillows
+again, and her soft hand was smoothing back his hair, just as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span>Mamma
+did, while she told him that Mr. Hazeltine had inquired about the
+dogs, and found that they were only very large and lively puppies, not
+at all vicious.</p>
+
+<p>Ikey heaved a sigh of relief, and managed to thank her for her
+thoughtfulness. Then they talked of other things, and he actually lit
+the gas&mdash;for it was growing dark&mdash;that she might see the photographs
+of his mother and sister.</p>
+
+<p>Before Aunt Z&eacute;lie left they were even laughing together over his funny
+accident, and when with a kiss on his forehead she was gone, it was a
+much happier boy she left on the sofa.</p>
+
+<p>There was sure to be a tonic in her petting, and Ikey got up and
+washed his face, looking bravely in the glass meanwhile. Then he went
+meekly downstairs and enjoyed his dinner. Mrs. Ford never petted
+anyone, she did not know how; but she showed her sympathy by offering
+her grandson all sorts of good things to eat.</p>
+
+<p>At the most exciting moment of the foot-ball game Louise exclaimed:
+"We haven't done anything to help Ikey, and he is really and truly our
+neighbor!"</p>
+
+<p>"We will try to find something to take him," said Uncle William.</p>
+
+<p>There was little to be had in that part of the town, so they turned it
+into a joke, and it was a most remarkable collection that Carl and
+Aleck displayed in the Fords' sitting-room that night.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span>There was a toy balloon, a beetle that ran all over the room in a
+life-like manner, a jumping jack, and some popcorn balls.</p>
+
+<p>Old Mr. Ford declared he had not laughed so much in twenty years as he
+did at the antics of the boys and the beetle. His bedtime passed
+before he knew it.</p>
+
+<p>Ikey went to sleep with the balloon tied to the head of his bed,
+feeling that after all his friends <i>did</i> care. The next day the doctor
+replaced the ugly yellow plaster with something white that was more
+pleasant to look at, and in a short time his nose was as well as ever,
+except for a slight scar.</p>
+
+<p>Bess had thought of giving a masquerade ball in his honor, to be held
+in the star chamber, and at which he was to appear as "The Man in the
+Iron Mask," but owing to his rapid recovery it was given up. She was
+rather disappointed, for it seemed an interesting way in which to help
+a neighbor in affliction. She and Louise were very anxious to be
+helpers, but were not content with small every-day opportunities.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't think of things as Dora does," she complained to Aunt Z&eacute;lie
+one evening.</p>
+
+<p>"What has Dora been doing?" her aunt asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, it was at school to-day, when we were reading together at recess
+in a new story book of Elsie's. There was Elsie and Constance, Dora,
+Louise and I, and that meek little Mamie Garland kept walking up and
+down looking at us. Nobody likes her, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span>because she is a telltale. Then
+before we knew what she was going to do Dora jumped up and ran after
+Mamie, and asked her if she didn't want to hear the story. You could
+see she was surprised, but she came, and Louise made room for her."</p>
+
+<p>"And did she spoil the story?"</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;not really, but it is nicer to have just the people you like. But
+I suppose it is pretty mean to go on having a nice time when somebody
+else isn't&mdash;even if you don't like them&mdash;and not ask them."</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Z&eacute;lie smiled at this remarkable sentence. "It is easy to be
+selfish with our good times," she said; "but don't be discouraged, you
+will be more quick to see an opportunity next time. If I am not
+mistaken I saw a little girl put away her book to play with her small
+sister not so very long ago."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think that would count?" Bess asked earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"I certainly do," answered her aunt, pinching the rosy cheek.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER VIII.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>THE M.KS.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>Bess stood at the window, her brows drawn together in a decided frown.
+Not that the sunshine was dazzling; quite the contrary. It was what
+Aunt Sukey called a drizzle-drazzle day. The air was full of a
+penetrating mist that put outdoor amusements out of the question.
+Stormy Saturdays were particularly trying, and to-day the rain
+interfered with an expedition to which the children had been looking
+forward for a week.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish I were a fairy," said Louise, who sat on the floor building a
+block house for Carie; "I wouldn't have any rainy days."</p>
+
+<p>"A mighty nice world 't would be, I reckon, if you had the fixin' of
+it," Sukey remarked sarcastically.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, well, perhaps I'd have <i>some</i> rain, but only at night."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you s'pose the good Lord knows what kind of weather is best for
+us a heap better than a no-account fairy?" Sukey continued, seeing an
+opportunity for some moral teaching.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course he does, but I shouldn't think one Saturday would make much
+difference."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span>"That ain't for us to say. Folks can't have all they wants in this
+world, and they has to be taught it."</p>
+
+<p>"Louise, I see Miss Brown at her window; don't you think it would be
+nice to go to see her?" said Bess. "We could wear our waterproofs."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, indeed; may we, mammy?" asked Louise, jumping up. Though Sukey
+professed to be a stern disciplinarian she rarely denied the children
+anything, so after a careful survey of the weather she thought they
+might go if they would wear their overshoes. Miss Brown saw them as
+they came out of the door and raised a big umbrella. "Where can they
+be going?" she wondered as they disappeared from her view. A few
+minutes later, however, they came in sight again, this time on her
+side of the street, and stopped at her gate.</p>
+
+<p>"You are a pair of rainy-day fairies!" she exclaimed as they entered.
+They both laughed at this, and Bess explained that it was just what
+Louise had been wishing to be.</p>
+
+<p>"Then we each have our wish, for I have been longing for some good
+fairy to cheer me this gloomy day."</p>
+
+<p>Miss Brown's sitting-room was a pleasant place even on the darkest
+day. A bright fire burned in the grate behind the high brass fender,
+some yellow chrysanthemums bloomed in the west window, the mahogany
+chairs and tables shone with the polish time gives to such things, and
+behind the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>glass doors of the corner cupboard stood rows of pretty
+old china. From above the mantel, old Mrs. Brown&mdash;at the age of
+eighteen, with stiff little curls over each ear and immense leg o'
+mutton sleeves in her low-necked pink gown&mdash;looked down, smiling
+impartially upon everybody.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you think rainy days are tiresome?" asked Louise, seating
+herself in the window beside the flowers.</p>
+
+<p>"Not when I have company," was the smiling reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Aunt Z&eacute;lie has been staying with Cousin Helen this week, and Carl
+went home with Aleck yesterday, and we were going out to spend the day
+to-day and come home with them. But of course we couldn't on account
+of the rain, and there is nobody at home but Carie and Sukey, for
+Helen is at Aunt Marcia's." The tone in which Bess spoke was so
+doleful it was almost tragic.</p>
+
+<p>"Uncle William says there is always a bright spot somewhere, and
+perhaps there is for us, but we haven't found it," added Louise; then
+looking across the street she gave a little laugh. "I was just
+thinking of the Magic Door," she explained.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Brown wanted to hear about it, so Bess told the story, growing
+quite cheerful as she proceeded.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Brown was more pleased with it, if possible, than Dora had been.
+She said it explained why she was so contented and happy in her new
+home.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span>"My old aunt left me this house with all its contents on condition
+that I would occupy it. At first it seemed out of the question, but
+the more I thought of a home of my own the more I wanted to try it,
+and now I feel settled for life! You see," she went on, "how
+beautifully it came about this afternoon. Here I was feeling stupid
+and a little lonely; I looked at the Big Front Door, and presently it
+opened and you came out and straight over here, to make me cheerful
+again."</p>
+
+<p>The children beamed on her with faces that said plainly: "Here is an
+appreciative person."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment who should appear but Mary, with a plate of warm spicy
+cookies! The climax of sociability was reached!</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Brown, is it hard to knit?&mdash;to learn, I mean," Louise asked
+presently, looking admiringly at the bright wools the lady was working
+with.</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all; I learned when I was a little girl."</p>
+
+<p>"I should like to know how, it is such pretty soft work," said Bess.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be very glad to teach you. We might have a knitting class for
+rainy afternoons."</p>
+
+<p>"And after awhile perhaps we could make an afghan for Uncle William!"
+cried Louise delightedly. "Wouldn't that be fun, Bess?"</p>
+
+<p>"If it would not be a trouble to Miss Brown."</p>
+
+<p>"It would be a great pleasure to me," she answered, smiling at the
+bright faces.</p>
+
+<p>"It would be nice&mdash;" Bess began.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span>"Well, dear, what?" as she hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know whether I ought to ask you, for it might be a bother to
+you, but I was thinking how nice it would be to have a club, and ask
+Dora and Elsie."</p>
+
+<p>"Bess, that is a <i>lovely</i> plan!" exclaimed her sister.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Brown thought so too, and said if the others would like it she
+should be glad to have them, and she suggested that they bring their
+friends to talk the matter over on the next Saturday afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>In discussing the club Bess and Louise forgot their disappointment,
+and were astonished to find how late it was when Joanna came for them.</p>
+
+<p>"There <i>was</i> a bright spot, after all," said Louise as they were
+putting on their waterproofs. "If we had gone to the country we might
+never have thought of the club."</p>
+
+<p>Some days later the postman had three most important notes to deliver
+to Miss Dora Warner, Miss Elsie Morris, and Miss Constance Myer.</p>
+
+<p>This is the way they read:</p>
+
+<div class="block"><p>You are requested to be present at the Brown house next Saturday
+afternoon, to organize a knitting club. Please come early.</p>
+
+<p class="right"><span style="padding-right: 6em;">Truly yours,</span><br />
+<span class="sc">Bess Hazeltine.<br />
+Louise Hazeltine.</span><br />
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Much time and thought were expended on these invitations, and the
+importance of the senders was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span>only equalled by the curiosity and
+interest of the girls who received them.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Z&eacute;lie insisted that five were as many as Miss Brown ought to
+have. "For you know she is not used to such lively young ladies as you
+and Elsie and Do&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Not <i>Dora</i>, Auntie!" cried Bess; "she is perfect, and never makes a
+noise."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Howard laughed, and went to see the lady of the Brown house,
+fearing she was undertaking too much for her strength.</p>
+
+<p>But Miss Brown was quite sure of herself.</p>
+
+<p>"If you knew how like spring sunshine they are in my sober life, you
+would see that it can only be a benefit to me," she said.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course <i>I</i> think they are dear children, but I may be partial,"
+their aunt replied, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"I discovered one secret of their attractiveness some time ago&mdash;they
+are fortunate children," and Miss Brown looked admiringly into the
+sweet face before her.</p>
+
+<p>Promptly at three on Saturday afternoon the invited guests appeared.
+They were a little shy and silent at first after Bess introduced them
+to their hostess, but this wore off very quickly at the sight of five
+pairs of needles with the knitting already begun in bright worsteds.</p>
+
+<p>Dora, who had learned to knit in Germany, was made assistant teacher,
+and for an hour they worked away diligently.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>Then Miss Brown said they had done very well for beginners, and that
+it was time to stop and decide upon a name for their club.</p>
+
+<p>The work was hardly put away when Nannie, the new maid, came in,
+bringing some of Mary's delicious cakes, and chocolate which was
+served in the oddest little cups brought by Miss Brown's grandfather
+from India when she was a child. Chocolate had never before tasted so
+good.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you have tea parties with them when you were a little girl, and
+never break any of them?" Constance asked with wide-open eyes, for she
+had broken half a dozen tea-sets in her short lifetime.</p>
+
+<p>"You did not think <i>then</i> that when you were grown up you would give
+some other children chocolate in these cups, did you?" said Dora.</p>
+
+<p>"If we should keep our things I wonder if they would be as funny and
+interesting to us when we are grown up?" Bess fingered one of the cups
+admiringly as she spoke.</p>
+
+<p>"I never feel as if I'd care for things when I am old," said Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>"I can remember when I used to feel so too, but it is a great mistake.
+Now I enjoy things which I have had for a long time, more than I do
+new ones. When I use my tea-set I always think of the days when my
+cousin Margaret and I used to play together."</p>
+
+<p>"Couldn't you tell us about it, Miss <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>Brown?&mdash;about your cousin and
+when you were a little girl?" asked Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"Please, if it is not too much trouble," added Bess.</p>
+
+<p>They all looked so eager she could not refuse.</p>
+
+<p>"There is really not much to tell," she said. "Thirty years ago little
+girls were not very different from those I see now, though we had not
+half so many toys and books.</p>
+
+<p>"This cousin and I lived with our grandmother. Margaret was a year
+younger than I, and a delicate child, while I was strong and well
+then. My father and mother died when I was a baby, and my
+grandmother's house in Philadelphia is the first place I remember.
+Margaret did not come to live with us till she was six years old. Her
+mother too was dead, and her father spent most of his time abroad. She
+used to talk a great deal of her home in the South, for she did not
+like the city, but longed for the country and the warm climate she was
+used to. I remember the stories she told me after we were in bed at
+night. Sometimes they were in rhyme and always about her beautiful
+southern home.</p>
+
+<p>"Our grandmother was good to us, but she was strict too, and every day
+for an hour we sat beside her learning to sew and knit. Instead of
+going to school we had a governess. We took our exercise in the open
+square opposite our house, where there were trees and grass, and, best
+of all, squirrels. This tea-set which my grandfather brought to me
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>the year before Margaret came to live with us was my greatest
+treasure, and I thought it a great treat to be allowed to play with
+it. When I was ten years old Margaret and I had measles, and one day
+when we were nearly well grandmother left us to go to a funeral. Our
+house servant happened to be sick, so there was no one in the house,
+besides ourselves, but the cook. Telling us on no account to leave the
+warm room, grandmother drove off. Then Margaret began to wish that we
+had asked to have the tea-set. I knew where it was kept and
+volunteered to get it, for it was mine and I thought I had a right to
+it.</p>
+
+<p>"Next we began to wish for something to eat. The spirit of naughtiness
+possessed me, I think, for I determined to go downstairs and find
+something. I stole down to the dining-room, where I found nothing but
+bread&mdash;which we did not want&mdash;and doughnuts. I carried back half a
+dozen of these, and we had our feast.</p>
+
+<p>"Before we finished grandmother came home. When we heard the carriage
+we had a great time getting the crumbs out of the way, and the dishes
+put in their place. In my hurry I dropped a cup and cracked it.</p>
+
+<p>"When grandmother came in she found everything as usual, but that
+night Margaret was very ill; she had a relapse and came near dying. No
+doubt the doughnuts had something to do with this, and perhaps the
+excitement also. I confessed how <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>naughty I had been, and my
+grandmother was very kind, for she knew how I loved Margaret, and how
+I should miss her if she died. However, she recovered, but I had the
+broken cup to remind me of my disobedience. It is there among the
+others now."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you for telling us," said Dora as the cup was passed around.</p>
+
+<p>"Is Margaret alive now?" Bess asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, indeed; she is married and living in England, and has three
+great boys and one little daughter. And now let us find a name for our
+club."</p>
+
+<p>It was difficult to suit everybody, till after a good deal of
+discussion Dora made a suggestion.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose we have a name not like any we ever heard of, and call
+ourselves the Merry Knitters."</p>
+
+<p>Nobody could find any objection to this, so it was accepted.</p>
+
+<p>"For we want to be knitters and we mean to be merry," said Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"And let's not tell the boys what M.K. stands for," proposed Elsie.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER IX.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>A RIVAL CLUB.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>It was the next Saturday afternoon, and Carl, Aleck, and Ikey sat in
+the star chamber busily discussing something.</p>
+
+<p>"There they go!" Ikey exclaimed; and the others, looking over his
+shoulder, saw the M.Ks. filing up the Brown house walk.</p>
+
+<p>"They think they are so clever," growled Aleck. Carl raised the window
+and called; "Never you mind, we'll get even!"</p>
+
+<p>"We don't care," answered Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>"You are welcome to," cried Dora gayly, waving her work-bag.</p>
+
+<p>"You'd better not lean out so far," cautioned Bess, and then the door
+closed behind them.</p>
+
+<p>As the girls had hoped, the boys were wildly curious about the
+mysterious letters "M.K." They made a great many absurd guesses, and
+Carl finally nicknamed it the "Club of Many Kinks," which he thought
+sounded like girls. But they only laughed, and wouldn't tell.</p>
+
+<p>He tried to bribe Louise, or to extract it unawares from Bess. Aleck
+went to the length of offering Elsie a box of candy if she would give
+him so <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span>much as a hint, and they united their efforts upon Aunt Z&eacute;lie,
+all to no purpose. Now they had come to the conclusion that the only
+thing to do was to start an opposition club, and in their turn arouse
+the curiosity of the girls.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Howard sat in her own little study, a room over the front door,
+where she kept her special treasures, and was most likely to be found
+when she was at home. She was busily sorting letters and bills when
+Carl's face appeared at the half-open door.</p>
+
+<p>"May we come in?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Who are 'we'?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, only Aleck and Ikey," and he ushered in his companions without
+further ceremony.</p>
+
+<p>"If you don't object to my going on with my work, I shall be glad to
+have you," she said.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't we help you?" asked Aleck politely, dropping down among the
+cushions on the couch.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I thank you, and please have some mercy on my new pillow."</p>
+
+<p>Ikey, who admired pretty things, rescued the dainty white and yellow
+pillow, and modestly helped himself to a footstool.</p>
+
+<p>"Take the floor, Carl, it is the only safe place," murmured lazy
+Aleck.</p>
+
+<p>"Somebody take it, please, and tell me the object of this call."</p>
+
+<p>"We want to get even with the girls," began Carl, as his aunt leaned
+back in her chair, all attention.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span>"They think themselves so clever with their old club," said Aleck, his
+nose in the air.</p>
+
+<p>"They are clever&mdash;quite as much so as boys." Aunt Z&eacute;lie returned to
+her bills, and there was silence for a moment; then Ikey spoke:</p>
+
+<p>"We thought it would be fun to have a club too, and not tell the girls
+the name. There isn't any harm in that, is there?" meekly.</p>
+
+<p>"None whatever. What I do not like is that tone of lofty superiority.
+You do not realize how it sounds, and as I consider myself one of the
+girls I shall take such remarks as personal. Now tell me about the
+club; is it to be simply for fun?"</p>
+
+<p>"We'd like a little fun, please," said Aleck.</p>
+
+<p>"Aunt Z&eacute;lie, we really don't know what we want, but we thought you
+could suggest something. You can think of scrumptious things when you
+try, and we can get ahead of the girls easily if we have you. So
+please, there's a dear," and Carl emphasized his request with a
+bear-like hug from behind.</p>
+
+<p>There was no holding out against their entreaties, so she agreed to
+think it over.</p>
+
+<p>"You may each invite one friend to a meeting in the star chamber next
+Friday evening, and in the meantime I'll do my best to think of
+something for you," she said, and very well satisfied the boys
+departed, to lie in wait for the M.Ks.</p>
+
+<p>When they came to think of it, it was not easy to decide which of
+their friends to ask. Ikey finally settled upon his next best chum,
+Fred Ames. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span>"Don't you think he will do?" he asked Carl as they walked
+home from school.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, of course; he is a very nice boy. I think I'll ask Jim Carter."</p>
+
+<p>Ikey looked astonished. "Do you think he is the sort of a fellow your
+aunt will like?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't care; I like him and I am going to ask him," Carl replied
+positively. He thought best, however, to make some explanation.</p>
+
+<p>"You see, Aunt Z&eacute;lie," he said, finding her alone that evening, "Jim
+is a funny kind of a boy. Ikey doesn't like him, but I think there is
+a lot that is good in him. He is bright, I can tell you, and there is
+nothing really mean about him, but his father gives him too much
+money. I suppose that isn't ever good for a boy."</p>
+
+<p>"I hardly think it is," she said, smiling at Carl's judicial manner.</p>
+
+<p>"When he first came to school he thought he could get around anybody
+with his money, but he soon found the boys did not like it,&mdash;but
+perhaps I'd better not ask him."</p>
+
+<p>"Ask him by all means if you think he would like to come. I am willing
+to trust your judgment."</p>
+
+<p>There were many points of resemblance between Jim Carter and Carl.
+Both stood well in their classes, were independent and popular with
+their schoolmates, but their home surroundings were very different.
+Mr. Carter was deeply engrossed in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span>making money, having become
+suddenly rich through a lucky speculation. Ambitious for his only son,
+he wished him to have all the advantages of education which he himself
+had missed. So Jim was sent to a good school, but was taught at home
+by precept and example that to get money was the chief thing.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Carter was a good-natured, loud-voiced woman, who idolized her
+son, and could not deny him anything. It was the want of refinement,
+which Carl felt but could not express, and the utter lack of home
+training, that were responsible for Jim's faults.</p>
+
+<p>His good-nature and real generosity won him friends among those who
+were at first disgusted by his boasting and display, and with a keen
+instinct for popularity Jim quickly learned the lesson.</p>
+
+<p>He admired Carl Hazeltine and was flattered by his invitation.</p>
+
+<p>"We want to get up a club," Carl said. "My aunt is going to help us,
+and we mean to have some fun; I'd like to have you, if you will come."</p>
+
+<p>He accepted on the spot, though he wondered a little why an "aunt"
+should have anything to do with it. His experience with such relatives
+was limited to a middle-aged person who wore a shawl the year around,
+and regarded boys as necessary evils, to be sent upon as many errands
+as possible in the course of the day. Indeed, he would have considered
+his mother, of whom he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span>was very fond, decidedly out of place among
+his friends.</p>
+
+<p>He was the last to arrive on Friday evening, and he looked about him
+with some curiosity as Carl led the way to the star chamber. As they
+passed the library door he had a glimpse of a pleasant family group;
+Mr. Hazeltine with his paper, Bess and Louise studying their geography
+lesson, and Helen playing with Mr. Smith. An airy vision awaited them
+at the top of the first flight of steps; Carie in her nightgown,
+holding out her arms and calling, "I want to tiss you dood-night,"
+while Sukey came running after.</p>
+
+<p>"You naughty fairy," said her big brother, catching her and handing
+her over to mammy after the kiss was bestowed.</p>
+
+<p>"What a pretty little thing!" Jim remarked admiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"She is the sweetest baby in the town," Carl responded loyally.</p>
+
+<p>In the star chamber they found the other boys. Ikey and his friend
+Fred Ames, Aleck and his special chum Will Archer, who was as quiet
+and steady-going as Aleck was mischievous and happy-go-lucky.</p>
+
+<p>Jim was warmly welcomed, and Ikey gave him an ear of popcorn to shell.
+The rest were already at work seated on the rug before the fire. The
+old sofa was drawn up sociably, and a chair of state had been provided
+for Mrs. Howard.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>When the door opened a few minutes later, they were all talking and
+laughing at once in a decidedly uproarious fashion.</p>
+
+<p>"Here is Cousin Z&eacute;lie!" cried Aleck, and there came a sudden lull as
+they scrambled to their feet. Jim was the only one she did not know,
+and for some reason the sight of this slender young woman in black,
+with a white rose in her dress, caused him a fit of unusual shyness.
+Ikey himself could not have been more abashed than he was when Carl
+introduced him.</p>
+
+<p>"As the fire is in such fine condition, perhaps the popping had best
+go on while we talk," Aunt Z&eacute;lie said, taking the chair; "then when
+business is over the refreshments will be ready."</p>
+
+<p>Fred and Ikey were appointed a committee to attend to the corn, and
+when all were comfortably settled, she began:</p>
+
+<p>"As you know, the object of this meeting is to hear suggestions for a
+club. I have been thinking about it for a week, and this is the best
+plan that has occurred to me: it is to have a Good Neighbors Club. The
+text Uncle William gave you children, Carl, suggested it to me. 'They
+helped every one his neighbor.' It would mean keeping our eyes open
+for ways of helping, and being careful to respect the property of
+others.</p>
+
+<p>"You see I take it for granted that you want something besides fun,
+though I am sure we shall have a good time too."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>"I don't think I understand what we are to do," said Will.</p>
+
+<p>"You are not to break your neighbors' windows, for instance," replied
+Aleck, winking at Carl.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no trouble about the helping," answered Mrs. Howard; "there
+are always opportunities for that, and on the other hand I am inclined
+to think that you all at times do things that, to say the least, do
+not improve the appearance of your neighborhood. For example&mdash;but I
+believe I'll let you find out for yourselves. Suppose for a week you
+try to discover what it means to be a good neighbor, and report next
+Friday. The rest of my plan is very simple. To hold meetings every
+week or once in two weeks, as you choose, and I have some fascinating
+work which I know you can learn to do, and surprise the girls. I shall
+have it ready for the next meeting, and while you work we can have
+reading, or you can select a subject to discuss. Now the meeting is
+open; please talk and ask questions."</p>
+
+<p>Just here Ikey created a diversion by letting the pop-corn burn,
+whereupon Mrs. Howard took it from him, and, kneeling on the rug,
+popped the rest herself. Carl brought in a basket of apples, and
+drawing up in a sociable circle they soon became merry and very much
+at ease.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Z&eacute;lie liked boys, and had a way of establishing friendly
+relations with them on short acquaintance. And this evening she made
+a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span>special effort, for she wanted to know Carl's friends and make the
+new club a success. The boys were ready to adopt her plan without
+waiting, but she insisted upon their taking a week to think about it.
+Before they left she wrote out the text on a card for each of them,
+that they might keep it in mind.</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't she splendid?" said Ikey to Jim as the door closed behind them,
+for ever since the day of his accident he had been her ardent
+worshipper. Jim assented rather coolly. In fact, he was a little
+dazed. He had had a good time, though now it was over he was inclined
+to wonder why. As for being a good neighbor, he thought it sounded
+silly; but before he went to bed he took out the card and read the
+text: "They helped every one his neighbor."</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER X.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>GOOD NEIGHBORS.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>The Hazeltines' lot was a corner one, and Aunt Marcia, driving one
+afternoon along the street upon which their side gate opened, saw two
+boys seated on a box near the entrance to the alley that ran back of
+the stable.</p>
+
+<p>"What can they be doing?" she asked herself, and not being able to
+imagine, she stopped the carriage and stepped out to investigate.</p>
+
+<p>As she approached it became evident that one of the boys was Carl.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you doing here I should like to know?" she demanded.</p>
+
+<p>"We aren't doing any harm, Aunt Marcia," her nephew answered stoutly.</p>
+
+<p>"An alley is no place to play in. Is that Louise?" as somebody peeped
+out of the stable door. "I am astonished; you must go in at once."</p>
+
+<p>"I am going in directly, I am, indeed, Aunt Marcia; but please don't
+make the boys get up till they are sure it is quite dead." As she
+spoke Louise came out into full view.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you talking about, and who is this boy?" Mrs. Hazeltine put
+up her glass, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span>embarrassing Ikey greatly. "Oh, it is that Ford boy!
+Now tell me what you have in that box."</p>
+
+<p>"A cat." Carl's eyes were full of mischief, though his tone was
+solemnity itself.</p>
+
+<p>"Mercy upon us! Let it out at once!"</p>
+
+<p>"We can't; it is dead."</p>
+
+<p>"Dead? You wicked boys! Did you kill it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Aunt Marcia," cried Louise before Carl could reply, "they had to
+do it, indeed, <i>indeed</i> they did! It was hurt; some boys shot it with
+a toy pistol, and it was dreadful; so we bought some chloroform and
+Ikey killed it because he knew how, and now they are sitting on the
+box to make sure!"</p>
+
+<p>Horrified and astonished, Mrs. Hazeltine surveyed her young relatives
+in silence.</p>
+
+<p>"Why couldn't you have James do it?" she inquired at length.</p>
+
+<p>"He has taken the horses to be shod."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is Z&eacute;lie?"</p>
+
+<p>"Gone to Chicago with Cousin Helen."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Louise must go in at once, and may I inquire how long it will
+be necessary for you to sit on that box in this damp place?"</p>
+
+<p>"It must be dead now, I think," Ikey said, rising.</p>
+
+<p>Carl was proceeding to make an investigation, when Aunt Marcia
+protested, "Wait till I'm gone, if you <i>please</i>; <i>I</i> don't care to
+have anything to do with such business," and drawing her skirts about
+her, she hastily retired.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span>"There never were such children!" she said to her husband that night.
+"Think of it&mdash;actually killing a cat&mdash;and Louise helping!"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you think it was better than letting the poor thing suffer?"
+asked tender-hearted Uncle William.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't care, Carl, you needn't laugh," said Louise that same
+evening; "for cats <i>are</i> neighbors, father says so. Anything or
+anybody you can help, he said."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, I'll tell Ikey to report it at the G.N. meeting."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, ho, Mr. Carl! Is that what you are going to do at your club?"
+cried both his sisters in the same breath.</p>
+
+<p>"Pooh! that is nothing," said Carl, affecting great unconcern, but
+secretly very much provoked with himself; "we do a great deal more
+than that."</p>
+
+<p>The girls were excessively pleased over his little slip, and he at
+last descended from his lofty pinnacle and humbly begged them not to
+tell Aleck.</p>
+
+<p>The M.Ks. had in their turn christened the boys' club the "Great
+Noodles," a name in which it was thought Uncle William had a hand.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Sounds like boys</i>," Elsie remarked with much emphasis.</p>
+
+<p>The next day after school, just as the group of boys on the corner
+began to separate in various directions, Jim Carter asked, "Have you
+fellows thought of anything for Friday night?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>"Ikey has," laughed Carl. "You couldn't guess what he did yesterday."</p>
+
+<p>"Shut up! I'd like to know if you didn't help?" Ikey's strap full of
+books swung round in dangerous proximity to his friend's head.</p>
+
+<p>"Full details of the sad occurrence given later," Carl called out as
+he ran for his life.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't understand it, do you? I haven't any neighbors to help," Jim
+said, as he and Fred Ames walked on together.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know. I suppose it means <i>not</i> doing things too. Perhaps this
+is one thing," and Fred carried to the edge of the sidewalk the skin
+of the banana he was peeling, and dropped it on the pile of dust and
+dirt which had been swept up by the street cleaner.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think Mrs. Howard meant silly things like that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why not? I heard of an old man who slipped on a banana skin and broke
+his leg. It would not have seemed silly to him if someone had put it
+out of his way. But if she didn't mean such things, what did she mean?
+Perhaps you think you are improving the neighborhood." Fred glanced
+mischievously at his companion, who held a piece of chalk and was
+carelessly making a straggling-white line on everything he passed. Jim
+dropped his hand impatiently. "I don't think I'll belong," he said. He
+did not quite mean this. He was really curious to see what it would
+amount to, but at the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span>same time he was not exactly pleased. He felt
+great scorn for what he considered trifles, and had a strong belief in
+his right to do as he pleased.</p>
+
+<p>Thursday night of this week happened to be Hallowe'en. Jim, who had
+had almost unlimited freedom since his babyhood, had often gone about
+with a crowd of boys on this night ringing doorbells, carrying away
+door-mats, and turning on water. By the marauders it was looked upon
+as a grand frolic, and owners of missing mats and deluged yards might
+grumble as they pleased. He had even looked forward to the time when
+more daring exploits would be possible, and when some of his old
+companions came for him this evening he joined them as a matter of
+course.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's give old Grandfather Clark a dose first, he is always as mad as
+fury," said one of the boys.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the motto of the club popped into Jim's head.</p>
+
+<p>"They helped every one his neighbor." This was not helping. There came
+to him a sudden determination not to have anything to do with it. Not
+that he saw any special reason why they should not have fun at old Mr.
+Clark's expense, but rather because he wanted to go to the club at
+least once more; and, mingled with this, there was a feeling that the
+nicest fellows did not do things of this kind.</p>
+
+<p>There could be no doubt as to the interest in the G.N.C. as the boys
+had begun to call it. On <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span>Friday night six eager faces greeted Mrs.
+Howard when she entered the star chamber, and there was an amiable
+scramble for the honor of giving her a chair.</p>
+
+<p>"First we'll have reports and then begin work; that is, if you have
+decided that you like the plan." As she spoke she looked at Jim, who
+was nearest.</p>
+
+<p>He had entirely recovered from his bashfulness, and was feeling rather
+well pleased with himself, so he answered promptly:</p>
+
+<p>"I am not sure I understand it, Mrs. Howard, but I have thought of one
+thing. I suppose you would not call it being a good neighbor to go
+about on Hallowe'en as lots of boys do, carrying off gates and doing
+other mischief. I have done it myself, and I never thought there was
+much harm in it, but I suppose there is." He was astonished himself at
+this honest conclusion.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Howard smiled. "Stopping to think makes such a difference," she
+said. "I should be sorry indeed to believe that any of you boys could
+take part in some of the wild pranks that are often played on
+Hallowe'en. My brother had a valuable young tree destroyed last night.
+Boys do such things for fun, they say, but it doesn't seem honest to
+make other people pay so dearly for their fun."</p>
+
+<p>"I never thought of it in that way," said Fred.</p>
+
+<p>"But how are you ever to have any fun if you must stop and think about
+things?" Jim asked, feeling ashamed in spite of himself as he
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span>remembered how near he had come to making one of such a crowd.</p>
+
+<p>"Its being fun isn't any excuse. Suppose you thought it fun to steal
+somebody's pocketbook?" said Carl.</p>
+
+<p>"That is a different thing."</p>
+
+<p>"What is the real difference between stealing money and ruining
+something that cost money?" asked Will.</p>
+
+<p>"Father says that in America people have less respect for public
+property than anywhere else in the world," remarked Fred.</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid it is true," replied Mrs. Howard, "and that is why I want
+you boys to think about it. Ikey, haven't you something to say?" This
+young gentleman, who had been fidgeting about like some uneasy insect,
+now became greatly embarrassed.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know whether it will count or not, and it is as much Carl's
+as mine," he began.</p>
+
+<p>"It isn't at all; you thought of it&mdash;go on."</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Z&eacute;lie nodded encouragingly at him, though she had no idea what
+was coming, and after several beginnings Ikey managed to tell the
+story of the cat. Louise had found the poor thing, and had come in
+great distress to the boys. Ikey remembered seeing his father kill a
+pet dog with chloroform, and so volunteered to try it on the cat. Carl
+bought the chloroform, and, putting some cotton saturated with it in a
+paper bag, they drew this over <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span>the animal's head, covering all with a
+box made as air-tight as possible.</p>
+
+<p>"But," said Ikey comically, "I don't know whether cats are neighbors."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, they are most useful ones, and frequently unappreciated. It
+was a kind thing to do, and, now you know how easy it is, I hope you
+will all be ready to put any poor animal out of its misery when you
+find it hopelessly hurt."</p>
+
+<p>"We had a beautiful funeral, Cousin Z&eacute;lie, and are going to take up a
+collection for a tombstone," said Aleck.</p>
+
+<p>They grew so merry over Ikey's story that it was difficult to come
+back to such commonplaces as writing on fences and walls, and
+scattering papers around.</p>
+
+<p>"Everybody does such things, so what difference will our not doing
+them make?" asked Jim.</p>
+
+<p>"Everything has to begin, and you don't know how contagious a good
+example is," replied Mrs. Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's have a penny fine for each time we do a thing of the sort,"
+Carl suggested.</p>
+
+<p>Last of all, Will Archer told about the little lame boy, son of the
+minister at the church on the corner.</p>
+
+<p>"I think perhaps it would be a pleasure to him if some of us would go
+to see him occasionally. He hardly gets out at all in the winter, and
+he is a bright little fellow."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span>"That is a beautiful suggestion," said Mrs. Howard. "I am glad that
+you have thought of so many things good neighbors should and should
+not do. Taken all together it amounts to this: To be thoughtful for
+the rights of others, and ready to help. Now, what of our club? Shall
+we try this plan?"</p>
+
+<p>It was unanimously adopted, and they all wrote their names under the
+text in a new blank-book which was handed over to Jim, who offered no
+objection to being made secretary.</p>
+
+<p>"And now for our work," said Mrs. Howard. "Some years ago, when I
+spent a summer in Maine, I learned from an Indian woman to make
+baskets of sweet grass. This year I had a friend bring me some of this
+grass, and it occurred to me the other day that it would be just the
+work for you boys."</p>
+
+<p>Carl brought in an armful of the fragrant material, and his aunt
+showed them how to fasten it to the frame she had had made for the
+purpose, and then braid it. Their fingers were awkward at first, but
+they soon learned to do it evenly, and found it pleasant work.</p>
+
+<p>"What are we to do with them when they are done?" Ikey asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Sell them, and help somebody with the money," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>The thought of making anything good enough to sell was inspiring, and
+they worked with a will till it was time to adjourn.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span>Talking it over with her brother after the boys were gone, Aunt Z&eacute;lie
+said: "Perhaps our club is too comprehensive: a sort of Village
+Improvement, Humane and Missionary Society combined, but the boys
+thought of these things themselves. If we can only cultivate the
+spirit of helpfulness, perhaps it will find its own natural channel in
+each."</p>
+
+<p>"You can't specialize in everything, life is too short," answered Mr.
+Hazeltine, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know what you mean by channels, and specializing, and all
+that," said Carl, looking in the door, "but I can tell you, Aunt
+Z&eacute;lie, the boys like it, and Jim thinks you are tiptop. Hurrah for the
+G.N.C.!"</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XI.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>PLANS.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>"Suppose we ask the boys to help us," said Bess, threading her needle,
+and carefully making a nice little knot.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no!" objected Elsie, "let's do it all by ourselves."</p>
+
+<p>"If the boys can help us to do something better than we can do without
+them, I think we ought to have them," said Dora wisely.</p>
+
+<p>"It will be more fun too," said Louise, whose motto was "The more, the
+merrier."</p>
+
+<p>"We haven't much time either," Bess continued; "but Aunt Z&eacute;lie will
+help us, and you too, won't you, Miss Brown?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll be glad to do anything I can," replied that lady, looking up
+from the feather-stitching she was showing Constance.</p>
+
+<p>Christmas was coming. The fact could no longer be overlooked, and as
+usual everybody was feeling surprised at its nearness.</p>
+
+<p>It was not a bit too near, the children thought, though even they had
+a great deal to do, and found the days all too short.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Brown was full of suggestions for <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span>Christmas gifts, and most
+patient with awkward fingers, and the M.Ks. were very happy over the
+things she was helping them to make. Now, on top of all this they had
+found something else to talk about and work for.</p>
+
+<p>One day when Bess and Louise were in the corner confectionery, the
+wife of the proprietor, as she handed them their package, held out a
+small bundle of edging, asking them to take it home and show it to
+their aunt. It was made, she said, by a young Italian girl who, though
+a cripple, was trying to support herself and some younger brothers and
+sisters.</p>
+
+<p>As the trimming was pretty and strong, Mrs. Howard bought some for the
+children's aprons, and finding the girl worthy, gave her other work,
+which was carried back and forth by a little sister.</p>
+
+<p>Louise saw this child waiting in the hall one Saturday morning, and
+went down to talk to her. Tina was pretty, with great black eyes and
+short dark curls, but Louise found her rather silent, for she was in
+fact rather awed by her surroundings. The wide hall with its polished
+floor and soft rugs seemed very grand to her unaccustomed eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish I could sew and embroider like your sister, then I could make
+some money," said Louise.</p>
+
+<p>Tina wondered why she wanted money, but only answered, "So do I."</p>
+
+<p>"Bess and I have never enough money for Christmas. Is that what you
+want it for?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span>"No; I would give it to my father."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, he wouldn't want it, would he? Hasn't he any money?"</p>
+
+<p>Tina shook her head, and after some questioning she explained that her
+father was a member of a small string band. He played the harp, she
+said, and sometimes earned a good deal, but he had been sick, so he
+lent his harp to a man who promised to keep his place for him and pay
+him something besides. "But he was a bad man!" she exclaimed
+vehemently, "for he broke the harp, and then ran away and would not
+pay to have it mended; and now my father does not want to get well, he
+is sick with sorrow."</p>
+
+<p>"But can't he get it mended himself, or find the bad man and make him
+pay for it?"</p>
+
+<p>"It would cost a great deal of money,&mdash;fifteen dollars the music man
+told my sister,&mdash;and the man who broke it has gone away to the South."</p>
+
+<p>"I am so sorry," was all Louise could say, for their talk was
+interrupted; but she ran upstairs immediately to tell Bess.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you wish we could have it mended for him?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, indeed, but we haven't any money to spare from our Christmas
+things, and if we used it every bit it would not be enough."</p>
+
+<p>"We might get somebody to help us; still that wouldn't be as nice as
+doing it ourselves."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps we could have a fair, like the one <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span>Aunt Z&eacute;lie had when she
+was a little girl. Let's ask her," proposed Bess, jumping up.</p>
+
+<p>But their aunt thought it too great an undertaking. "I was several
+years older than you are," she said, "and we worked for six months to
+get ready. However," she added, seeing the disappointed faces, "you
+might do something else, tableaux or charades."</p>
+
+<p>This idea pleased them, and they decided to talk it over at the club
+that afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>There was no difficulty in interesting the M.Ks. They were all
+enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p>"We may not make enough," said Louise, "but that ought not to keep us
+from trying to help."</p>
+
+<p>"If we could only give them the money for a Christmas gift," said
+Dora.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see how you could manage that, but a New Year's gift would be
+almost as good, would it not?" asked Miss Brown.</p>
+
+<p>"There is Ikey now! I'll call to him to find the other boys and bring
+them over." Dora rapped on the window-pane with her knitting needle as
+she spoke.</p>
+
+<p>Ikey, who had just vaulted over a hitching-post on his way down the
+street, came to a sudden halt.</p>
+
+<p>"Find Carl and Aleck, and bring them here, that's a good boy; we want
+to consult you about something," she called.</p>
+
+<p>He obeyed with soldierly promptness and was across the street in a
+second. A few minutes <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span>later Louise announced, "Here they come, and
+Aunt Z&eacute;lie with them."</p>
+
+<p>"I am one of the boys now, you know," said Mrs. Howard as she entered.
+"How cosey you look! I believe I should like to join your club too."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, do! Please do, Mrs. Howard!" came in a chorus from the M.Ks. as
+she sat down in the midst of them.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll talk about that another time; at present we have something else
+to discuss. Sit down, boys, and listen while the girls tell you what
+they want. I already know about it."</p>
+
+<p>Bess then told the story of the broken harp, and explained how anxious
+they were to earn money enough to have it mended.</p>
+
+<p>"We intend to give an entertainment, and we want you to help," said
+Dora.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you going to have?" Carl asked cautiously.</p>
+
+<p>"We want you to help us to decide."</p>
+
+<p>"We can help in one way, can't we?" Ikey exclaimed ecstatically,
+whereupon the other boys looked daggers at him, for the basket-making
+was kept a profound secret.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't tell anything, did I?" he inquired in an aggrieved tone.</p>
+
+<p>"What does he mean, Aunt Z&eacute;lie?" asked Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"It is something we are not ready to tell just <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span>yet, but I have a plan
+to propose. I shall need all of you to help carry it out, and if you
+are willing to do a little work I am sure we can have a charming
+entertainment."</p>
+
+<p>Profound interest reigned in Miss Brown's sitting-room for the next
+half hour, as Aunt Z&eacute;lie unfolded her plan and explained what she
+wanted of each one. "And in the meantime you must not breathe a word
+about what we are to have, but excite every body's curiosity as much
+as possible," she said in conclusion.</p>
+
+<p>"Won't it be lovely!" cried Elsie, clapping her hands.</p>
+
+<p>"A great deal better than a fair, and more fun," said Louise.</p>
+
+<p>In the pretty room which belonged to Bess and Louise sat a busy group
+one afternoon. Its owners were occupied with a tall scrap basket that
+was intended for Uncle William and Aunt Marcia. Aunt Z&eacute;lie had donated
+the ribbons to trim it, and they were anxious to have it as handsome
+as possible. Helen and Carl were there too, the one making a bonnet
+for her doll, the other pasting in his scrap-book, sitting on the
+floor with a newspaper spread out before him. Dora had received a warm
+welcome when she came in with her work, as she often did. They all
+agreed in thinking that she could not come too often, and to Dora life
+in that house was a sort of enchantment. It seemed brighter, roomier,
+pleasanter there than anywhere else.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span>Her young friends did not dream of the cares already resting on her
+shoulders: the effort to cheer her mother, who was fast becoming an
+invalid, the life in the large boarding-house that neither of them
+liked.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think it will be pretty?" Bess asked, holding her basket at
+arm's length to see the effect of the golden-brown ribbon she was
+weaving in and out through the straw.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a beauty," answered Dora admiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it <i>is</i> pretty, really," said Louise, whose fingers were trying
+to fashion what she called a stylish bow.</p>
+
+<p>"Girls are funny, always sticking bows on things," observed Carl.</p>
+
+<p>"If it is funny to like to make things look pretty, I am glad I am
+funny," said Dora severely.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me! Of course, I was not objecting in the least," replied the
+young gentleman, who rather enjoyed being taken to task by Dora.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry to break up this pleasant party, but I am afraid I must,"
+Aunt Z&eacute;lie said, coming in.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Auntie?" asked Louise, looking up with three little wrinkles
+between her eyes, for the stylish bow would not be quite as she wanted
+it.</p>
+
+<p>"Because I am in danger of losing my roses," answered her aunt,
+pinching Bess's cheek. "Yesterday they had no fresh air worth
+mentioning."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, please don't make us go!" cried Bess in a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span>tone that was almost a
+wail. "We have so much to do!"</p>
+
+<p>"I must finish my bow," Louise said positively.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not <i>make</i> you, but Joanna is going to Aunt Marcia's with a
+note, and I want you to go too because you need the air. I am sure
+Dora will take the walk with you, and on the way back suppose you stop
+and ask Mrs. Warner to let her stay to dinner. So fly now and get
+ready." She spoke so energetically that Dora began at once to roll up
+her work, and Bess dropped her scissors with a sigh of relief, but
+Louise held on to her bow desperately.</p>
+
+<p>"I <i>will</i> finish it," she said to herself.</p>
+
+<p>"Louise," her aunt said gently, "the reason you cannot make the bow to
+please you is because you are tired. Now, which will you do, put it
+away till to-morrow&mdash;when I am sure you will not have any trouble with
+it&mdash;and go to walk with the others, or stay here and grow more and
+more tired and cross, till you are not fit to come to dinner with the
+rest of us?"</p>
+
+<p>She had a struggle with herself before she answered in a choked voice,
+"I guess I'll go, but I did want to finish it."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, but you will be glad by and by that you chose to do what
+was right, instead of what you wanted to do," and Aunt Z&eacute;lie sent her
+off with a kiss.</p>
+
+<p>The walk to Aunt Marcia's was not such a hardship after all, and when
+they reached home there <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>was at least an hour for studying lessons
+before dinner, and that was followed by a grand frolic with Carie,
+lasting till it was time for Dora to go.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry I was cross this afternoon," Louise said when she came for
+her good-night kiss.</p>
+
+<p>"It was because you were tired, dear, I know. You and Bess must take
+care not to be too much occupied with Christmas. It will not do to
+neglect every-day duties even for that," replied her aunt.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XII.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>CEDAR AND HOLLY.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>One Saturday afternoon, about three weeks before Christmas, the boys
+marched triumphantly into Miss Brown's sitting-room with a large
+tissue-paper parcel. When this was undone, before the eager eyes of
+the M.Ks., there were four beautiful fragrant little baskets with tops
+of bright-colored silk.</p>
+
+<p>"How pretty!"&mdash;"How lovely!"&mdash;"Where did you get them?"&mdash;"Surely you
+did not make them?"&mdash;"What are you going to do with them?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why didn't we make them, I'd like to know?" asked Ikey proudly.</p>
+
+<p>Certainly the boys had reason to be satisfied at the praise their work
+received.</p>
+
+<p>"I know you did not sew on the silk," said Dora, examining one
+closely.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, well, Aunt Z&eacute;lie and Cousin Helen did the sewing, of course, but
+we did all the rest," said Carl.</p>
+
+<p>"And what do you mean to do with them?" asked Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>"Sell them and give the money to the harp man."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span>They were so pretty there proved to be no trouble in disposing of
+them. Aunt Marcia, who was superintending a Christmas bazaar, offered
+to put them on one of her tables, where they sold the first evening
+for a dollar and a half apiece.</p>
+
+<p>After this the meetings of the G.N. club had to give way to rehearsals
+for what Cousin Helen called "The Harp Man's Benefit," which was to
+occur on New Year's eve. In the meantime Uncle William had interested
+himself in the matter, and, through a friend who was a music dealer, a
+harp was lent to Mr. Finnelli till his own could be repaired.</p>
+
+<p>"So we feel more comfortable about it now," said Louise, "and we think
+we'll make at least ten dollars at our entertainment."</p>
+
+<p>Late in the afternoon of the day before Christmas Aunt Z&eacute;lie sat alone
+in the library taking a moment's rest.</p>
+
+<p>The sound of happy voices came through the open door. It was a custom
+in the family to decorate the hall on Christmas eve, and the children
+had been making wreaths and festoons of cedar, and having any amount
+of fun. They were now having a merry time over Ikey's suggestion to
+hang a holly wreath above the Big Front Door. From the top of the
+ladder Carl began:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"'Twas the night before Christmas,"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class="noin">and the others chimed in:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i7">"and all through the house<br /></span><span class='pn'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span>
+<span class="i0">Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>A moment later Aunt Z&eacute;lie's quiet was invaded.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing makes me feel more like Christmas than that old rhyme," she
+said, as the laughing children gathered around her.</p>
+
+<p>"Talk to us about Christmas, Auntie, please," said Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"Could you possibly talk about anything else?" she asked. "What is it
+that makes this such a happy time?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why," answered Carl, "it is because it is such fun to give presents
+to people, and know you are sure to get a lot yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it is because every one tries to make some one else happy. Why
+do we keep Christ's birthday in this way?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because he came to make us happy, I suppose," said Bess.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you wish you could have heard the angels sing? I like that part
+of the story best where the shepherds are out in the fields," said
+Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"I like the wise men seeing the star and bringing gifts," said Carl.</p>
+
+<p>"It is beautiful from beginning to end, and it is a true story, that
+is what makes it so dear to us," Aunt Z&eacute;lie said, looking into the
+fire.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>"I wish it came oftener, a whole year is so long to wait," sighed
+Bess.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me," laughed her aunt, "I don't. It would take all my time to
+get ready. I have ever so many things to do after you are snugly
+tucked in bed."</p>
+
+<p>"I think I'll not go to bed to-night," remarked Carl.</p>
+
+<p>Even he was tired, however, after they had helped their father and
+Uncle William trim the hall. So many small fingers were sometimes a
+hindrance, but then it was "such fun."</p>
+
+<p>"Christmas belongs to the children, so let them have a good time in
+their own way," said their uncle.</p>
+
+<p>To the older people the season was full of memories of those who used
+to take part in the happy festival, but were there no longer; for the
+children's sake, however, no difference was made in the old customs.</p>
+
+<p>All was done at last, even to fastening the mistletoe in the
+chandelier, and it only remained to hang the stockings beside the
+nursery fireplace. Carie's was already there and she herself safe in
+dreamland.</p>
+
+<p>"I just can't wait till morning," said Bess, as she put up her own.</p>
+
+<p>"It is nice to know it is coming, I think," and Louise twirled around
+on her toes and dropped her stocking into the grate.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span>"What will Santa Claus put your things in now?" laughed Carl.</p>
+
+<p>"It is only scorched," she said, snatching it from the fire, which was
+fortunately low.</p>
+
+<p>After some laughing and whispering over a plan for waking before any
+one else, they separated and were soon so soundly asleep that even
+Christmas was forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>It was beginning to be light next morning when Louise opened her eyes
+to find Carl standing beside her.</p>
+
+<p>"How hard you are to wake," he said. "It is daylight, and everybody
+will be up directly."</p>
+
+<p>They aroused Bess, and the three ran first to their father's door,
+then to Aunt Z&eacute;lie's, giving half a dozen hearty raps, and calling
+"Merry Christmas" at the tops of their voices.</p>
+
+<p>When Mrs. Howard opened her door she saw three airily attired figures
+flying up the third-story stairs.</p>
+
+<p>Hurrying into her dressing-gown, she followed. She found them in the
+star chamber with the window wide open, shouting themselves hoarse at
+Ikey, who had been awakened by the telephone bell.</p>
+
+<p>"You crazy children, you will take cold! Put the window down at once."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Auntie, it was such fun! Ikey was so surprised!" they cried.</p>
+
+<p>"I should imagine so," severely.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>"You needn't pretend to look cross, Aunt Z&eacute;lie, for you just can't,"
+laughed Carl.</p>
+
+<p>"Now for our stockings!" cried Bess, and there was a rush for the
+nursery.</p>
+
+<p>Such laughing, such squeals of delight, such cries of admiration, as
+were to be heard there for the next half hour!</p>
+
+<p>Carie in her long night-gown pranced wildly around a wonderful white
+bear, which moved its head and growled in a most natural manner when
+Carl wound it up. Helen hugged in one arm the beautiful doll Cousin
+Helen had dressed for her, while she dived into the toe of her
+stocking. Bess and Louise sat on their new sled and turned the pages
+of a story-book. Carie brought matters to a climax by backing into her
+bath-tub, which Aunt Sukey had just brought in and placed by the fire.
+She was rescued, dripping and somewhat aggrieved, amid great laughter.
+Such an every-day matter as breakfast was hardly worth thinking of,
+there was so much else in prospect. All the uncles and aunts and
+cousins were coming to dinner, and after that the tree! There was
+enough to keep them in a gale of excitement.</p>
+
+<p>Bess and Louise had a plan of their own which no one else knew about,
+and after breakfast they stole off together.</p>
+
+<p>Going into her little study not long after, Aunt Z&eacute;lie found them
+there. Bess stood on a chair holding a vase which she had just filled
+with white <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span>roses; Louise stood beside her with some others in her
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Auntie!" they both exclaimed, "we didn't want you to come till it
+was all done."</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I go away?" she asked, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll tell you about it now, shan't we, Bess?" said Louise. "You
+know," she continued, as her sister nodded approval, "we thought
+perhaps Uncle Carl would be glad if we remembered him on Christmas,
+and we couldn't think of anything but flowers."</p>
+
+<p>Bess had placed the vase on a bracket beneath her uncle's portrait,
+and now came down from the chair, adding anxiously, "You like it,
+don't you, Aunt Z&eacute;lie?"</p>
+
+<p>"The vase wouldn't hold them all, so you must wear the rest," and
+Louise put them into her hand.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Z&eacute;lie silently kissed them both.</p>
+
+<p>There was something about this kiss that for a moment clouded the
+brightness of the day for Bess. "I wish people did not die," she
+exclaimed with almost a sob, as they went downstairs.</p>
+
+<p>"What makes you look so sober, I should like to know?" demanded Uncle
+William, who, with Aunt Marcia, was the first of the guests to arrive.</p>
+
+<p>"I was just thinking," she replied, and then, as Aunt Z&eacute;lie came in
+with her usual bright face and the roses on her breast, she felt
+reassured and danced away to be as merry as anybody.</p>
+
+<p>Dora and Ikey were the only outsiders invited <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>to the tree, which was
+much like other trees, and so does not need to be described. It was
+perfectly satisfactory, however, and they all had exactly what they
+wanted. Dora was amazed at the number of things that fell to her
+share, most of all at a small gold bracelet with a daisy on the clasp,
+from Aunt Marcia.</p>
+
+<p>"You may be sure she likes you after that," whispered Aleck.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's go over and wish Miss Brown a Merry Christmas," proposed Carl,
+when the candles began to burn low.</p>
+
+<p>"We will storm Nottingham castle!" cried Ikey. "Come on!"</p>
+
+<p>They received a cordial welcome. "What good children you are to think
+of me to-day!" she said, laying down her book.</p>
+
+<p>"We have had such a beautiful time we thought we would finish it by
+coming to see you," said Dora.</p>
+
+<p>"And thank you for our work-bags," added Bess.</p>
+
+<p>"You need not think you have had all the Christmas on your side of the
+street," said Miss Brown, pointing to a rose-bush in bloom in the
+window and to some new books on her table. "And I should like to
+know," she continued, "how five little girls happened to guess what
+would please me most."</p>
+
+<p>The M.Ks., after much discussion about their <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span>gift to Miss Brown, had
+accepted Aunt Z&eacute;lie's advice and had themselves photographed in a
+group.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall never be lonely again with these bright faces to look at,"
+she said, lifting the picture from the floor beside her sofa.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you have Christmas trees when you were a little girl, Miss
+Brown?" Louise asked.</p>
+
+<p>"No, my grandmother used to celebrate New Year's day as the great
+holiday; we had gifts then, but not a tree."</p>
+
+<p>"I haven't had one since I was a very little girl," said Dora; and
+Ikey added, "And neither have I."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you have one when you were a little girl, Ikey?" asked Aleck
+gravely, making everybody laugh.</p>
+
+<p>After they were gone Miss Brown sat alone in the firelight, thinking
+that of all the blessings the year had brought her, not the least was
+the friendship of these girls and boys.</p>
+
+<p>Of all the young people invited to Uncle William's party, no one was
+in such a flutter of delight as Dora. Affairs of this kind were new to
+her, and as the Hazeltines had talked so much about it, it was no
+wonder she felt eager and excited as she dressed next evening.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose Elsie wouldn't go if she had to wear such plain things as
+mine," she thought as she took out her white dress. "Louise said they
+were <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span>going to wear white. Oh, dear! I should like to have nice
+clothes, but I can't bother mamma about it." Dora sighed, for she
+liked pretty things as much as anybody.</p>
+
+<p>All trace of anything like discontent had disappeared when she stood
+before her mother to have her sash tied.</p>
+
+<p>"You should have had a new dress, poor child," Mrs. Warner said sadly.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Mamma dear," was the cheerful answer, "you must not mind. It does
+not matter what I wear; I shall have a good time."</p>
+
+<p>"How fortunate it is that Dora cares so little about dress!" her
+mother thought as her daughter kissed her and ran down to the parlor,
+where Carl was waiting with a bunch of roses which he presented with
+much grace. The girls were in the carriage outside, and the drive
+through the streets, where the electric lights were just appearing,
+was no small part of the pleasure. Helen said it was like grown people
+going to a party. "But it is more fun to be children, I think," said
+Dora, burying her face in her flowers.</p>
+
+<p>It was not quite like a grown-up party, for Uncle William's guests
+were invited to come at the sensible hour of six o'clock, but the
+beautiful house was all thrown open for their entertainment.</p>
+
+<p>Dora forgot her dress as they went up the steps and were ushered into
+the brilliantly lighted hall.</p>
+
+<p>They were the first arrivals, for the Hazeltine <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span>children were to
+assist in receiving the others, so when they came downstairs there
+were only Aunt Marcia, handsome and stately as usual, and Cousin
+Helen, looking exceedingly pretty in her pale-blue gown. The next
+comer was a tall gentleman whom Bess and Louise seemed to know very
+well. They called him Mr. Caruth, and were evidently delighted to see
+him.</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad you came home in time for the party," Louise said to him;
+and Carl with an eye to business added, "You must come to our
+entertainment on New Year's eve, Mr. Caruth."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you charge for reserved seats?" asked the gentleman,
+laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose we give him an arm-chair and make him pay a dollar for it,"
+suggested Miss Hazeltine.</p>
+
+<p>"He is a very nice man," Bess whispered to Dora. "We wish he would
+marry Cousin Helen, for then he would be related to us."</p>
+
+<p>"Upon my word!" Miss Hazeltine exclaimed, so suddenly that Bess gave a
+guilty start, "I have forgotten my office; come here and be decorated
+before any more arrive." From a basket she took a handful of badges.</p>
+
+<p>"What are these for?" Louise asked as her cousin pinned one on her
+shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"You will find out by and by," said Uncle William, coming in with a
+red rose in his buttonhole.</p>
+
+<p>And now the fun began. The children came in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span>so rapidly that Cousin
+Helen had to have an assistant to fasten on the badges, and Mr.
+Hazeltine was here, there, and everywhere, seeing that no one was left
+out of the good time. They played games and danced, grown people and
+all, and later in the evening Mr. Frank Hazeltine actually induced
+Aunt Marcia to take part in "Tucker," to the delight of her young
+relatives.</p>
+
+<p>It was particularly exciting when Uncle William was "Tucker." They
+came through the grand right and left positively breathless, and
+everybody was glad of a few minutes' rest before supper.</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't it strange that Dora does not have prettier dresses?" Elsie
+Morris whispered to the girl next her. "I like her ever so much, but
+she wears the plainest clothes."</p>
+
+<p>As she spoke Dora passed to join Bess, who was beckoning to her from
+the other side of the room. She heard enough of what was said to make
+her color deepen as she went straight on.</p>
+
+<p>"Elsie, she knew you were talking about her," cried Constance Myer.</p>
+
+<p>"No, she didn't," Elsie insisted, feeling very much ashamed.</p>
+
+<p>"She won't have any use for you after this," remarked Jim Carter, who
+was standing near. He found that he was mistaken, however. When they
+were decorating themselves with the tissue-paper caps and favors found
+in the bonbons, Elsie, who was a most fastidious little mortal,
+exclaimed, "I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span>wish my cap was not green. I can't wear it with a blue
+dress."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll change with you, for mine is blue and I like green quite as
+well."</p>
+
+<p>It was Dora who stood beside her, holding out the cap. Poor Elsie was
+greatly abashed and couldn't say a word, but Dora insisted.</p>
+
+<p>"Please take it; I want you to have it, you will look so pretty in
+it."</p>
+
+<p>She was exceedingly surprised when Elsie put her arms around her neck
+and kissed her, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"You are the best girl in the world."</p>
+
+<p>It was a small thing, for Dora had spoken truly when she said that she
+liked one as well as the other, but it made a deep impression upon two
+people. Elsie began from that moment to be more careful and kind in
+her criticisms, and Jim rather reluctantly came to the conclusion that
+this was better and finer than showing resentment.</p>
+
+<p>When supper was over the company was pervaded by a feeling that
+something interesting was about to happen.</p>
+
+<p>"What is on hand, Louise, do you know?" Aleck asked, and at that
+moment Uncle William was heard making an announcement. He had had an
+interview with Santa Claus, he said, as the old gentleman was passing
+through the city in a hurry to get home, and after some persuasion he
+had prevailed upon him to wait over and receive any of the young
+people present who cared to call on him.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span>This occasioned great applause, and all were eager to pay their
+respects to jolly St. Nicholas.</p>
+
+<p>Half a dozen at a time, according to the numbers on their badges, were
+conducted to a curtained doorway and told to enter. They all seemed to
+enjoy the interview, for they came out with smiling faces, and not
+empty-handed either.</p>
+
+<p>The children of the family were, of course, the last to go in, and
+Dora waited for them.</p>
+
+<p>The room was one which Uncle William called his den, and the figure in
+the arm-chair would have been recognized anywhere by his rosy
+countenance and long white beard. He wore his fur great-coat, and his
+cap and gloves lay on the table.</p>
+
+<p>He gave them a friendly greeting, saying, "So you are the last? It is
+a fortunate thing, for if I wait much longer I shall miss my train."</p>
+
+<p>"I did not know you travelled in that way," said Carl mischievously.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me, boy! How could I manage with a sleigh and reindeer in this
+mud? I save those for colder climates. Now, before I am off, I think I
+have something left in my bag."</p>
+
+<p>Opening a large satchel, he brought out half a dozen packages, and
+then taking up his cap and gloves and wishing them a Happy New Year,
+he was off before they could say "Jack Robinson."</p>
+
+<p>"He is a fine old fellow," said Carl, examining the gun he had been
+wishing for.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed he is!" echoed Dora, taking a peep at <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span>the beautiful
+illustrated copy of "Little Women," and then she was called to lead in
+the closing Virginia reel with Uncle William.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, how did you like the party?" Carl asked her as they drove home.</p>
+
+<p>"I have had the best time I ever had in my life," she answered with a
+happy laugh.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XIII.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>THE HARP MAN'S BENEFIT.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>"Where is my wig?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have lost my banner!"</p>
+
+<p>"Tell Ikey to hurry, he has to go on first. Do you think that chimney
+will stand?"</p>
+
+<p>There was such confusion behind the scenes on New Year's eve that
+Cousin Helen put her hands over her ears when she came in.</p>
+
+<p>"It is time to begin," she said. "Ikey and Helen are first."</p>
+
+<p>The performers had advertised their entertainment very thoroughly, and
+as a result a large and interested audience of young people had
+assembled before eight o'clock.</p>
+
+<p>When at length the curtain rose in response to vigorous clapping, it
+brought to view a fine stage, on which was a cottage with a window and
+door and a lifelike chimney, and everything was covered with
+glistening snow. After the audience had had time to admire this scene
+sufficiently, a boy and girl entered, dressed in outdoor costume. They
+looked sad, and the girl took her handkerchief from her muff and held
+it to her eyes. Her companion begged her not to cry, for Father Time
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>would surely help them. Then he knocked at the door of the cottage. It
+opened at once and out came a veritable Father Time, leaning on his
+staff. His long white beard, his scythe and hourglass, all proved his
+identity. Looking at the children he asked:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Who is it knocks at my door to-day?<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Speak to me quickly, I cannot stay."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The little girl replied:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Dear Father Time, we've come to you,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Perhaps you'll tell us what to do.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Our teacher says that in the year<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Too many holidays appear.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">She says we must at least drop one,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And she'd be glad if there were none."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>And the boy added:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"It is hard to know what day to choose,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">When there isn't one you care to lose."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>In great astonishment Father Time exclaimed:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"To drop a holiday! Absurd!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Impossible! Upon my word!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Affairs like this belong to me,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">As I'll soon let this teacher see."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>He rapped on the ground with his staff and a small page appeared,
+wearing a pointed cap and carrying a tin horn. Bowing low before
+Father Time, he was instructed to call the Holidays <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span>together. He
+withdrew and was heard blowing his horn in the distance. Presently
+music sounded, and the eight Holidays came marching in, with banners,
+singing:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Joyous Holidays,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Full of gayety,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Bringing happy hours,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Merry days are we.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Children love us well,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Surely they have reason.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Happiness and mirth<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Bring we every season.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Father Time, we've come,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Answering to your call,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Glad to do your will<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Are we one and all."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>After marching twice around the stage they took their stand in a
+semicircle before Father Time and the children.</p>
+
+<p>Father Time: "These children have come to me in deep distress, because
+their teacher (a most singular person) says there are too many
+Holidays, and one of them must be given up. I have sent for you to
+reassure them; speak for yourselves."</p>
+
+<p>The Holidays looked at each other in dismay, and exclaimed:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Holidays are we,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And we've come to stay,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Caring not a whit<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">What such people say."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span>Boy and girl (clapping their hands): "Oh, dear Holidays, we are so
+glad! But are you <i>sure</i> she can't send any of you away?"</p>
+
+<p>New Year's day now stepped forward. It was Jim Carter, whose suit of
+cotton batting, decorated with tinsel and cedar, was most becoming.
+Banner in hand he recited:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"First upon the list,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I'd be greatly missed.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Pages fresh and new,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Resolutions true,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Wishes for good cheer<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In the coming year,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Where would these all be,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Were it not for me?"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Both children:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"No matter what the teachers say,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">We can't give up our New Year's Day."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Next came Elsie, looking exceedingly like a valentine in her gauzy
+dress, her fair hair waving over her shoulders. In her own airy way
+she recited:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Surely you know, if you are not quite stupid,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That I belong to that gay god Cupid.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Send me away and I very much fear<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">You'll find him infesting each day of the year."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Both children:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"We never could endure to part<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">From you who lie so near our heart."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span>The next Holiday excited great laughter and applause as he came
+forward. It was Aleck, in powdered wig, velvet coat, knee breeches,
+silk stockings, and shining shoe-buckles. In one hand he carried a
+small hatchet. The occasion was almost too much for him, and he spoke
+his lines with difficulty:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"My very great importance<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To see you cannot fail,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I point a useful moral<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And adorn a thrilling tale.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And with my honored hatchet<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I'm sure you'll ever find<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I make a good impression<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Upon the youthful mind."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Girl and boy:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Indeed, we do not doubt you;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">We could never do without you."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Washington's Birthday was of course followed by April Fool's Day. This
+part was taken by Fred Ames, in a suit of figured chintz, with cap and
+bells. He recited:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Don't think I'm the one to be laid on the shelf;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I have a few words now to say for myself.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To nonsense each one at some time must give vent;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To furnish you with an excuse I am sent.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To give you a day without precept or rule,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In which you may each be a gay April Fool."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The children:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Though not the most important on the list,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">We know, dear April Fool, you would be missed."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span>Next came Constance, with a garland of roses on her head, and her
+white dress trimmed with flowers. She recited:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"When first the flowers begin to show<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Their happy little faces,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And tiny leaves begin to grow,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">To make us shady places,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">'Tis then I sing in merry tune&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Sweet Summer's coming very soon."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The children:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Pretty May-Day must not go,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">We have always loved her so."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>After Constance came Louise, who made a charming Goddess of Liberty,
+dressed in stars and stripes, with a flag in her hand. She said:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"I come to tell the story<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Of the birthday of our land,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To remind you of her glory,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And to help you understand<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">How by good men, brave and true,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">This great land was won for you."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The children:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Dear Fourth, we love your fun and noise,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">You're ever dear to girls and boys."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Thanksgiving Day was represented by Dora, dressed as a Puritan maiden,
+carrying a basket of apples and a sheaf of wheat. She made a pleasant
+picture as she recited:</p>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"When wintry days once more appear,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">I come well laden with good cheer.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">You can't lose <i>me</i> at any rate,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For I'm appointed by the State."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The children:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"As long as we're living<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">We'll keep dear Thanksgiving."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Last of all came Christmas Day. This was Carl, in white, like New
+Year's, with trimmings of holly and mistletoe. A brave young Holiday
+he looked, as he repeated:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Last comes to you the merry day<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">O'er which St. Nicholas holds sway;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A day that's sent your hearts to fill<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">With peace and joy and glad goodwill.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And down through all the centuries long<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Echo the angel words and song,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And every year again I tell<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The old sweet story, loved so well."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>As he finished, the children said eagerly:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Dear Holidays, we love you all;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">You're good and true and gay,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And we hope, as you have said,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That all have come to stay.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But though we value all the rest,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">'Tis Christmas Day we love the best."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>At this the other Holidays stepped out, and bowing to Christmas, said:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"We all unite in words of praise,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And crown him king of Holidays."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span>Then New Year's Day placed a crown on his head, May-Day gave him a
+rose, Fourth of July, a flag, Thanksgiving, an apple, Washington's
+Birthday offered his hatchet, and St. Valentine gave him a sugar
+heart; and joining hands the children and the Holidays danced around
+him, singing:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"We all unite in words of praise,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And crown him king of Holidays."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The curtain fell on a tableau: the Holidays, with their flags and
+banners, old Father Time, and the happy children.</p>
+
+<p>The applause was so vehement it had to rise again for a moment, and
+then there was an intermission while some of the actors changed their
+costumes.</p>
+
+<p>When the curtain went up for the last time the cottage was gone, and
+in its place appeared a row of high-backed chairs on which were seated
+five little ladies in the quaintest of short-waisted gowns, each with
+a reticule on her arm, from which she took her needles and began to
+knit. Then Bess, who sat at one end of the line, looked up, and said
+in her own sweet little way:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"We're learning to knit, you see, because<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">We wish to be nice grandmammas;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">You would not care, I'm sure, a bit<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For a grandmamma who couldn't knit."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Dora, who came next, continued:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"How daintily warm, how soft and sweet,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The tiny socks for baby's feet.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Nothing you'll find in all the land<br /></span><span class='pn'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span>
+<span class="i0">Fashioned like these by grandma's hand."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Here Elsie took it up:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"All the older children too can tell<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">How grandma's stockings wear so well,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And how she makes, with greatest pains,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Comforters, afghans, balls, and reins."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Louise had just made a discovery that surprised her, and with shining
+eyes she recited:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"There's nothing so good, the children know,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">As grandmamma's stories of long ago.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Empty-handed she could not tell<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">All the dear old stories half so well."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Constance sat at the end of the row, and looking at the others she
+said:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"When she was a girl like you and me,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">'Twas then she learned to knit, you see.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">So like her now we must begin<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Carefully putting the stitches in."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Then together they recited:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Our shining needles we gayly ply,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Getting ready for by and by.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Aren't you glad to know there'll be<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Five old ladies as nice as we?"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>At the last line they rose, each dropped a profound courtesy and
+marched from the stage. The enthusiastic audience recalled them half a
+dozen times, till Mr. Hazeltine was obliged to announce that the
+entertainment was over.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span>No one had enjoyed it more than a person who sat in an easy-chair,
+where without any effort she could see all that went on.</p>
+
+<p>Here the children gathered when it was over, exclaiming, "Why, Miss
+Brown, we did not know you were coming! How did you get here, and how
+did you like it?"</p>
+
+<p>It was of no use to try to answer so many questions, so she only
+laughed and said she had enjoyed herself immensely.</p>
+
+<p>Then they must rush off to see how much money had been taken in.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Caruth, who had been pressed into service as doorkeeper by Cousin
+Helen, was in the hall with Aunt Z&eacute;lie.</p>
+
+<p>"Here are nine dollars and a half for you, Grandma," he said, putting
+a box into Louise's hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, thank you! Then that will be enough with the basket money. Don't
+you think our entertainment was pretty good, Mr. Caruth?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Delightful! I was just telling Mrs. Howard that it was a star
+performance," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know what that is, but Aunt Z&eacute;lie and Cousin Helen made it
+all up, every bit," Bess said proudly.</p>
+
+<p>The performers were so enchanted with the evening's fun that they
+refused to take off their gay costumes, and declared one and all that
+they meant to see the old year out.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span>The Father of his Country forgot his dignity, and cut up all sorts of
+antics with April Fool's Day. Even Father Time joined in the fun, and
+Christmas and New Year bestrewed the floor with cotton batting as they
+danced with the old ladies.</p>
+
+<p>But they were tired out before midnight, and when the city bells rang
+in the new year they were all sound asleep and heard not a bit of it.</p>
+
+<p>And this is what came of it:</p>
+
+<p>Of course in the first place the harp was mended and paid for, and its
+owner was able once more to earn something for his family. With her
+burden thus made lighter, Marie worked away cheerfully at her
+embroidery, and Tina went happily to school in the warm dress Mrs.
+Howard gave her. Many were the blessings invoked on the heads of the
+young people who had helped them!</p>
+
+<p>"But after all," said Bess, "it was only fun for us."</p>
+
+<p>In the second place Uncle William was so pleased with the five old
+ladies that a charming idea came into his head. After a consultation
+with Miss Brown, he sent them one Saturday afternoon a note and a big
+bundle. Here is the note:</p>
+
+<div class="block"><p><span class="sc">My dear little Friends</span>: I was delighted the other night
+to find that your small fingers were already learning to be
+useful, and I take the liberty of giving them some more work to
+do. I know an old colored woman who, after spending most of her
+life in taking care of little children, is now paralyzed, and can
+only lie in bed. Nothing pleases <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span>her so much as bright colors,
+so I want you to make her a gay afghan. She will not mind any
+uneven stitches if they happen to put in, and will be very proud
+of it.</p>
+
+<p>I send the yarn of which to make it. There are to be five
+stripes, one for each of you.</p>
+
+<p>Hoping that you will enjoy the work, and at the same time the
+thought that it is to please a poor old invalid, I am
+affectionately your friend,</p>
+
+<p class="right sc">William S. Hazeltine.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>The bundle when it was unrolled was found to contain some of the
+oddest-looking balls of yarn that ever were seen.</p>
+
+<p>"I think he must have wound them himself," remarked Louise, shaking
+her head over the lumpy, unsymmetrical ball she held.</p>
+
+<p>However, Miss Brown said the shape did not matter, and work was begun,
+with great interest. Dora was the first to make a discovery, perhaps
+because she could knit more rapidly than the others. One of the lumps
+in her ball proved to be caused by something rolled in tissue paper.
+Feeling sure that this was the key to one of Uncle William's
+surprises, they looked on eagerly while she pulled the paper off and
+found a gold thimble with her name on it. Not long after Elsie found a
+tiny pair of scissors. Never had any work been so delightful! It
+usually happened that some one of the gay balls yielded a prize each
+Saturday afternoon. Sometimes only a big sugar plum, but oftener
+something pretty and useful. A tiny book of texts, a dainty
+handkerchief rolled into smallest <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>compass, rings of twisted gold with
+the letters M.K. on bangles attached to them,&mdash;these were some of the
+things found in the wonder balls, for that is what they are called in
+Germany, where Mr. Hazeltine first heard of them.</p>
+
+<p>"It is so exactly like him, I thought he must have invented it
+himself," said Dora.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XIV.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>CLOUDS.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>The beautiful snow-storm which came two weeks after Christmas seemed
+to be the cause of all the unhappiness, though the real reason for it
+was to be found in quite another quarter.</p>
+
+<p>A deep snow followed by a week of clear cold weather seldom came more
+than once during the winter in this part of the country, and the
+children were wild with delight. Aunt Z&eacute;lie was obliged to do a little
+of the curbing that Aunt Marcia so often advised, and Bess and Louise
+thought it hard that they were not allowed to hitch their sleds behind
+wagons as Carl and Ikey did.</p>
+
+<p>The boys first got into trouble. They began at once building forts in
+their playground at school, and were soon divided into two opposing
+forces, each with one of the older boys for captain.</p>
+
+<p>For a time things went very well, and Carl and Ikey, though they
+belonged to different sides, could discuss their battles
+good-naturedly. But this did not last. One day the cry of "Not fair"
+arose; someone was hurt and resented it, his friends took it up, and
+all good feeling went to the winds. When the bell called them in there
+were some <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span>bad bruises, and, worse still, angry looks and accusations.</p>
+
+<p>On the way home the dispute ran high between Carl and Ikey. The
+first-named in particular was very much excited, and declared he
+wanted nothing more to do with cheats. Ikey retorted warmly, with
+natural indignation, and so they parted.</p>
+
+<p>About the same time discord arose among the girls.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hazeltine had had a slide made for the children in the back yard.
+It was built from the top of the stable loft, and was as good a
+substitute for a hill as such an affair could be. Here they had a
+grand time till one day when Elsie insisted it was her turn to slide.</p>
+
+<p>"No, it is Dora's," objected Louise. "Isn't it, Constance?"</p>
+
+<p>But Constance, always devoted to Elsie, was not sure. Bess and Helen
+both agreed with Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure it is my turn to slide," said Dora, "but if Elsie thinks it
+is hers, I'd rather have her take it."</p>
+
+<p>Bess had very positive ideas of fairness, however, and would not give
+up. "No," she declared, "it is her turn, and we must play fair or it
+isn't any fun."</p>
+
+<p>"But I know it is my turn," said Elsie, equally stubborn; "Connie
+thinks so too."</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind, Bess," pleaded Dora.</p>
+
+<p>"I <i>shall</i> mind; for when Louise and Helen and I all say it is your
+turn, and only Constance thinks <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span>it is Elsie's, you have a&mdash;a
+majority, and she ought to see it."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," added Louise, admiring her sister's big word; "I think you
+ought, Elsie."</p>
+
+<p>"And it is <i>our</i> slide," put in Helen very unwisely.</p>
+
+<p>"That doesn't make any difference," Bess hastened to say; but the
+mischief was done.</p>
+
+<p>"Then keep your old slide," Elsie cried angrily. "I wouldn't be so
+selfish. Come, Constance, let's not stay where they don't want us."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't go, Elsie; it is not worth quarrelling about," urged Dora; but
+she wouldn't listen and walked off with an air of offended dignity,
+followed rather reluctantly by Constance. Dora wanted to go after her,
+but Louise held her fast.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't go, Dody; it won't do a bit of good. If she is mad, she can
+just <i>be</i> mad."</p>
+
+<p>They took a few more slides, finding it not half so much fun as
+before. Dora looked very sober, for quarrelling was something she was
+not accustomed to, and after a visit to Carie, who was sick with a
+cold, she went home feeling exceedingly uncomfortable. Perhaps it
+would be all right to-morrow, she thought, but that did not prove to
+be the case.</p>
+
+<p>When they met at school Elsie entirely ignored Bess and Louise, who in
+their turn treated her with a lofty indifference wonderful to behold.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not at all mad at you, Dora," Elsie said <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span>to her; "but I am at
+Bess and Louise, for they were impolite. I am not going to speak to
+them till they say they are sorry."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, dear! I feel as though it were my fault in some way. It will
+spoil our club and everything," sighed Dora.</p>
+
+<p>How long this unhappy state of affairs might have continued had not
+the Big Front Door taken matters in hand, it is impossible to say.</p>
+
+<p>On the afternoon of the quarrel Elsie had a story book with her, which
+in her hasty departure she forgot. She remembered it before she
+reached home, but did not like to go back. The next day she planned a
+very cold note which was to be carried by one of the servants. Mrs.
+Morris, however, saw no reason why her daughter should not do her own
+errand, and all arguments were in vain. Finding that it was of no use
+to plead, after some rebellious tears she decided to go for her book
+herself.</p>
+
+<p>Bess, Louise, and Dora were studying their history lesson together,
+when Joanna came in to say that Elsie was downstairs and wanted the
+book she had left.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder," said Bess, when it had been found and sent down, "if she
+will come to the club."</p>
+
+<p>After they went back to their lessons Dora's thoughts kept wandering
+off to that miserable quarrel, and she said, as she put on her hat,
+"If Elsie were willing to make up, you would be, wouldn't you?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span>"Oh, yes," they both answered readily, Louise adding, "but she doesn't
+want to."</p>
+
+<p>Elsie felt rather uncomfortable as she sat in the library. She hoped
+that none of the children would come in and find her there. She could
+not help remembering the pleasant time she had had in that very room a
+few weeks ago, getting ready for the New Year's eve entertainment, and
+for a moment she was sorry about the quarrel.</p>
+
+<p>When Joanna brought her the book she hurried away, and, opening the
+front door for herself, pulled it to behind her with a bang, when to
+her dismay she found herself held fast. The door had closed on her
+dress. She pulled and twisted, but it was of no use&mdash;she was a
+prisoner. She could not reach the bell, and only a dead latch-key
+would open it from the outside. It was late in the afternoon and few
+people were passing; then too she did not like to call for help. The
+poor child felt herself to be in a somewhat ridiculous position, and
+if she dreaded anything it was being made fun of.</p>
+
+<p>Suppose Carl should come in and find her! He was such a tease he would
+tell the other boys, and they would think it a great joke. The wind
+was so cold and penetrating that after a little Elsie forgot her fear
+of being laughed at, and began to long for anybody who would release
+her. All the passers-by seemed to be on the other side of the street.
+Once she called to a colored boy, but he only looked at her stupidly
+and went on.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span>"Oh, dear! what shall I do!" she cried, sinking down on the cold
+marble step. "I wish I had never thought of my book."</p>
+
+<p>She wondered what Bess and Louise would think if she were found frozen
+to death on their doorstep. Her mother would be sorry she had not
+allowed one of the servants to take her note. There was some comfort
+in this thought. Then&mdash;was that really someone coming down the walk at
+the side of the house? She held her breath. Yes, it certainly was. She
+immediately returned to life.</p>
+
+<p>It was Dora on her way home, so busy thinking that she started when
+Elsie called her.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Elsie Morris," she exclaimed as she caught sight of the forlorn
+figure on the doorstep.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Dora, please help me. I am caught and can't get out."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you been here all this time?" Dora asked, running up the steps
+in great surprise. "Shall I ring the bell or go around?" pausing with
+her hand on the knob.</p>
+
+<p>"You'd better ring. I don't want to see the girls."</p>
+
+<p>Dora's hand still rested on the bell, but she hesitated. "Elsie," she
+said, "I just believe this has happened so we can make up. Won't you?
+I know that Bess and Louise will if you will. Think how unhappy we
+are! We can't have any more good times." Dora felt that she had the
+advantage.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span>"No," said Elsie crossly; "and I wish you would ring that bell; I am
+as cold as I can be. It was my turn, and it was selfish and mean in
+them not to let me have it."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Elsie, they are not selfish; they are always ready to do what we
+like, but they thought it was my turn. That is why I feel so badly
+about it; for if it had been her own turn I think Bess would have
+given up. Please, <i>please</i> promise to make up."</p>
+
+<p>That Dora cared a great deal was plain, for her eyes were full of
+tears, and those tears did much towards gaining the victory.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not the least bit mad with you, Dora," Elsie hastened to say,
+"but I am with Bess. Please ring the bell."</p>
+
+<p>"In one minute, if you will only promise to make up."</p>
+
+<p>"Dora Warner, I tell you I <i>can't</i>," stamping her foot. "I can't say
+it wasn't my turn, for that would be a story."</p>
+
+<p>"That won't make any difference, for you need not say anything about
+it, only that you are willing to make up. You think you were right,
+and Bess thinks she was right, so all you have to do is not to say
+anything about it. <i>Please</i>, Elsie."</p>
+
+<p>Dora's logic may not have been altogether convincing, but her
+earnestness was not to be resisted.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," began the prisoner, "I suppose I shall freeze to death if I
+don't, so I will only&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span>Dora waited for nothing more, but gave the bell a joyous pull.</p>
+
+<p>Louise, who was on her way upstairs, ran back to see who was at the
+door.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, it is Dora!" she exclaimed, opening it.</p>
+
+<p>It did not take long to explain, and Elsie was glad to sit down by the
+register in the hall and make it up in earnest.</p>
+
+<p>Bess, who heard them talking and ran down, was quite ready to meet her
+more than half way, and no one would have guessed, seeing their
+friendliness, that an hour ago they were not on speaking terms.</p>
+
+<p>Elsie was pitied and petted to her heart's content, while Dora beamed
+on them like a genial little sun which had at last made its way
+through the clouds.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Z&eacute;lie heard the whole story that night.</p>
+
+<p>"Wasn't it funny, Elsie's getting caught?" said Louise. "I believe it
+is really a magic door; Dora thinks so too."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know. It seems to me if the rest of you had been as anxious
+for peace as she was, the door need not have come to your relief. If
+you had each been trying to help," said her aunt.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I have been forgetting the text," Bess said gravely.</p>
+
+<p>If only the quarrel between Carl and Ikey could have been settled as
+quickly. A week passed and matters did not mend. The walk to and from
+school was now taken alone, and neither made any sign of recognition
+when they met. Ikey was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span>miserable at the sight of Carl's intimacy
+with Jim, and he imagined, too, that Mrs. Howard took her nephew's
+part, and this was hardest of all.</p>
+
+<p>The fact was Aunt Z&eacute;lie knew little or nothing about it. She had a
+house full of company, and Carie was sick besides.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of appearances to the contrary, Carl was no happier than his
+friend, and quite as keenly missed the daily companionship in lessons
+and play. It had its effect in making him overbearing and
+fault-finding in an unusual degree. The family began to wonder what
+had happened to merry, good-tempered Carl, when one Saturday morning
+matters reached a climax. As he came upstairs from the library where
+he had been copying a composition, his father called to him from the
+hall below. Running into the girls' room, he laid his paper on the
+table there, with strict injunctions to them not to touch it.</p>
+
+<p>Some minutes passed before his return, and Helen, who was apt to be
+attracted by forbidden fruit, could not resist going over to look at
+it. "I only want to see if I can read it," she said in reply to a
+warning word from Bess, who passed through the room on her way to the
+star chamber, where she and Louise were busy.</p>
+
+<p>Helen, left to herself, was seized with a desire to make a capital S
+like Carl's. Finding a pen and some ink, she set to work, forgetting
+everything else till Bess, returning for something, exclaimed, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span>"Why,
+Helen, what are you doing? Here he comes."</p>
+
+<p>Very much startled, she looked around quickly, and the pen fell from
+her unaccustomed fingers upon the composition, scattering ink in every
+direction. At this moment her brother entered the room, and at one
+glance took in Helen's frightened look and the blotted paper.</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't I tell you not to touch that?" he thundered, all the stored-up
+anger of weeks coming to the surface, and, springing forward, he
+caught her by the shoulder, gave her a furious shake, and pushed her
+from him with all his strength. With a frightened scream she fell
+backwards, striking her head against the edge of the half-open door.</p>
+
+<p>"You wicked boy!" cried Bess, greatly shocked; "perhaps you have
+killed her."</p>
+
+<p>But Helen's cries told that it was not so bad as this. Everybody came
+running to see what the matter was, and Joanna picked her up and
+carried her into Aunt Z&eacute;lie's room, where it was found that a large
+lump on her head and a bruise on her arm were the worst of her
+injuries. Bess told how it happened.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't think what ails Carl lately," said Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"He is a mean, hateful boy," sobbed Helen; "I don't care if I <i>did</i>
+spoil his composition."</p>
+
+<p>Feeling that it would be of no use to talk to her then, Aunt Z&eacute;lie
+left her to the tender <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span>ministrations of her sisters and Joanna, and
+went to seek the chief offender.</p>
+
+<p>He was still in the girls' room, standing his ground defiantly.</p>
+
+<p>The moment's fright lest he had hurt Helen badly had passed, and the
+sight of his composition stirred his anger afresh.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it true that you threw your sister down?" His aunt stood before
+him with a look in her dark eyes which it was not pleasant to meet.</p>
+
+<p>Carl glanced down, but answered, "Yes, and here is what <i>she</i> did!"
+holding up the blotted paper.</p>
+
+<p>"Does that excuse your unmanliness, your&mdash;you might have killed her,
+you know. I can't talk to you now, Carl; you'd better go to your room.
+I can't tell you how disappointed I am."</p>
+
+<p>He never thought of not following her suggestion; indeed, he was glad
+to get away from those indignant eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course," he muttered to himself, "I am all to blame and nothing is
+said to Helen about spoiling my work. Boys are always found fault
+with, but girls can do anything."</p>
+
+<p>Down in his heart he knew this was not true, but he chose to think it.
+He flung himself into a chair by the window. It was a gloomy, thawing
+day; the snow, as if aghast at the trouble it had caused, was melting
+sadly away. There was nothing in the prospect to make him feel
+cheerful. After awhile <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span>he went to work on his composition again, and
+as he wrote he felt more and more like a martyr. When it was finished
+he folded it and put it away, and began to think it must be near
+lunch-time. With the door closed, there in the third story he could
+not hear the bell; however, he would not go down; if they wanted him
+they might send for him. By two o'clock he was feeling deeply injured.
+Nobody cared whether he starved or not. Then he remembered that Uncle
+William was to take them to see Hermann that afternoon. By this time
+they must have gone without him. Carl threw himself on the bed and
+shed some tears of vexation and disappointment. All the while
+something was whispering to him that he deserved to be unhappy. The
+afternoon dragged slowly; he grew very hungry, and at last saying to
+himself that he would go and get some biscuit, and "Tom Sawyer," one
+of his favorite books, he went softly downstairs.</p>
+
+<p>The house was so quiet that the sight of Mr. Smith asleep on a hall
+chair was a positive relief. After visiting the pantry he went to the
+library for his book. The door was half open, and when he reached it
+he suddenly stopped, for there was Aunt Z&eacute;lie by the table with her
+head bowed on her arms. Evidently she had not heard him, and Carl
+almost held his breath. He thought she was crying; he was not sure,
+but certainly she was unhappy. It came to him in that moment, as it
+never had before, how tender and sweet and helpful she was. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span>She had
+sorrow of her own, he knew, and who was there to comfort her as she
+comforted others? And he had disappointed her&mdash;had behaved shamefully.
+As he stood there it seemed to him that he must have been crazy. He
+could not endure the sight of that sorrowful figure, and turning to go
+away, instead; the next minute he was kneeling beside her saying,
+"Aunt Z&eacute;lie, I am <i>so</i> sorry."</p>
+
+<p>She was startled, for she had not heard him; but she turned and put
+her arms around him for a moment, without speaking.</p>
+
+<p>"Aunt Z&eacute;lie, I know how contemptible I am; you ought not to have
+anything to do with me," Carl exclaimed in a great burst of
+contrition. She took his hand and held it fast as she answered, "I
+can't throw stones at you, dear, but perhaps I can help you to learn
+the lesson I have had to learn many times."</p>
+
+<p>He never forgot that afternoon. How he sat beside her with his head on
+her shoulder, while she talked to him as she had never talked before.
+How his face glowed with mingled shame and pride as she said that, of
+all the children, he was, if possible, the dearest to her.</p>
+
+<p>"But I have more fear for you than for the others. I long to have you
+grow up a strong, true man&mdash;master of yourself in every sense. If you
+do not, I shall feel that in some way it is my fault."</p>
+
+<p>"I will try to be what you want me to be&mdash;like Uncle Carl&mdash;if I
+can; and nobody in the world could help me as you do."</p>
+
+<div class="img"><a name="imagep152" id="imagep152"></a>
+<a href="images/imagep152.jpg">
+<img border="0" src="images/imagep152.jpg" width="55%" alt="He told her about the Trouble at School" /></a><br />
+<p class="cen sc" style="margin-top: .2em;">"He told her about the Trouble at School."</p>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span>"I shall not leave you till you leave me," Aunt Z&eacute;lie said, smiling
+rather wistfully at the tall boy.</p>
+
+<p>"That will be never, and I will always take care of you," answered
+Carl, laying his cheek against her hand. He told her about the trouble
+at school too, finding it a relief to confess everything and she
+listened gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"For a little misunderstanding like this, a little hateful pride,
+pleasant friendships are given up, and the good times we expected to
+have in the club this winter! Have my Good Neighbors forgotten their
+motto already?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm afraid so," Carl said, thinking how hard it would be to make
+things right again.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you told Father?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"No, he did not come to lunch."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I shall have to tell him," with a sigh.</p>
+
+<p>This was not an easy thing to do. That they were the best of
+companions and friends made it all the harder, for he felt he had
+forfeited the right to this good-fellowship.</p>
+
+<p>Carl told his story with such evident shame and repentance that,
+though he listened with a grave face, Mr. Hazeltine could not find it
+in his heart to be very severe.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not think," he said, "that my only son could be guilty of such
+a cruel and ungentlemanly act."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span>Carl winced at this.</p>
+
+<p>"You see," his father continued, laying his hand on his shoulder, "I
+always had such a tender feeling for my little sister that it is hard
+for me to understand how you could be so unkind."</p>
+
+<p>It was Carl's private opinion that Aunt Z&eacute;lie could never have been so
+trying as Helen, but he did not say so. They had a serious talk, and
+for a week after, Carl was seen only at the table, for he and his
+father decided that as he had sinned against the happiness of the
+family, he must forfeit the privileges of the family life for a while.</p>
+
+<p>Everybody was glad when the week was over, Carl most of all.</p>
+
+<p>No one else knew how lonely those evenings were, spent in his room, or
+how he longed to join the group around the library fire.</p>
+
+<p>Helen was deeply impressed by her brother's humble apology, and
+decided that after all she wasn't glad she had spoiled his
+composition, but very sorry she had been so meddlesome.</p>
+
+<p>Carl lost no time in starting out to find Ikey and make friends.</p>
+
+<p>It was on Monday morning, and they met just outside the gate.</p>
+
+<p>"Hello!" said Carl.</p>
+
+<p>"Hello!" replied Ikey.</p>
+
+<p>"Know your Latin?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hope so, I have studied it a lot," and they <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span>walked down street
+together as if nothing had happened.</p>
+
+<p>"Where were you going this morning when I met you?" Carl asked when
+his neighbor came in, in the old way, with his books that afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>"I was coming over for you. I was tired of it."</p>
+
+<p>"Were you? Why, I was going for you!"</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XV.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>DORA'S BRIGHT IDEA.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>One thing troubled Carl. It was that Dora knew all about it. She came
+to lunch that dreadful Saturday to go with the others to see Hermann,
+and of course Helen's bruises and his own absence had to be accounted
+for.</p>
+
+<p>On his way home from school one morning he saw her and her mother
+coming towards him on the other side of the street. When they were
+within speaking distance, Mrs. Warner bowed, but Dora looked in
+another direction as if she wished not to see him.</p>
+
+<p>Carl was hurt and mortified, for he was sure he knew the reason.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't care, it is mean to be so hard on a fellow. Aunt Z&eacute;lie
+isn't," he said to himself.</p>
+
+<p>He did care, however, and was silent and gloomy at lunch. As he left
+the room on his way upstairs to study he heard Bess say, "Dora had
+such an accident to-day." But he did not wait to hear what it was.</p>
+
+<p>An hour later, having an errand to do up town, he went off alone
+instead of asking Ikey to go with him as usual.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span>The clear, cold air was making him cheerful in spite of himself, when,
+as he drew near home after a long walk, he saw two familiar figures in
+front of him. His spirits immediately fell, for they were Ikey and
+Dora chatting together most sociably. Carl suddenly felt jealous.</p>
+
+<p>He knew they were great friends, and he never had dreamed of objecting
+till now that he was himself out of favor. He began to walk slowly
+that he might not overtake them, his pride keeping him from turning
+back and going home some other way.</p>
+
+<p>They paused a moment when they reached the corner; then Ikey, with his
+politest bow, left her and crossed the street. Dora stood waiting.
+Carl advanced, trying to look unconscious and indifferent.</p>
+
+<p>Her smile changed to a puzzled look, and then became positive
+astonishment when he was passing without a word.</p>
+
+<p>Always straightforward, she exclaimed, "Why, Carl! Aren't you going to
+speak to me? I am on my way to your house."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you would not care to speak to me, you didn't this
+morning," he answered somewhat loftily.</p>
+
+<p>"Not speak to you? I don't know what you mean."</p>
+
+<p>"You would not this morning," he persisted.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I know now! How absurd! Didn't the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span>girls tell you about my
+glasses getting broken? It must have been when I was going to have
+them mended. You know I am so near-sighted I can't see across the
+street without them."</p>
+
+<p>Carl looked rather foolish. Dora had worn glasses only a short time,
+and he had not noticed their absence.</p>
+
+<p>"You knew I would not do such a thing; how could you be so silly?" She
+was decidedly vexed with him.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought perhaps you really did not care to have anything to do with
+me after&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You thought I would stop speaking to you for that!" she exclaimed.
+"Why Bess told me how sorry you were, and at any rate it would have
+been acting as if I never did wrong myself."</p>
+
+<p>"You wouldn't do anything so horrid."</p>
+
+<p>"I <i>was</i> a little surprised at you," Dora, acknowledged, "but it is so
+disagreeable not to be friends with people. I am glad you and Ikey
+have made up; he was telling me about it."</p>
+
+<p>By this time they had reached the gate, and Carl said, "I don't think
+the girls are at home; they were going out with Aunt Z&eacute;lie, but you
+might come in and wait, if you don't mind talking to me while I look
+over some books for father."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't mind talking to you," she answered, laughing, "but I can't
+stay long. I want 'Water Babies.' Louise said I could have it to
+read."</p>
+
+<p>"Come in, then, and I'll find it for you."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span>They went up to the star chamber together, and Dora sat down in the
+west window, where a little wintry sunshine still lingered, while Carl
+looked for the book.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't see how you could be such a goose as to think I would not
+speak to you," she said presently.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose I knew I deserved it." Carl laid "Water Babies" on her lap,
+and, kneeling on the floor with his elbows on the window-sill and his
+chin in his hands, looked thoughtfully out at the bare branches of the
+maples.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll tell you what it is," he said after a minute's silence, "Aunt
+Z&eacute;lie is a trump."</p>
+
+<p>"I know that, only I'd call her a prettier name," said Dora, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"You can't know really till you have been very had. She was so good to
+me. It makes a fellow feel awfully when somebody like her cares a lot
+for him and he goes and disappoints her."</p>
+
+<p>"But you won't again, I'm sure."</p>
+
+<p>"You see," Carl went on, "she cares for me particularly because I am
+named for Uncle Carl. Has Bess or Louise ever told you about him?"</p>
+
+<p>Dora shook her head.</p>
+
+<p>"He was Mamma's brother, you know, and he was splendid. I thought
+there was nobody like him when I was a little fellow. He used to be
+here a great deal, and we were glad when he married Aunt Z&eacute;lie because
+we were so fond of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span>them both. The only thing we did not like about it
+was that Aunt Z&eacute;lie went away to live, but they came to see us very
+often. Then Uncle Carl died. He was skating with some people, and a
+friend of his went where the ice wouldn't hold, and broke through.
+Nobody knew just what to do, it was so hard to get to him on the
+broken ice, and the man couldn't swim. Uncle Carl saw that he would
+drown before help came, so he went right into the freezing water and
+held up his head till they brought ropes."</p>
+
+<p>"He wasn't drowned, was he?" Dora asked in an awestruck voice.</p>
+
+<p>"No, but he was in the water so long that it made him ill. The other
+man got well. It happened not long before Mamma died. Then, you know,
+Aunt Z&eacute;lie came back to us."</p>
+
+<p>"You must be glad you are named for him."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I am, only I am not good enough. I am afraid I shall never do
+anything brave like that."</p>
+
+<p>"I think, perhaps, little things have to come first," said Dora
+wisely, adding, "He was helping, wasn't he?"</p>
+
+<p>"I had not thought of that," said Carl.</p>
+
+<p>As she walked home an idea came into Dora's head, which interested her
+so much that "Water Babies" lay unopened on her lap for half an hour
+that night. Next day she confided it to Bess and Louise, who highly
+approved.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Dora, you are very clever. When you <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span>are grown up you will be as
+good at thinking of things as Aunt Z&eacute;lie," said Bess.</p>
+
+<p>"You think of pretty good things yourself, Bess," added Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"And so do you, for you first thought of trying to help the harp man,"
+said Dora merrily.</p>
+
+<p>"The G.N. Club meets to-night, and we'll ask the boys to let us in.
+You come over to dinner," Louise suggested.</p>
+
+<p>"They won't do it," said her sister positively.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, perhaps they will if we are very polite; we will try."</p>
+
+<p>The weekly meetings of the G.N. Club had begun again with great
+interest. No one enjoyed them more than Aunt Z&eacute;lie, and nothing was
+allowed to interfere with this engagement with the boys if she could
+help it. However, it happened this evening that some old friends of
+the family who were passing through the city on their way south
+called, and it was impossible to excuse herself, so the boys were left
+to their own devices.</p>
+
+<p>Though the star chamber looked as cheerful as usual and Carl did his
+best as host, it was not quite the same without her.</p>
+
+<p>Jim recalled with wonder that first evening when he hoped she would
+not come. The rehearsals for the harp man's benefit had made them all
+feel very well acquainted with her and one another.</p>
+
+<p>They were beginning work on some screens for the Children's Hospital
+when there came a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span>knock at the door. Ikey opened it and Carie walked
+in.</p>
+
+<p>"I came to bring you a letter," she announced, handing Carl a folded
+paper, and shyly surveying the rest of the company from behind him.</p>
+
+<p>He read it aloud.</p>
+
+<div class="block"><p class="noin">To the G.N.C.:</p>
+
+<p>We should like to come to your meeting this evening, if you will
+let us. We have a splendid plan to tell you. Dora thought of it.
+Send reply by bearer.</p>
+
+<p class="right"><span style="padding-right: 6em;">Yours truly,</span><br />
+<span class="sc">Bess Hazeltine.<br />
+Louise Hazeltine.<br />
+Dora Warner</span>.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>"Shall we let them come?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course," said Jim, and as nobody was actively opposed, Carl
+scribbled, "Come on," on the back of their elegant note.</p>
+
+<p>Within five minutes the girls were established in their midst, quite
+as if they belonged there.</p>
+
+<p>When the screens were duly admired and their offers of help politely
+declined, Bess explained the object of their visit.</p>
+
+<p>"We think it would be nice, now that we haven't secrets any more, and
+because you helped us with the harp man's benefit, for our clubs to be
+friends and meet together sometimes. Dora has thought of a beautiful
+plan. Won't you tell about it yourself, Dora?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span>"It is nothing very great," she began modestly. "You know in the days
+of chivalry how all the knights belonged always to some order,&mdash;like
+the Knights Templars in 'Ivanhoe,'&mdash;and perhaps there are some now; I
+don't know."</p>
+
+<p>"There is the Independent Order of Odd Fellows," suggested Will, and
+Carl added, "Joanna's young man belongs to the Ancient Order of
+something."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I don't see why we shouldn't have one," Dora went on, laughing.
+"My idea was to unite our two clubs in an order, and call it the Order
+of the Big Front Door. We both have the same motto and are trying to
+help, so it would not be anything really new, except that we could
+have a badge to remind us, and have meetings together sometimes. The
+story of the Magic Door put it into my head."</p>
+
+<p>"Good for you, Dora! I'm for it!" cried Ikey.</p>
+
+<p>The funny name took the boys' fancy, and the plan of having joint
+meetings was not altogether objectionable. The story of the Magic Door
+had to be explained to some of them, and while Bess was doing this
+Aunt Z&eacute;lie came in. She was surprised and delighted to see the
+visitors, and when the new project was told again for her benefit, she
+thought it a very good one.</p>
+
+<p>"I was trying myself to think of some way of keeping our motto in
+mind, and now you must let me furnish the badges. The name, Order of
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span>the Big Front Door, has given me an idea about them."</p>
+
+<p>"What, Aunt Z&eacute;lie?" asked Louise. "I am sure it is lovely."</p>
+
+<p>Her aunt only laughed, and would not tell.</p>
+
+<p>"Just as soon as I can get them," she said, "I'll call a meeting of
+the Order."</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XVI.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>SILVER KEYS.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>"I wonder what they are going to do this afternoon," said little John
+Armstrong.</p>
+
+<p>He sat in his usual place in the bay-window, with his drawing
+materials and his books beside him, but the doings of certain girls
+and boys who constantly passed to and fro interested him more than any
+story book.</p>
+
+<p>John was twelve years old and had never had a friend of his own age.
+That sad disease paralysis laid its hand upon him when he was only a
+baby, so instead of going to school, and running and playing like
+other children, he sat in a wheeled chair and looked on.</p>
+
+<p>He was not exactly unhappy, for he had a quick, bright mind, and a
+love of knowledge which made his lessons a pleasure. Everything that
+love could suggest was lavished upon him by his father and mother, but
+they did not guess how he longed for the companionship of other
+children.</p>
+
+<p>They feared the contrast between himself and them would only make him
+miserable. So in the eighteen months since Dr. Armstrong had been
+preaching in the church on the corner, John had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span>hardly spoken to a
+child. The M.Ks. and the G.Ns. never dreamed how eagerly they were
+watched that winter. Some of them seeing him always at the window fell
+into the way of nodding to him as they passed.</p>
+
+<p>He knew their names from hearing them call each other, and his
+favorites were Louise, Ikey, and Jim.</p>
+
+<p>On this particular Saturday afternoon John felt that something unusual
+was going on. Dora passed with her work-bag, to be met at the
+Hazeltines' gate by Bess and Louise, and they seemed to have something
+very interesting to talk about as they crossed the street together.</p>
+
+<p>A moment later Elsie and Constance went up the Brown house walk. This
+happened every Saturday, but when nearly an hour had gone by Jim
+Carter appeared. His whistle brought Ikey, and then Carl and Aleck,
+and they stood talking almost in front of John's window. How he did
+wish he could hear what they said! Presently they were joined by Will
+and Fred, and finally by Mrs. Howard, who had a package. Each of the
+boys apparently offered to carry this for her, but she declined. Then
+they, too, crossed the street and disappeared within the Brown house.</p>
+
+<p>This was all John saw, except that Louise and Ikey came and sat in the
+window and seemed to be laughing, but that was not unusual.</p>
+
+<p>It was the first meeting of the Order of the Big <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span>Front Door, that was
+being held at Miss Brown's this afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>As the M.Ks. were still at work on Aunt Sallie's afghan, their meeting
+was put at half-past two in order to give them an hour and still leave
+time for the other. When this had passed the knitting was put away and
+more chairs brought in, for the Brown house sitting-room was not a
+spacious apartment, and twelve visitors quite filled it.</p>
+
+<p>Much excitement was caused by the box which Aunt Z&eacute;lie carried, for of
+course it held the long-expected badges.</p>
+
+<p>"It is good of you to meet here," said Miss Brown, giving the G.Ns. a
+cordial welcome.</p>
+
+<p>"It is good of you to let us," replied Mrs. Howard. "You belong to the
+new Order, and must have your badge as well as the rest of us. And now
+the meeting will please be in order, especially the members on the
+window-sill.</p>
+
+<p>"The first business before us is the election of a President. The
+Tellers will please distribute the ballots."</p>
+
+<p>This office was performed by Elsie and Aleck, who also collected and
+counted the votes, and announced the election of Will Archer. In the
+same way Bess was made Secretary and Ikey Treasurer. It was decided
+that the G.Ns. would give up their club once a month for the meeting
+of the Order, when reports from both clubs would be made. When this
+business was finished Aunt <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span>Z&eacute;lie took up her box, saying, "The next
+thing is the distribution of badges; but before I take them out I want
+to say a word."</p>
+
+<p>"Hear! Hear!" murmured Carl.</p>
+
+<p>"No preaching!" begged Aleck.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Do</i>, Mrs. Howard, he needs it," said Dora.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I am going to preach a little. I want you to remember that these
+badges are to keep our motto before you. They mean that you promise to
+be helpers, and that is something more than getting up entertainments
+as we did for the harp man. It means being good-tempered and kind at
+home and in school, doing little thoughtful things for people. You
+remember in the story of the Magic Door it was because they forgot
+this that the lock grew rusty and useless, so it seemed to me that the
+most appropriate badge would be this." As she spoke she took from the
+box a tiny silver key. On close inspection it proved to be a pin so
+prettily and ingeniously made that anybody might be pleased to wear
+it. On one side was engraved a part of their motto&mdash;"They Helped"&mdash;and
+on the other, the letters O.B.F.D.</p>
+
+<p>So great was the enthusiasm that all order went to the winds.</p>
+
+<p>"Aren't they lovely?" "Tiptop!" "Dandy!" "Too pretty for anything!"</p>
+
+<p>And no one was more pleased than Miss Brown.</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid I can never be half so good to my neighbors as they are
+to me," she said, "but I'll try."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span>"As if you were not the nicest neighbor we ever had!" cried Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's give Mrs. Howard a vote of thanks," proposed Jim.</p>
+
+<p>Ikey looked at him with envy. Jim always thought of the right thing.</p>
+
+<p>"We ought to thank Dora too, for it was her idea," said Carl as the
+clapping subsided.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not dream of anything so nice," said Dora, patting her little
+key.</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad you are pleased, and I hope they will open some rusty
+locks," said Aunt Z&eacute;lie.</p>
+
+<p>"And now, if you please, we'll adjourn into the dining-room," said
+Miss Brown. "This is a very special occasion, you know," she added, in
+reply to a grave shake of the head from Mrs. Howard.</p>
+
+<p>They drank success to the new Order in chocolate, and munched crisp
+little sugar cakes which were cleverly twisted into M's and K's. Mary
+had long ago become a friend of the children, and this was her
+contribution to the occasion.</p>
+
+<p>"There is something I should like to suggest," their hostess said as
+Carl passed the peppermints. "I feel an interest in people who, like
+myself, can't get about easily, and I have noticed that little lame
+boy over the way, and I wonder if these silver keys could not open a
+door of pleasure for him."</p>
+
+<p>"Will suggested it long ago, but our Christmas work put it out of our
+thoughts," Mrs. Howard replied.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span>"Suppose we go now and take him some M.Ks.," Louise said merrily.</p>
+
+<p>"We don't know him," objected Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>"Let Louise and Ikey go, and I will put up some cakes and peppermints
+for him," said Miss Brown.</p>
+
+<p>Ikey, though shy when left to himself, was always willing to follow
+Louise, and they went off together in high spirits, not in the least
+subdued by Aunt Z&eacute;lie's remark that she hardly thought she would care
+for a visit from two such geese.</p>
+
+<p>John was still at his window waiting for the meeting to be over, and
+laughed at the sight of Louise chasing Ikey around the garden. They
+seemed to be disputing over something that was done up in a napkin. It
+ended by the former getting possession, and then, still laughing, they
+came out of the gate and crossed the street.</p>
+
+<p>John's heart almost stopped beating for a second. Could they be coming
+to see him? He felt both glad and frightened when the maid announced
+that some children wanted to see him, but he told her gravely to ask
+them up. Louise's friendliness was irresistible, and when she came
+straight to his side holding out her hand and saying, "How do you do,
+John? We have been having a meeting at Miss Brown's, and she has sent
+you some sugar cakes. Ikey and I have brought them," John forgot his
+shyness and felt that she was an old acquaintance. He could not think
+of much to say, but he smiled cordially at them.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span>When the cakes were undone it was of course necessary to explain the
+meaning of so many M's and K's, and this led to an account of the
+other club, and the Order of the Big Front Door. It was like finding
+the missing pages of a fascinating story.</p>
+
+<p>"And that is what you were doing this afternoon?" asked John, admiring
+the little keys. "I did so wonder what was going on when I saw the
+boys go in."</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't know you were watching us," said Ikey.</p>
+
+<p>John's face flushed as he replied, "I hope you do not mind. I often
+do."</p>
+
+<p>Mind! Of course they did not!</p>
+
+<p>The visit was a decided success. When Mrs. Armstrong came hurrying in,
+feeling that she had left John a long time alone, she found him with
+very bright eyes, eating sugar cakes.</p>
+
+<p>This was only the beginning; it soon became an established thing for
+one or two of the Order to spend an afternoon each week with the lame
+boy; and at such times the pleasure was by no means all on one side.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XVII.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>A PRISONER.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>"I believe I'll go to see little John this afternoon," said Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"You can take him the last 'St. Nicholas' if you do. I'd rather have
+you go there than to Dora's or Elsie's, for then I shall not wish so
+much that I could go with you," answered Bess, who was to spend the
+afternoon at the dentist's.</p>
+
+<p>Louise found the magazine and then walked as far an the Armstrongs'
+gate with her sister and Joanna.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-by," she said; "I hope Dr. Atmore won't hurt you."</p>
+
+<p>Several hours later Bess entered the room where Mrs. Howard was taking
+off her wraps, and asked, "Do you know where Louise is, Aunt Z&eacute;lie?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, no, I have only just come in; can't you find her?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Auntie, and I have looked everywhere."</p>
+
+<p>"Surely she must be in the house; it is nearly dark. Did you have your
+tooth attended to?"</p>
+
+<p>Bess forgot everything else in the interest of relating her
+afternoon's experience, but when the story was finished she began
+again to wonder what had become of Louise.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span>"I think Carl has just come in&mdash;I hear his whistle; perhaps she is
+with him," said Aunt Z&eacute;lie. But upon inquiry he had not seen her since
+lunch.</p>
+
+<p>"And you have looked everywhere? In the star chamber, and the library,
+and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and I have asked Sukey and James, and they have not seen her,"
+Bess replied.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a little strange, for she knows I do not like to have her out
+late. She was going to John's, wasn't she?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know she went there, for she walked as far as the gate with me.
+Perhaps some of the boys are there and will bring her home," said
+Bess.</p>
+
+<p>"We will wait a quarter of an hour, and if she does not come I'll send
+over to the Armstrongs'," said Mrs. Howard.</p>
+
+<p>The minutes slipped away, but no Louise; and Joanna, who was sent in
+search of her, returned with the news that she had left there about
+four o'clock.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, dear! She must be lost!" Bess exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>"Louise get lost! Nonsense! She could find her way anywhere," said
+Carl.</p>
+
+<p>"I hardly think she can be lost, but I am worried about her. Joanna,
+you'd better go to Mrs. Warner's, and, Carl, suppose you run over to
+Miss Brown's, she may be there," and Aunt Z&eacute;lie walked to the window
+and looked out into the darkness. "It is beginning to snow," she said.</p>
+
+<p>Neither Miss Brown nor the Warners had seen <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span>Louise, nor had she been
+heard of at the Morrises', and they were trying to think what to do
+next when Mr. Hazeltine came in.</p>
+
+<p>"Father, she must be lost, don't you think so?" asked Bess, when
+matters were explained to him.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know what to think," he answered. "Louise is not the kind of
+a child to get lost easily."</p>
+
+<p>"So I say," added Carl.</p>
+
+<p>"Then somebody has stolen her like Charlie Ross, and I'll never see
+her again."</p>
+
+<p>"It is too soon to despair, dearie," said Aunt Z&eacute;lie, as Bess looked
+ready to cry.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose we have some dinner, and then if we hear nothing in the
+meantime, I'll go to the Armstrongs' and try to find a clue to start
+with," said Mr. Hazeltine.</p>
+
+<p>It was not a cheerful meal, in spite of Aunt Z&eacute;lie's effort to hide
+her anxiety and talk of other things. It seemed as if Louise's bright
+face must appear each minute; but dinner was over and no word of her.</p>
+
+<p>The snow was falling fast when Carl and his father started out. Little
+John could tell them nothing more than that Louise had been there for
+an hour, and then said she must go, as there was something she wanted
+to do. He watched her out of the gate and thought she went home.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a great puzzle," said Carl when they were on the street again.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span>"It is indeed," his father replied, looking up and down irresolutely.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you worried? What do you think can have happened to her?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know, my son; yes, I am very much worried. I wish William was
+not away from home. I think, perhaps, the best thing I can do is to
+see Roberts." Roberts was a detective, and Carl began to feel that the
+situation was serious.</p>
+
+<p>There was nothing for Aunt Z&eacute;lie and Bess to do that long evening but
+wait and try to be patient. Mr. Hazeltine promised to telephone the
+moment he discovered the least clue to her whereabouts.</p>
+
+<p>And where was Louise?</p>
+
+<p>While she and John were playing checkers she overheard Mr. Armstrong
+talking to his wife about a book which he evidently was very anxious
+to have, and which he seemed unable to find either at the library or
+the bookstores.</p>
+
+<p>At the first mention of the title Louise was sure she had seen it on
+their own library table at home, and remembered hearing her father and
+uncle discuss it. "I know father will lend it to him," she thought,
+and was about to say so to Mr. Armstrong, when she recollected that
+Uncle William had borrowed it.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure he has finished it," she thought, "and at any rate he has
+gone to Chicago. I'll go home and ask Aunt Z&eacute;lie to let me get it."
+Eager <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span>to do this kindness, she ran off as soon as the game was
+finished.</p>
+
+<p>But everybody was out. James was at work in the cellar; Mandy so
+occupied with her pantry shelves that she did not know when Louise
+passed through the kitchen; Sukey had taken Helen and Carie for a
+walk, and Aunt Z&eacute;lie was at a lecture. What should she do?</p>
+
+<p>She went up to the star chamber, hoping to find Carl and coax him to
+go with her, but he was not there. She wanted very much to get that
+book for Mr. Armstrong. He wished to make use of it in a lecture he
+expected to give on Monday night, so it was important that he should
+have it as soon as possible. She knew the way to Uncle William's
+perfectly, but she and Bess never went so far by themselves.</p>
+
+<p>"I can go all the way on the cars," she said to herself. "Nothing
+could happen to me, and I can't ask Aunt Z&eacute;lie when she isn't here."
+Trying to satisfy her conscience in this way, she found her
+pocket-book and started out. It happened that she saw nobody she knew
+as she waited on the corner for the car, feeling very independent.</p>
+
+<p>The afternoon was cold and cloudy, and the ride seemed longer than
+usual.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish I had asked Dora to come with me," she thought; "I shall have
+to hurry to get hack before dark."</p>
+
+<p>"I want to go to the library just a minute, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span>Bruce," she said to the
+man who opened the door.</p>
+
+<p>He looked somewhat surprised to see her alone, but made no comment,
+only replying, "I am afraid it is rather cold there; we are having the
+furnace cleaned to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"I only want to get a book. I'm not going to stay. And you needn't
+wait, Bruce. I can let myself out," she said.</p>
+
+<p>The library was at the end of the hall, almost opposite the front
+door, but somewhat cut off from the rest of the house, as it
+communicated with no other room.</p>
+
+<p>As Louise entered she pushed the door to behind her. Yes, there was
+the volume she wanted on the table. Taking it up and turning to go,
+her eyes fell on the corner where Uncle William kept his story
+books&mdash;books intended for his young guests, which he very much enjoyed
+reading himself sometimes, and to which he was constantly adding. As
+there seemed to be some new ones, Louise sat down to examine them, and
+before she knew it became absorbed. When at length she looked up it
+was beginning to grow dark.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me! what will Aunt Z&eacute;lie say? I must hurry," she exclaimed, and
+running to the door she stopped in bewilderment, for there wasn't any
+knob, and yet it was securely latched. She was very much puzzled. For
+a few minutes it seemed rather funny to be fastened up in Uncle
+William's <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span>library, but when all her attempts to open the door failed
+it did not seem so much like a joke. She tried pounding on it, but any
+noise such small hands might make could not be heard twenty feet away.
+Louise soon realized this; the servants she knew were on the other
+side of the house and might not come near the library till the next
+day. She thought of the windows, and tried them one after another,
+standing on tiptoe on the sill, but she could not move the fastenings.
+The one that faced the street was too far back for any possibility of
+attracting the attention of passers-by.</p>
+
+<p>"What shall I do? They won't know what has become of me," she said.
+She wondered if Bruce would not come to turn on the light in the hall,
+only to be disappointed again, for when she peeped through the keyhole
+it was already burning. Again and again she tried to move the latch
+with a pen-knife, and then with a paper-cutter, but without success.</p>
+
+<p>Then she sat down to think. There was nothing to do but wait. She was
+a brave little person, but as she saw how dark it was growing and
+thought of home with all its light and cheer she could not keep the
+tears out of her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>How foolish she had been, and naughty, too! What right had she to the
+book? She ought to have asked her father's permission before she
+thought of going for it. This was all quite clear now.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span>The room was cold, and outside the wind whistled about the house. The
+snow had begun to fall so thickly that when she went to the window she
+could not see the street. It was some comfort to turn on the electric
+light, but it did not keep her from being cold and tired and hungry.
+The clock said a quarter past six; in a few minutes more they would be
+eating dinner at home. Somebody <i>must</i> come; she couldn't stay there
+all night.</p>
+
+<p>She went to the door again and called "Bruce! Bruce!" till she was
+tired. Slowly the hands of the clock moved on: seven; half-past;
+eight. Her excited imagination began to bring to her mind all the
+stories of burglars she had ever heard. Suppose some one should come
+to rob the house, knowing the family were away! She was afraid to take
+her eyes off the door, and much as she longed for release she almost
+dreaded to see it open. She sat on the floor, pulling a great
+bear-skin rug over her, and by and by she fell asleep with her head on
+a chair. Then she dreamed that she was out in a sleigh in a furious
+snow-storm. Carl was with her and Bruce was driving, and they were
+chased by wolves. (This was probably suggested by the story she had
+been reading, which was one of Russian adventure.) The wolves gained
+upon them, though they seemed to be going like the wind; she felt
+their hot breath on her face as they climbed over the back of the
+sleigh. Just as she was being <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span>dragged out she thought Carl cried,
+"There goes Louise!" Then she opened her eyes to find herself on the
+library floor, with Mr. Caruth and Bruce standing over her, and Dan,
+the big mastiff, trying to lick her face. The clock on the mantel said
+half-past ten.</p>
+
+<p>About half an hour earlier Mr. Caruth, going home on a street-car, met
+an acquaintance who remarked that he had just seen Mr. Hazeltine, who
+was much worried over the disappearance of his little girl. His
+informer did not know which of the children it was, or any
+particulars, and after riding another block Mr. Caruth rang the bell
+and got off, intending to go hack to the Hazeltines and learn the
+truth of the matter.</p>
+
+<p>On his way to take the down-town car he passed Mr. William Hazeltine's
+house. He noticed that only a dim light burned in the hall, and
+recalled the fact that they were out of town, but happening to glance
+in the direction of the library he was surprised to see it brilliantly
+illuminated. Hesitating for a moment, he turned and went up the steps.
+"I'll take occasion to ask Bruce if he knows anything about one of the
+children getting lost," he said to himself.</p>
+
+<p>After some minutes the door was opened by the sleepy-looking man, who
+was not disposed to be quite amiable. In reply to Mr. Caruth's
+question he said he knew nothing about it.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, see here, Bruce, what does that light in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span>the library mean? Mr.
+and Mrs. Hazeltine are both away, aren't they?"</p>
+
+<p>The man looked at him in surprise, and said there wasn't any light in
+the library.</p>
+
+<p>"Just come out here, then, and tell me what you call this," and Mr.
+Caruth led the way to the corner of the house.</p>
+
+<p>"I haven't been near the library since morning, sir," the astonished
+man exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>"How about the other servants?"</p>
+
+<p>"They are all away but the cook, and she went to bed an hour ago.
+There was a man here attending to some locks, but he left about noon."</p>
+
+<p>"It can't be burglars, for they wouldn't leave the blinds open. We
+must look into this," said Mr. Caruth, as they entered the house.</p>
+
+<p>The dog had followed Bruce to the door, and under his protection they
+entered the library.</p>
+
+<p>A more unexpected sight could hardly have met their gaze&mdash;Louise fast
+asleep on the floor, with the bear-skin partly covering her!</p>
+
+<p>Dan's cold nose aroused her, and she started up with wide-open,
+bewildered eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be frightened, it is only Dan," said Mr. Caruth, lifting her
+into a chair. "Get wide awake and then tell us why you are spending
+the night here. I am afraid from what I hear that they are worried
+about you at home."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm awake now and I must go. You will take me, won't you?" said
+Louise, rising and pushing <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span>back her hair, and looking about for her
+hat. "I did not mean to stay here," she added, "but I couldn't get
+out&mdash;there isn't any knob on the door."</p>
+
+<p>Bruce, who had been standing open-mouthed, turned at this to examine
+the door, and sure enough there was a knob on the outside, but not on
+the inside. He could not explain why it had been left so; he only knew
+that the man who came to make some change in the door-knobs had said
+that something was wrong and he could not finish the work till the
+next day.</p>
+
+<p>A long ring at the hell startled Mrs. Howard, and aroused Bess from a
+troubled doze on the sofa. They ran into the hall just as Joanna, who
+was on the watch, opened the door with a scream of delight.</p>
+
+<p>"Louise! Louise! Where have you been? Where did you find her, Mr.
+Caruth?" Bess laughed and cried at the same time, and Aunt Z&eacute;lie was
+almost as bad. Louise was hugged and kissed and asked the same
+questions over and over again, because it was impossible to take in
+anything more than the glad fact that she was found.</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of it Carl rushed in, exclaiming, "We can't find a trace
+of her, and Roberts says&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"The next time you want a detective you'd better employ me," remarked
+Mr. Caruth calmly.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XVIII.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>SOMETHING ELSE HAPPENS.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>Louise's adventure resulted in a cold that came near being pneumonia,
+and kept her housed for more than a week. As she paid so dearly for
+her thoughtlessness, no one had the heart to scold her; indeed, she
+received an unusual amount of petting.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hazeltine did suggest that the next time she wished to help one of
+her neighbors it might be as well to count the cost, and her meek
+"Yes, Father," showed that she saw her mistake.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder what will happen next," said Carl one day, a week later,
+speaking from the depths of the wardrobe, where he was rummaging.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, I hope," remarked Bess, who sat in the window with Louise,
+supervising a new mansion for the Carletons.</p>
+
+<p>"Not even something nice?" asked her brother.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing really nice has happened since Aunt Z&eacute;lie gave us our silver
+keys," said Louise. "There is the postman; I am going to see if he has
+anything for us," and putting aside her papers she ran downstairs.</p>
+
+<p>She and the postman were great friends, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span>always had some merry
+words to exchange when they met.</p>
+
+<p>"I treat you vell to-day," said the cheery Dutchman; "I bring you two
+letter."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, but they aren't for me. They are for my aunt. You must
+bring me one for myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Dot is too bad, I vill haf one for you next time." He trotted off,
+and Louise carried the letters in and laid them on the library table,
+as Aunt Z&eacute;lie was not at home, and then went back to her drawing. Just
+before dark Mrs. Howard came in, bringing Cousin Helen with her to
+spend the night. The children were delighted at this, for it meant a
+merry evening if nobody came to call. The one provoking thing about
+Cousin Helen was that she had so many friends.</p>
+
+<p>Bess was charmed to discover that it was beginning to rain.</p>
+
+<p>"Now we can sit around the fire after dinner and tell stories," she
+said, putting away her papers in an old checker-board.</p>
+
+<p>Their cousin, like their aunt, was generally willing to do what the
+children wished, so they made a sociable group in the library after
+dinner.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's play something first," suggested Miss Hazeltine, taking
+possession of the sleepy-hollow chair.</p>
+
+<p>"'I Have a Thought,'" Aunt Z&eacute;lie proposed; "little Helen likes that."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span>"I have a thought that rhymes with deep," announced Carl.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it what Cousin Helen will do if she sits in that chair?" asked
+Bess.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, miss, I am not such a sleepy-head as you think," said her
+cousin, with pretended indignation.</p>
+
+<p>It was not till some one had a thought rhyming with "better" that
+Louise was reminded of the letters the postman left.</p>
+
+<p>"There are two, Auntie," she said, bringing them; "one is from
+Father."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, just a note to say he will be at home to-morrow at three. I
+don't know this writing," opening the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, it is from Miss Lyons, Aunt Mary's companion!" she exclaimed,
+looking at the signature.</p>
+
+<p>"You are frowning, Aunt Z&eacute;lie," remarked Carl.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't keep us in suspense, Z&eacute;lie. Is there anything wrong?" asked her
+cousin.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing really serious. Aunt Mary fell and broke her ankle, and will
+have to stay in bed for several weeks; but the trouble is Miss Lyons's
+brother is very ill and she has to go to him."</p>
+
+<p>"So that is it? And she wants some one to take her place for a while,
+I suppose. I'd go in a minute if Father and Mother were not away."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course you could not go, Helen. I am the one. Frank will be at
+home, and Sukey is here to take care of the children. I wish I had had
+this <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span>sooner; I must telegraph to Miss Lyons that I will take the nine
+o'clock train to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>While she was speaking the children were silent from astonishment, but
+a wail arose presently.</p>
+
+<p>"Why can't Aunt Mary take care of herself?"</p>
+
+<p>"What shall we do without you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't go, <i>please</i> don't go!"</p>
+
+<p>"Children, I must; think of poor Miss Lyons."</p>
+
+<p>"If you put on such long faces when she is only going sixty miles away
+for a few weeks, what would you do if she should go away to live?"
+asked Cousin Helen.</p>
+
+<p>"But she never will do that, for she has promised," said Carl
+confidently.</p>
+
+<p>Bess's face suddenly brightened. "It will be helping, to let her go,
+won't it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose so," sighed Louise, "but it is such a dreadful thing."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, not dreadful at all!" and Aunt Z&eacute;lie laughed at the doleful
+faces. "You can help, all of you, by being cheerful. And think what
+nice letters you can write me!"</p>
+
+<p>"What will the club do?" Carl demanded.</p>
+
+<p>"Conduct itself with propriety, to be sure; and now I must pack my
+trunk."</p>
+
+<p>"Think of your wishing that something would happen!" said Bess
+reproachfully to her brother as they went upstairs.</p>
+
+<p>It was very forlorn next morning to say good-by, knowing that when
+they came from school Aunt <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span>Z&eacute;lie would not be there; but they
+remembered their promise and tried to be cheerful. How the rest of the
+day passed Bess told in a letter written that evening:</p>
+
+<div class="block"><p><span class="sc">Dear Aunt Z&eacute;lie</span>: You have been gone ten hours. Carl
+counted it up, and we miss you very much. Father has come home,
+so that is one comfort. He is reading the paper now. It was
+lonely at lunch with only us, but Nannie came over with a note
+from Miss Brown asking us to come and take five o'clock tea,
+Carie and all. We had a good time. Miss Brown told stories and
+showed us some funny old things that belonged to her aunt. There
+was some jewelry that Louise and I would like to have to play
+Queen Mary in. Carl liked an old "Pilgrim's Progress" that was
+printed more than a hundred years ago, but Ikey said he would
+rather have a new one.</p>
+
+<p>Carie was good as could be, and we had tea out of the little
+cups. We are grateful to Miss Brown. I think she was being a good
+neighbor, don't you? Father says it is bedtime, so good-night,
+dear Aunt Z&eacute;lie.</p>
+
+<p class="right"><span style="padding-right: 6em;">From your loving nieces,</span><br />
+<span class="sc">Bess</span> and <span class="sc">Louise</span>.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Several days later she received one from Carl:</p>
+
+<div class="block"><p><span class="sc">Dear Aunt Z&eacute;lie</span>: I have not written before because there
+was nothing of interest to tell you. We are getting on very well,
+though I think Joanna is too bossy, and mammy is nearly as bad.
+But we have been pretty good on the whole. Cousin Helen was not
+going to let Aleck stay Friday night, for fear he would cut up,
+but Father said, "Nonsense!" so he came. We had a better time at
+the club than we expected. The boys were dreadfully sorry you
+were not there. Our screens are coming on finely, though <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span>Ikey
+pasted a dragon on upside-down. Will read the last chapter of
+"The Talisman" aloud while we worked. Then Father came up and was
+as jolly as could be. He advised us to read the "Life of
+Washington" next, and we decided to begin it next week. Father is
+coming up again if he can. The O.B.F.D. will meet next week, so
+we can't have the club; I forgot. Some of us will write you about
+it. I hope Miss Lyons's brother will soon be well and Aunt Mary
+too. Good-by,</p>
+
+<p class="right"><span style="padding-right: 6em;">Your devoted nephew,</span><br />
+<span class="sc">William Carleton Hazeltine</span>.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>A week or two later Aunt Z&eacute;lie received two long letters in the same
+envelope, from her nieces:</p>
+
+<div class="block"><p><span class="sc">Dear Auntie</span>: We have so much to tell you that we are
+going to divide it between us. Aunt Marcia has just been here and
+has asked Father to let Helen go with her to Florida. Isn't that
+lovely? Uncle William said he wished he could take us all, but I
+don't believe Aunt Marcia does. Louise and I wish we could go.
+Aleck wants Helen to bring him an alligator. Another thing we
+have to tell you is that Louise went to hear Patti sing, with Mr.
+Caruth. He was going to take Cousin Helen, but she was sick, so
+he came and asked Louise if she would go instead. Aunt Marcia
+said it was a great compliment to such a little girl, and that
+she must wear her white silk dress. I couldn't help wanting to
+go, because we always go together, and she was sorry too. Mr.
+Caruth brought her some flowers just as if she was a young lady,
+and I heard him tell Father she was a beautiful child. She had a
+lovely time, but she was sleepy next day. Now Louise is going to
+tell you about the meeting of the Order.</p>
+
+<p class="right"><span style="padding-right: 6em;">Your devoted niece,</span><br />
+<span class="sc">Elizabeth Hazeltine</span>.</p>
+</div>
+
+<br />
+
+<div class="block"><p><span class="sc">Darling Aunt Z&eacute;lie</span>: Bess says I must tell you about the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span>
+O.B.F.D. It met yesterday afternoon. We trimmed the star chamber
+with our flags, and Carl cut some big letters out of gilt
+paper,&mdash;O.B.F.D.'s I mean,&mdash;and put them on the wall. Everybody
+came, and we had a nice time. Carl made a speech of welcome; and
+Jim played on the banjo, and then we had reports. We each wrote
+on a piece of paper how we were trying to help, and Will read
+them. We didn't put our names, because Bess said it would seem as
+if we were proud of ourselves. Connie said some poetry and Aleck
+sang a funny song. Ikey and Will both had to pay fines. We are
+each going to pay ten cents a month and give the money to the
+Children's Hospital. When we thought it was all over Jim got up
+and said he had a present for us, and what do you think it was?
+Our motto painted in colors. Father says it is illuminated, and
+little John did it. Jim had it framed. We hung it on the wall,
+and we think perhaps we will ask John to belong to the Order. I
+liked Patti very much, but I wished Bess could go.</p>
+
+<p class="right"><span style="padding-right: 6em;">With a great many kisses and lots of love,</span><br />
+<span class="sc">Louise Hazeltine</span>.</p>
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XIX.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>AUNT SUKEY'S STORY.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>"It is a whole month since Aunt Z&eacute;lie went away, and nearly a week
+since we had a letter. I wonder if Miss Lyons's brother is not well
+yet;" Bess sighed, for time was beginning to drag.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose Miss Lyons couldn't go back at all, would your aunt have to
+stay?" asked Dora, who had come in to spend the afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear, no! Aunt Mary would have to get another companion; Aunt Z&eacute;lie
+belongs to us," answered Carl, who sat on the floor showing Carie
+pictures.</p>
+
+<p>There was one supposed to represent the drowning of Pharaoh and his
+host which interested her deeply, and her brother made it even more
+thrilling by singing in an explosive manner one of Sukey's songs:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Oh! didn't old Pharaoh get drowned&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Oh! <i>didn't</i> old Pharaoh got drowned&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Oh! DIDN'T old Pharaoh get drowned in the Red sea?"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"Is Carl here?" asked Louise, looking in; "here's Ikey."</p>
+
+<p>"What are you boys going to do this afternoon? Don't you want to play
+something?" asked Bess.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span>"No, thanks, we have something else on hand," was the unsatisfactory
+reply.</p>
+
+<p>"What?" said Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind; little girls mustn't ask questions," responded Carl
+paternally, as he and Ikey left the room. A moment later he returned
+to call through the half-opened door, "I know something I'm not going
+to tell."</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind, I can get it out of Ikey," responded Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"Unfortunately he doesn't know it," came from the third-story stairs.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps Mandy will let us make some candy; let's ask her, and not
+tell the boys," Louise suggested.</p>
+
+<p>So while Joanna carried Carie off for a walk the others went down to
+the kitchen.</p>
+
+<p>It was a large, bright room, and it was Mandy's pride to keep it
+shining. Aunt Sukey sat by one of the windows with the mending basket
+beside her, and the presiding genius stood at the spotless table
+rolling out croquettes.</p>
+
+<p>"Mandy, we are so lonely without Auntie! mayn't we make some candy to
+amuse us?" Louise put on her most coaxing expression.</p>
+
+<p>"The kitchen ain't the place for young ladies to get their dresses
+dirty in, and their fingers burned," said Sukey severely.</p>
+
+<p>"But we aren't young ladies, mammy, and we will be careful," urged
+Bess.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span>"I don't think anyone <i>could</i> get dirty in this kitchen," Dora added
+in honest admiration.</p>
+
+<p>This compliment pleased Mandy, and furthermore it was her kitchen, so
+she said good-naturedly, "You can make all the candy you want, so long
+as you get through before dinner-time."</p>
+
+<p>With this permission the sugar and molasses were soon simmering in a
+saucepan, sending forth a pleasant fragrance.</p>
+
+<p>When it was well begun Bess sat down by Sukey, saying, "Now tell us a
+story, mammy."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, go 'long, I tole you all my stories long ago! You all's getting
+too big for stories. Looks like it was just yesterday that Miss Z&eacute;lie
+was askin', 'Mammy, tell me a story,' same as you."</p>
+
+<p>"Was Auntie pretty when she was a little girl?" asked Bess.</p>
+
+<p>"There never was a child as good-looking from first to last. Louise
+favors her, and it looks like I forget sometimes that it ain't Miss
+Z&eacute;lie; but pretty is as pretty does, that's the truth, and she was
+pretty in manners as well as face."</p>
+
+<p>"Go on and tell us about her," begged Louise, for though they had
+heard it all many times there was nothing they liked so well to listen
+to. Nor was there anything Sukey liked so well to tell, so as she
+sorted and turned and rolled the stockings in a leisurely way, she
+began.</p>
+
+<p>The sunshine came in at the window and rested on Louise's bright head
+and Dora's dark one, as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span>they sat together in the same chair. Bess's
+seat was an upturned earthen jar, and the same sunlight fell on her
+small folded hands and on the brown wrinkled ones at work with the
+stockings.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you know how Miss Z&eacute;lie's ma died when she wasn't as big as
+little Carie, and the last thing she said to me was, 'Sukey, you mind
+my baby.' Miss Elizabeth always set great store by me, and I 'lowed
+that freedom or nothin' could take me from old Master's family. It was
+powerful lonesome in this big house in those days. Your grandpa took
+your grandma's death mighty hard, and he had to travel a good deal for
+his health, so Miss Z&eacute;lie didn't have any one to look after her but
+Mr. William and me. Mr. Frank, your pa, was away at college. Then Mr.
+William got married. Miss Marcia is a good woman and kind-hearted, but
+she ain't any gift at managin' children, and that's the truth. Miss
+Z&eacute;lie was a smart, lively child with a temper of her own, and if I do
+say it she would have had a hard time if it had not been for her old
+mammy. When she was ten years old Mr. Frank&mdash;he had been home from
+college a year&mdash;come to me and says, 'Sukey, I'm goin' to be married.'</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't know whether to be glad or sorry, but I wished him good
+luck, an' he went back up North for his wife."</p>
+
+<p>"That was Mamma, you know," Louise explained to Dora.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span>"I remember how Miss Z&eacute;lie come to me, and says she, 'Mammy, do you
+think she will love me?'</p>
+
+<p>"About that time Miss Marcia took it into her head to go to Europe.
+She said something about taking Miss Z&eacute;lie along, but I up an' tole
+her that where my child went I went too, an' she 'lowed she didn't
+want me.</p>
+
+<p>"It was the prettiest kind of a day when they came home, and we was
+out on the porch watchin' for them. They drove up presently with your
+grandpa, and Miss Elinor she came up the walk ahead of Mr. Frank,
+smiling as sweet us could be, an' she says, 'So this is my little
+sister.' I knew that minute they'd be friends.</p>
+
+<p>"Your ma was dreadful fond of children, and she made a great pet of
+Miss Z&eacute;lie, and she was as happy as a bird."</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't it interesting to think of Aunt Z&eacute;lie being a little girl?"
+said Bess; "but go on, Sukey, and tell about when Carl was born."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it did seem like she was just too happy when the baby came. He
+was a fine child, and Miss Elinor said Miss Z&eacute;lie might name him.
+Well, she and your grandpa would sit and argue about that name, and
+after I don't know how long they settled on William Carleton. That was
+the name of Miss Elinor's only brother, and William was old Master's
+name too. Mr. Carl used to come down right often, and he and Miss
+Z&eacute;lie was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span>great friends, though he was eight years older. Well,
+when&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Just at this moment the kitchen door opened; the children had their
+backs to it, but Sukey sat facing it, and her story came to a sudden
+stop. Bess, turning to look, was clasped from behind. Could it
+possibly be? Yes, it certainly was Aunt Z&eacute;lie herself.</p>
+
+<p>"You darling! When did you come?" asked Louise, holding her fast.</p>
+
+<p>"This very minute. I wrote to Frank that I would be home to-morrow,
+and then found that I could get off to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"And is Miss Lyons's brother well?" inquired Bess.</p>
+
+<p>"Almost, and she sent her thanks to you for letting me take her
+place."</p>
+
+<p>"She is welcome, now you are at home again," laughed Louise, with
+another hug.</p>
+
+<p>The candy was almost forgotten in the delight at Aunt Z&eacute;lie's return,
+and would have been spoiled if Mandy had not taken it in hand.</p>
+
+<p>When the traveller went to change her dress Louise had a little
+triumph over Carl which pleased her exceedingly.</p>
+
+<p>Going up to the star chamber, she called, "Well, I have found out your
+secret, Mr. Carl. It is that Auntie is coming home to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>"Who told you?" he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind, I told you I'd find out," and she <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span>ran away without
+giving him a chance to ask any more questions.</p>
+
+<p>An hour later, when the boys came downstairs, there was Aunt Z&eacute;lie
+looking as if she had never, never been away, and the girls quite
+consumed with delight at their surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Louise, that was mean!" Carl cried. "How long have you been here, I'd
+like to know?" with one of his bearlike hugs.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not <i>mean</i> to be mean, really, and you and Ikey can have all
+the candy you want," said Louise generously.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Howard had certainly no reason to doubt her popularity. The news
+of her arrival spread, and the next day in the afternoon she held an
+impromptu reception.</p>
+
+<p>One after another the boys and girls dropped in, till the whole eleven
+were there. The first to arrive was Jim, with a great bunch of roses,
+at which extravagance Aunt Z&eacute;lie shook her head, though she could not
+help appreciating their beauty and Jim's thoughtfulness.</p>
+
+<p>Ikey wished that he could do magnificent things like that,&mdash;he
+sometimes dreamed of it,&mdash;but alas! he was in a chronically penniless
+state. He had nothing for her but a message from his mother, but when
+he screwed up sufficient courage to deliver it it seemed to please her
+as much as the roses. The message was: "Thank Mrs. Howard for being so
+good to my boy. Some day I hope to see her and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span>tell her how I love
+her for it." Ikey's heart fairly glowed when Aunt Z&eacute;lie said that it
+was only a pleasure to be good to such a nice boy.</p>
+
+<p>Last of all came Cousin Helen and Aleck, who stayed and spent a merry
+evening.</p>
+
+<p>"It is so nice to have Aunt Z&eacute;lie back, I am almost glad she went,"
+Bess was heard to say.</p>
+
+<p>And that lady herself thought that such a welcome quite made up for
+the four rather lonely weeks in the country with her invalid aunt.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XX.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>THE ORDER OF THE BIG FRONT DOOR.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>On the afternoon of the meeting at Miss Brown's, when the silver keys
+were distributed, Jim had walked home with Aunt Z&eacute;lie and said as they
+reached the gate, "Thank you very much for the pin, Mrs. Howard; I
+mean to remember the motto and be a helper if I can."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure you do, and you are more than welcome," she replied,
+thinking, as she looked into the bright, handsome face, "He wants to
+please me now, but perhaps it will grow into a higher motive."</p>
+
+<p>Jim was quite in earnest when he said this. Three months in the Good
+Neighbors Club had somewhat changed his point of view. He might still
+be inconsiderate and thoughtless, but he no longer defended himself by
+saying that every fellow must look out for himself.</p>
+
+<p>The friendship of little John Armstrong was doing much for him. A
+strong liking had sprung up between the two, rather to the surprise of
+everybody. From the first John showed a decided preference for Jim,
+who was so big and strong and capable, everything he himself was not;
+and in the same way the helpless weakness of the invalid <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span>made its
+appeal to the boy who in all his life had never been ill.</p>
+
+<p>Certainly Miss Brown was right when she said that the silver keys
+could open a door of pleasure to the lame boy.</p>
+
+<p>The children could not guess the happiness their companionship gave
+him. He listened with eager interest to all they told him of their
+life at home and at school, and when they were gone he lived it over
+again in imagination. He cherished a secret desire to belong to the
+Order, but would not have mentioned it for the world, for how could he
+help? He wrote the motto in his note-book, and then for weeks spent
+all his spare time copying it on parchment in letters taken from an
+old English missal, one of his father's treasures, drawing and
+coloring them with greatest care. When it was done it was really
+beautiful, and Jim, who was in the secret, had it nicely framed and
+presented it, as we know, at the next meeting of the Order.</p>
+
+<p>But John wanted to be a real helper. He thought about it a great deal,
+but everything was done for him; there seemed to be no chance.</p>
+
+<p>One day he noticed a lot of magazines which his father had been
+looking over, and left lying on the floor when he was suddenly called
+away. They belonged on the lower shelves of the bookcase, and it
+occurred to him that he might replace them. He rolled his chair over
+to that side of the room, and with a good deal of effort put them
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span>back in order on the shelves. Then when Dr. Armstrong thanked his wife
+that evening for putting them away, and she answered that she had not
+even seen them, John had the great delight of surprising them. It sent
+him to bed with a happy heart. However, next day he began to doubt
+whether so small a thing would count, and when Jim dropped in in the
+afternoon he asked his opinion. "Of course, you see, I can't do much
+of anything, but I'd like to help a little," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Count?" said Jim, the despiser of trifles; "of course it does;
+everything counts."</p>
+
+<p>He told the boys and Aunt Z&eacute;lie about it at the next meeting of the
+G.N. Club. "I can't help feeling sorry for the little fellow; I never
+thought before how hard it would be not to be able to do things like
+other people, but just sit still and be waited on; so I told him I
+thought it would count. Don't you think so?" Jim looked at Aunt Z&eacute;lie
+appealingly, half afraid the boys would laugh at his soft-heartedness.</p>
+
+<p>"I certainly do," she answered, and Will said, "There are a great many
+things he could do, I am sure. Did he ever show you his scrap-books?
+They are beautifully done. He could make some smaller ones for the
+hospital."</p>
+
+<p>"Why couldn't we make him a member of the Order? He would be so
+pleased," said Jim.</p>
+
+<p>"He couldn't come, could he?" asked Ikey, not meaning to object.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span>"Why couldn't he?" said Carl; "some of us could carry him over as
+easily as not."</p>
+
+<p>"I say let's talk it over with the girls and have him here next
+Friday," said Will.</p>
+
+<p>The girls entered into it willingly. "Of course he ought to belong,
+for he made us that beautiful motto," said Elsie.</p>
+
+<p>"And we must get up something interesting for him," said Louise, who
+with Jim was on the entertainment committee.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Z&eacute;lie consulted Mrs. Armstrong and found she was not willing to
+let John go out at night, so the time of the meeting was changed to
+Friday afternoon. Nothing was said to John himself till that morning,
+when Carl stopped in on his way to school to invite him.</p>
+
+<p>"Could I go? Do you think I could go, Mother?" he asked eagerly, and
+from then until lunch time he lived in delightful anticipation.</p>
+
+<p>After that the minutes dragged till three, when the boys came for him,
+and the journey from the parsonage to the star chamber was easily
+accomplished. This apartment presented a festive appearance, decorated
+with flags and bunting which had done service in one of Aunt Marcia's
+numerous charitable entertainments.</p>
+
+<p>"You see, John," Louise explained as soon as his chair had been placed
+in a corner from which he could see everything, "Aunt Z&eacute;lie said we
+ought to have colors for our Order, and I thought, and so <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span>did Bess
+and Dora, that red, white, and blue would be nicest, because they are
+the colors of our country. Carl says it is silly, for we are not doing
+anything for our country, but I'm sure we would if we could."</p>
+
+<p>As Louise chattered away John looked around him. His motto hung in the
+place of honor over the mantel. In front of this was a low platform
+which dated back to Uncle William's time, and had often done duty for
+tableaux and such things; on it were two chairs and a table for the
+President and Secretary. Chairs for the audience were arranged in rows
+facing this. It was a most exciting moment to John when Will took the
+chair and called the meeting to order in a business-like way. Bess
+read the minutes of the last meeting, and Ikey gave the Treasurer's
+report. Then came reports from the two clubs, given respectively by
+Elsie and Aleck. The M.Ks. were still at work on the afghan for old
+Aunt Sallie, which was nearly done, and Miss Brown was reading aloud
+to them "A New England Girlhood."</p>
+
+<p>The G.Ns. had finished one of their screens and were at work on
+another while they listened to "The Life of Washington."</p>
+
+<p>"Next in order is the election of new members," said Will, and John
+started and flushed and then felt ashamed that he could be so silly as
+to think he was meant.</p>
+
+<p>Jim rose and said, "Mr. President, I nominate John Armstrong."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span>This was seconded by Ikey, and the President continued: "John
+Armstrong is nominated; all in favor will please say 'aye.'"</p>
+
+<p>The "ayes" were overwhelming, and accompanied by such a clapping of
+hands that the President forgot to ask for the "noes."</p>
+
+<p>When it was quiet again John found voice to say timidly, "I'm afraid I
+won't amount to much, but I am very much obliged and I'll try."</p>
+
+<p>When Louise pinned a little silver key with a tiny bow of red, white,
+and blue ribbon on his coat no Knight of the Garter was ever prouder
+of his decoration.</p>
+
+<p>The President announced that he had been told of a little girl who had
+to lie on her back for a year on account of some spinal trouble, and
+who had almost nothing to amuse her, so if anyone had scrap-books or
+toys and would send them to her it would be helping.</p>
+
+<p>John's eyes grew bright; here was something for him to do.</p>
+
+<p>After this the meeting adjourned, the table and chairs were removed
+from the platform, a white curtain drawn, the room darkened, and the
+audience, such as did not take part, were treated to shadow pictures.</p>
+
+<p>John, who had never seen any before, laughed till he cried at "Lord
+Ullin's Daughter" and "The Ballad of the Oysterman." This last was
+performed with particularly fine effect by Carl and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span>Louise, and
+everybody knows how funny it is when well done.</p>
+
+<p>John was carried home again very tired, but with a radiant face, eager
+to show his silver key. As the spring days grew warm and pleasant his
+wheeled chair was often seen on the sidewalk, or in the Hazeltines'
+garden, where he liked to watch the games of tennis and croquet,
+drawing clever little caricatures of the players meanwhile. Somebody
+was always ready to wheel him about, and in the pleasure of young
+companionship he grew stronger, and his face lost much of its pathetic
+look.</p>
+
+<p>About this time old Mr. Ford, whose eyes were growing dim, discovered
+that when the print of his paper was particularly fine a pair of
+strong young eyes were ready to lend their service. Sweet-tempered
+Ikey had always been willing enough to help when it occurred to him,
+but his thoughts were likely to be anywhere else than at home, so that
+the broadest hints were lost on him. Now, with the little key to
+remind him, he was oftener on the lookout for opportunities, and as
+the months passed his grandfather was heard to say: "Isaac is a fine
+boy, only a little mischievous," and Mrs. Ford added: "Yes, he is
+really growing like his father."</p>
+
+<p>The letters that found their way across the sea were not homesick in
+these days, and Ikey's mother ceased to worry about him.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span>In ways like these the silver keys did their work. Their owners did
+not forthwith turn into models of helpfulness and unselfishness; such
+things need time to grow, and this is exactly what they began to do.
+Only little sprouts, hardly to be noticed at first, they gave promise
+of being sturdy plants some day.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XXI.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>WORK AND PLAY.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>Miss Brown sat in her accustomed place by the window, where the sun
+was pouring in in a springlike way, though it was only February. Her
+sitting-room wore a festive air; the curtains looked crisp and white
+as if they were just hung, the old mahogany shone with more than its
+ordinary lustre, and on a table at her side stood a bowl filled with
+white carnations. She looked about her with happy eyes, for she had
+been away a month and had discovered that there was no place like
+home, after all.</p>
+
+<p>From the pleasant room she turned to the window, and her glance went
+across the sunny street and rested on the Big Front Door.</p>
+
+<p>It opened presently, as she rather expected, and Bess and Louise came
+out with their work-bags, and stood talking to Aunt Z&eacute;lie, who
+followed them.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear, dear, how those children are growing! It seems only yesterday
+that they broke my window and came to confess."</p>
+
+<p>As she watched them Miss Brown thought, as she had so often before,
+what a happy home that was, and how much of its brightness found its
+way over to her!</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span>"Come for us early this afternoon, Carl, for we want to go out to
+Uncle William's," said Bess to her brother, who had joined them and
+was carefully marking his aunt's height on the wall.</p>
+
+<p>"You are not expecting me to grow any more, I suppose," said that
+lady, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"I simply wish to prove to you that I am two inches taller, so you
+can't lord it over me any longer, madam."</p>
+
+<p>"I was under the impression that the lording came from quite a
+different quarter."</p>
+
+<p>"That is a base slander; you know I am your humble slave, so take it
+back," and Carl gave her a hug that compelled her to cry for mercy.</p>
+
+<p>"If you must embrace me, let it not be in public; what will the
+neighbors think?" she said, as he released her.</p>
+
+<p>"They may think that I am very fond of you, and where is the harm?"
+following her into the hall and closing the door.</p>
+
+<p>Over at Miss Brown's a few minutes later five work-bags were being
+opened, their owners all talking at once as they took out their
+thimbles and needles.</p>
+
+<p>Though nearly two years and a half had passed since the day when the
+M.Ks. took their first lesson in knitting, the club still flourished,
+and after a month's holiday they were eager to begin the meetings
+again.</p>
+
+<p>"We did hardly any work while you were gone, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span>we were so afraid of
+making some mistake," said Louise, bringing her chair to Miss Brown's
+side.</p>
+
+<p>"Uncle William's dreams ought to be sweet when he takes his nap under
+this; I believe Dora's stripe is the prettiest of all," and Bess held
+up her friend's work admiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"Dora's stripes are always prettiest," said Elsie; "I wish I could do
+half so well."</p>
+
+<p>"Aren't they absurd, Miss Brown, when it is only because daisies look
+particularly well on tan color?" said Dora, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"I think the skilful fingers have something to do with it, but I am
+proud of all the work."</p>
+
+<p>"We have improved a little since we made the afghan for Aunt Sallie,
+haven't we?" remarked Constance.</p>
+
+<p>"You have, indeed, but you were such dear little girls then, and now
+you are growing distressingly tall; I do not half like it." Miss Brown
+shook her head disapprovingly as she looked around the circle.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it will be very nice to be grown up," said Elsie, who was
+already beginning to consider herself a young lady at fourteen.</p>
+
+<p>"I'd much rather stay a little girl. I don't like growing up. Next
+year Carl is going away to school, and all our good times will be
+over," and Bess sighed as though the weight of years already rested on
+her shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we <i>are</i> only little girls yet, so what is the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span>use of
+worrying?" said Louise, who, though she was tallest of all, was more
+of a child than any of the others.</p>
+
+<p>Dora was perhaps more changed than any of her friends. She was growing
+very sweet and womanly, and her manners were as simple and frank as
+ever. Her mother's feeble health brought her more care than fell to
+the share of most girls of her age, and this made her seem older than
+she really was.</p>
+
+<p>This afternoon she seemed somewhat preoccupied and silent. When
+appealed to she answered as brightly as usual, but a thoughtful,
+anxious look came to her face when she turned to her work.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Brown noticed it and wondered what was troubling her.</p>
+
+<p>"Girls," exclaimed Bess, "suppose we give Uncle William a party when
+we finish the slumber robe&mdash;just our set, you know."</p>
+
+<p>This suggestion met with enthusiastic approval, and was discussed with
+great glee till Louise announced the arrival of the boys.</p>
+
+<p>On pleasant Saturdays they often dropped in about five o'clock, and
+when work was put up went with the girls for a walk, a custom which
+Aunt Z&eacute;lie encouraged, for she liked to have her boys and girls
+together.</p>
+
+<p>Carl came across the street, followed by Will and Aleck; Ikey, who was
+waiting at his gate, joined them; and a moment later Jim came hurrying
+round the corner.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span>"Let's show them the slumber robe," proposed Louise. So they were
+called in while Bess and Elsie spread their work over a chair.</p>
+
+<p>The boys went through the ordeal fairly well, being amiably desirous
+of pleasing the proud needlewomen.</p>
+
+<p>Will brought down their scorn upon his head by saying it was pretty,
+as if it were not "lovely," and Aleck insulted Dora by examining her
+daisies with a critical air and then asking what sort of flowers they
+were.</p>
+
+<p>For this stupidity Carl promised to punish him.</p>
+
+<p>"Aren't you coming with us, Dora?" asked Bess when they reached the
+street, seeing that she turned toward home.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry, but I can't this afternoon," she said.</p>
+
+<p>They united in coaxing her, but she would not listen, and with a
+cheerful good-by walked briskly away.</p>
+
+<p>"Mayn't I carry your parcel for you?" asked a voice at her side.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Carl, I thought you had gone with the others! It isn't dark. I
+do not need anyone."</p>
+
+<p>"Please, ma'm, I'd like to walk with you if you don't mind."</p>
+
+<p>Dora couldn't help smiling, though she said severely, "I don't believe
+you. It is because you think I am lonely by myself. I am much obliged
+to you, but I wish you would run after the others."</p>
+
+<p>Carl coolly took possession of the work-bag. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span>"You will have to make
+the best of it, for I am going home with you."</p>
+
+<p>They walked on in silence for a minute; then he asked meekly, "Are you
+mad?"</p>
+
+<p>"You know I am not."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you might tell what is the matter. You don't know how much good,
+honest confession does one."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I do, but I have nothing to confess. I am worried about
+something, but you cannot help me, and it is not worth speaking of, at
+any rate."</p>
+
+<p>"Come home, then, and tell Aunt Z&eacute;lie; she is pretty good at helping."</p>
+
+<p>"I ought to know that; still I don't know what even she could do. It
+is not much, after all; I am just rather low in my mind, as Mrs. West
+says." Dora smiled with an attempt at cheerfulness not altogether
+successful.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't fib; brace up and make a clean breast of it, and if you need
+advice I am full of it."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me, you are such a goose! I shall not have any peace till I tell
+you. Well, then, the beginning of it is that Mrs. West is going to
+Florida to live."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry, but it seems to me matters might be worse," Carl answered
+gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course you don't understand it. It means that we must find another
+boarding place, <i>where</i> I am sure I do not know. We can't afford any
+that are near here, and Mamma does so hate to board, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span>she is not a bit
+happy. I would give anything if we could have a little house all to
+ourselves."</p>
+
+<p>"There is one thing certain, you shall not go away from this
+neighborhood. Don't worry about it, it will come out all right."</p>
+
+<p>Dora felt a little comforted by Carl's sympathy, though she knew he
+could not help her.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure you could not find a small house that would do?" he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I know that is quite out of the question. Even a small house
+would cost too much, and then it would be too lonely for Mamma, when I
+am at school. You see it was foolish in me to tell you, for it only
+bothers you for nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"Just wait a minute, I have an idea," said Carl, putting his hands in
+his pockets and assuming an air of deep meditation.</p>
+
+<p>"It is ever so much better than Mrs. West's!" he exclaimed presently.
+"I am glad the old lady is going. I shall not tell you what it is till
+I investigate, but I am sure it will do."</p>
+
+<p>He was so interested in his scheme, whatever it might be, that he
+would not wait a moment, but rushed away as soon as the door was
+opened.</p>
+
+<p>"Ridiculous boy! What can he be thinking of?" Dora said to herself as
+she went upstairs, her curiosity much stronger than her faith.</p>
+
+<p>"Aunt Z&eacute;lie, can't you come with me over to the bakery?" asked Carl,
+bursting in upon her five minutes later.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span>"If it is a matter of life and death I presume I can," she replied.
+"What is going on there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing; I'll tell you about it, only do get your things, or it will
+be dark."</p>
+
+<p>As she put on her hat and coat he told her about Dora's trouble, which
+she could appreciate far better than he.</p>
+
+<p>"She said she knew they could not find a house that would do," he went
+on, "and that reminded me that there is a 'For Rent' sign in the
+windows over the bakery. You know if they lived there Mrs. Smith would
+be good to them, and perhaps they could get their meals from her. So I
+want you to look at the rooms and see what you think. Dora would
+listen to you."</p>
+
+<p>Very much amused, Aunt Z&eacute;lie went with him, agreeing that it might be
+practicable.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Smith, the wife of the confectioner, was delighted to show her
+rooms, and led the way through the store into the entrance hall at the
+side, and on upstairs. There were two large, bright rooms opening into
+the hall, with a bath-room adjoining. The rent was very reasonable,
+and she said she could furnish meals. Aunt Z&eacute;lie was forced to admit
+that her nephew's plan had a good deal to recommend it.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing would do but they must go and tell Dora about it before they
+went home.</p>
+
+<p>She was very much surprised to see them, and listened with eyes that
+grew bright as the plan was unfolded.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span>"Didn't I tell you it would be better than staying here?" Carl asked
+triumphantly.</p>
+
+<p>"It sounds as if it would be perfect; how did you come to think of
+it?" Dora said gratefully.</p>
+
+<p>She could hardly wait till Monday afternoon to go and see for herself.
+Mrs. Howard went with her then, and so did Bess and Louise, but they
+only sat on the window-sill and built castles while the others made
+calculations and discussed carpets and curtains.</p>
+
+<p>"They are such pleasant rooms, so much more so than the one we have
+now," Dora said. "I think, and the doctor said so too, that sunshine
+is the best thing for Mamma. I believe I have thought of everything,
+and it won't cost much more than boarding at Mrs. West's. If it were
+only on the other side of the street I could see the Big Front Door."</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Z&eacute;lie offered to take charge of the cleaning and getting ready,
+so that her lessons need not be interrupted, and nothing remained but
+to gain her mother's consent to the plan.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Warner made no objection to it when she heard that Mr. Hazeltine
+and Mrs. Howard thought it wise, but she did not show the interest
+Dora hoped for.</p>
+
+<p>Once it was decided upon, things seemed almost to arrange themselves.
+All her young friends took an interest in Dora's moving, and Elsie,
+who doubted the propriety of living over a store,&mdash;for as yet <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span>"flats"
+had not been heard of in this part of the country,&mdash;nevertheless
+confided to Bess that she was going to make her a beautiful
+pincushion. This suggested an idea to Bess.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you think it would nice for each of us to give Dora something
+for her housekeeping?" she asked at the dinner table that evening.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle William and Aunt Marcia were there, and the Warners had just
+been spoken of. "A good suggestion," said the first-named; "suppose we
+do."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't approve of this move at all," Mrs. Hazeltine announced; "Mrs.
+Warner must have lost her mind to consent."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a great deal nicer than you imagine, Aunt Marcia," urged Bess.</p>
+
+<p>"Dora doesn't care about being fashionable, and you can have more fun
+if you don't," observed Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"You seem to care for nothing but fun," said her aunt, with dignity.</p>
+
+<p>"At any rate we all admire Dora's energy and good sense, and would
+like to do something to help her," said Mr. Frank Hazeltine.</p>
+
+<p>So they put their heads together and made their plans.</p>
+
+<p>It was arranged that Mrs. Warner should come to her new quarters on
+Saturday morning, and Dora lingered long on Friday afternoon putting a
+few last touches here and there, arranging her little <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span>sideboard with
+some pretty glass and china, relics of her mother's early
+housekeeping, till everything was in dainty order.</p>
+
+<p>"I do hope Mamma will think it pleasant," she said to Louise, who was
+helping.</p>
+
+<p>"She will, I'm sure," Louise answered, looking around the room, which
+was indeed very attractive with the afternoon sunshine streaming in
+through the windows draped in their pretty muslin curtains.</p>
+
+<p>"Everything is so sweet and cosey I almost envy you," she added,
+dusting the top of the clock with a tiny feather duster.</p>
+
+<p>"Louise Hazeltine, how could you envy anybody?" Dora exclaimed. "There
+are two things I ought to have, and mean to sometime," she went on,
+"and they are some plants and a canary."</p>
+
+<p>Louise looked out of the window to hide a smile.</p>
+
+<p>One more peep had to be taken at the other room, where two snowy beds
+looked restful and inviting; then she locked the doors, leaving the
+key with Mrs. Smith that the fires might be made in the morning.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you will like it, Mamma," were her last words that night and
+her first thought next morning.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hazeltine sent his carriage for Mrs. Warner, and short as the
+drive was it seemed tiresomely long to Dora.</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad it is pleasant so that the sunshine <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span>will be in your
+windows; it is always there by eleven o'clock," she said.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Smith was at the door to welcome them, with her small son Tommy
+to carry up any bundles.</p>
+
+<p>"I declare," she remarked to her husband, "it doesn't look right for a
+woman that has a daughter like Miss Dora to be so terrible
+down-hearted."</p>
+
+<p>In her eagerness to see how her mother was pleased, Dora hardly
+noticed anything herself when she opened the door.</p>
+
+<p>A more hopelessly gloomy person than Mrs. Warner could not have failed
+to be impressed with the sweet, cheerful comfort which pervaded the
+room. The sunshine from the south windows lay in two great patches on
+the quiet carpet, and glistened in a corner of something that did not
+look quite familiar; the fire burned briskly, doing its best to add to
+the cheeriness.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear daughter, how could you do all this?" she asked, her face
+brightening.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you like it? I am so glad!" Then Dora began to look about in some
+bewilderment; something had certainly happened to the room since
+yesterday. In the corner by the fireplace was the dearest mahogany
+desk, and on it a card which read, "For a brave little girl, from
+Uncle William." Glancing up, her eyes rested on the sweet face of a
+Madonna, which she guessed at once came from Aunt Z&eacute;lie.</p>
+
+<p>"How good they are to me!'" she exclaimed, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span>feeling almost like
+crying; but just then the canary in the window burst into a song, thus
+calling attention to himself and to the pot of ivy from Miss Brown.</p>
+
+<p>It was a morning of surprises. While her mother sat in her easy-chair,
+with a more cheerful face than she had worn for years, Dora went about
+finding every now and then something new. There were hyacinths from
+Helen and Carie, Elsie's pincushion on the bureau, a table cover from
+Constance, and on the sideboard a cunning teapot, with this touching
+verse tied on the handle:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Whene'er a cup of tea you drink,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Of me I hope you'll kindly think.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To make the memory more complete,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Be sure to take it very sweet."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>This effusion did not need Carl's initials to tell her where it came
+from. The last thing to be discovered was a beautiful chair to match
+the desk, from Carl's father.</p>
+
+<p>Late in the afternoon a happy face looked in on Aunt Z&eacute;lie, and a
+merry voice exclaimed, "It is going to be a success; and to-day has
+been better than Christmas!"</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XXII.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>UNCLE WILLIAM IS SURPRISED.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>Dora's housekeeping seemed to thrive from the first. Her mother grew
+more cheerful and a little stronger, and she herself was rosy and
+happy. It was so pleasant to come home every day after school and find
+Fanny, their small maid, who came each morning and stayed till after
+lunch, setting their own little table. And then, what a pleasure to
+study at her beautiful desk!</p>
+
+<p>"It is lovely, if it is over a confectionery, isn't it, Mamma?" she
+would say.</p>
+
+<p>It was her great pleasure to keep this small domain in the daintiest
+order, and Saturday morning was sure to find her busy with her duster.
+On this particular morning, as she was shaking it out of the window,
+she saw Bess and Louise coming in.</p>
+
+<p>"If you aren't busy, Dora, we want to talk to you about something."
+began the last-named person before she was fairly in the room.</p>
+
+<p>"I am just through, and delighted to see you," she said hospitably.</p>
+
+<p>"It is about the afghan," Bess explained. "We can finish it easily
+this afternoon, and the twentieth <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span>is Uncle William's birthday; don't
+you think it would be best to give it to him then?"</p>
+
+<p>"We asked the boys about the party and they are in favor of it, and
+Aunt Z&eacute;lie says we can have it. Now what kind of a party shall it be?
+We want suggestions," said Louise, folding her hands in her lap, and
+leaning back as if she had only to ask.</p>
+
+<p>"Why not have a surprise party?&mdash;ask him to dinner as if it were
+nothing special, you know."</p>
+
+<p>"The very thing!" they both exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>"Why didn't we think of surprising the dear old duck, who is always
+surprising us?" Louise added.</p>
+
+<p>Bess shook her head at her sister. "That is not a becoming way in
+which to speak of your uncle. But that is a good idea, Dora; you are a
+very bright girl."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, I am glad I am satisfactory. Do you need any more
+suggestions?"</p>
+
+<p>"It must be a real party; we must trim the house and have Carl present
+the slumber robe; and do you think we could have a cake with candles?
+Forty-eight would be a good many."</p>
+
+<p>"Four dozen," said Dora, as Louise paused for breath. "Why don't you
+leave the decorations to the boys? We have done our share in making
+the afghan."</p>
+
+<p>"Another brilliant idea. We will," said Bess.</p>
+
+<p>They discussed it again over their work that afternoon, and Constance
+and Elsie gave their entire approval to the plan.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span>A party at the Hazeltines' was always welcome, and the combination of
+circumstances made this particularly pleasant to anticipate.</p>
+
+<p>Their fingers flew as they talked, and by five o'clock the last stitch
+was taken, and the work of nearly six months finished.</p>
+
+<p>After surveying it fondly on all sides and trying its effect on Miss
+Brown's sofa, it was reluctantly wrapped in a sheet and put away till
+the all-important day.</p>
+
+<p>It was hard to do justice to lessons the next week, with such
+interesting preparations to be made. Aunt Z&eacute;lie had shaken her head
+over parties during the school term, but gave in to the plan that this
+was a very special occasion. They couldn't help the fact that Uncle
+William's birthday came in March.</p>
+
+<p>Everything was ready in good time, Mr. Hazeltine was invited to
+dinner, and a hint was given to his wife.</p>
+
+<p>At seven o'clock on Thursday evening most of the party had assembled,
+and the Hazeltine house was pervaded by an air of expectancy.</p>
+
+<p>In the place of honor in the long drawing-room sat Miss Brown, who
+could not resist the united urging of Aunt Z&eacute;lie and the girls.</p>
+
+<p>"We arranged this corner just for you," said Bess, coming to greet her
+as soon as she was seated. "We knew you would look like a picture in
+it."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span>Miss Brown laughed and said that would be a new sensation, as she had
+never before been a picture.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, you have been, but perhaps you didn't know it!" said Louise.
+"This time you are to know it, and every one is to admire you, for you
+are part of our decorations; I am glad you wore that lovely shawl."</p>
+
+<p>She made a picture, truly, with her bright eyes and snowy hair against
+the crimson velvet of the chair, a delicate white lace shawl over her
+dark dress, and a copper lamp with a deep rose-colored shade throwing
+a soft radiance about her.</p>
+
+<p>"And here is somebody to keep you company," said Bess, bringing Aunt
+Z&eacute;lie to sit beside her.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Howard's eyes followed lovingly her two pretty nieces as they
+danced away to join the group around the afghan.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder," said Miss Brown, watching them, "what difference it would
+have made in me if I had had such a home when I was a child."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a beautiful and helpful thing to have a happy childhood to look
+back upon," answered their aunt. "When I meet discontented, cynical
+people I feel sure that no sweet true child-life lies behind them. I
+want my boys and girls to be able to say that their happiest times
+have been at home. Here comes our housekeeper."</p>
+
+<p>There was certainly a housewifely air about Dora's plump little figure
+in her simple white dress <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span>as she came to speak to Miss Brown and get
+Aunt Z&eacute;lie to pin on her flowers.</p>
+
+<p>"Everybody is here but Ikey and Jim," announced Louise, whose blue
+ribbons were fluttering from one end of the house to the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Here they are!" called Carl from the window, "and someone else; it
+must be Uncle William!"</p>
+
+<p>Great excitement prevailed till the door opened and it proved to be
+Mr. Caruth.</p>
+
+<p>"I had forgotten you were invited, but I am very glad to see you,"
+Louise said, advancing to meet him.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I should not have been missed if I had not come?" he said,
+shaking hands with Mrs. Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I had only forgotten for a minute, because I have so much on my
+mind!" she explained, laughing. "Why, Jim, what lovely flowers! Ikey,
+where is your buttonhole bouquet that I took so much trouble to make?"</p>
+
+<p>Ikey stared blankly at his undecorated coat. "Oh! I forgot it. I put
+it in the refrigerator; I'll go and get it."</p>
+
+<p>"In the <i>refrigerator</i>?" repeated the girls with one voice. "Just like
+a boy!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, why not? That is where you put things to keep;" and Ikey
+departed to find his posies, while Jim divided his roses between
+Louise and Aunt Z&eacute;lie.</p>
+
+<p>In three minutes Ikey came flying back quite <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span>breathless, announcing
+that Uncle William was at the gate.</p>
+
+<p>The festive air which reigned inside found its way out through various
+cracks and crevices, causing Mr. Hazeltine to remark that the house
+looked unusually brilliant.</p>
+
+<p>The truth did not dawn upon him till he stood in the parlor floor
+before a semicircle of bright faces, all very full of the fun of the
+occasion.</p>
+
+<p>Across the top of the large mirror he saw "Welcome," in letters of
+evergreen, and a chorus of "Many happy returns!" greeted him.</p>
+
+<p>"Bless me! what does this mean? Is it possible that it is my
+birthday?" he exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and it's a <i>s'prise</i> party; aren't you <i>s'prised</i>?" demanded
+Carie, unable to keep quiet any longer.</p>
+
+<p>"Surprised? I should say so! I shall have to have forty-eight kisses
+from somebody."</p>
+
+<p>Carie immediately volunteered her share, and altogether it is probable
+that he really received more than he was entitled to.</p>
+
+<p>He made his way to Miss Brown's corner after a while, and when the
+excitement subsided a little Carl stepped forward and said in an
+extremely lawyer-like manner: "I have the honor to be chosen spokesman
+this evening, to welcome you and wish you many happy returns of the
+day in the name of the members of the Order of the Big Front Door, who
+in testimony of their affection for you tender <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span>you this reception. I
+am also requested to present to you, in behalf of the Merry Knitters,
+this slumber robe, the work of their own fair fingers, which they
+offer as a slight token of their appreciation of all your kindness to
+them. May your dreams be sweet!"</p>
+
+<p>Aleck and Ikey advanced and threw the slumber robe over a chair before
+the astonished Uncle William.</p>
+
+<p>For it moment it quite took his breath away. He was touched and
+gratified that the girls should have done so much work for him, and
+found it necessary to clear his throat vigorously before he replied to
+Carl's graceful effort.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure I can truthfully say that only once before in my life have
+I been so completely surprised. I thank you all most heartily for
+remembering an old fellow like me, and I particularly thank the M.Ks.
+for their beautiful gift. I shall prize it as one of my greatest
+treasures. I also thank Miss Brown for coming to my party; I consider
+it a great honor. As I had not the same opportunity as my nephew for
+preparing a speech I shall not say any more except to thank you all
+again."</p>
+
+<p>He sat down amid great applause.</p>
+
+<p>The slumber robe became for a while the centre of attraction. It was
+as great a surprise to Aunt Marcia as to her husband, and she admired
+it extremely, praising the young needlewomen warmly.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span>"Mr. Caruth and I feel envious, and want to know what you have done
+that so much work should be bestowed on you?" said Mr. Frank
+Hazeltine, joining the group around it.</p>
+
+<p>"You see, Father, he is a sort of public benefactor; he gets up wonder
+balls and takes us to the circus, so he has to be publicly rewarded,"
+Louise explained gayly.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure I was Santa Claus once," said Mr. Caruth.</p>
+
+<p>Supper was announced presently, and what a birthday supper it was!
+Mandy and Sukey had done their best for Mr. William, and their best
+was not to be sniffed at. Aunt Z&eacute;lie contributed menu cards, each with
+a flower and a quotation on it.</p>
+
+<p>Dora thought hers the prettiest of all. On it were a thistle and a
+wild rose, and the lines were:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Duty, like a strict preceptor,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Sometimes frowns or seems to frown.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Choose her thistle for thy sceptre,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">While youth's roses are thy crown."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"It was written by a poet for his own little daughter Dora," said Mrs.
+Howard.</p>
+
+<p>Aleck had:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"The heights by great men reached and kept<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Were not attained by sudden flight,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But they while their companions slept<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Were toiling upward in the night."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"Cousin Z&eacute;lie thinks I am lazy," he said, laughing.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span>"Mine is better than Dora's, and I know where it came from, and she
+has not an idea," said Carl. His lines were:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"My good blade carves the casques of men,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">My tough lance thrusteth sure,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">My strength is as the strength of ten<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Because my heart is pure."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"I don't care, for I can find out, and that is half the fun," Dora
+replied, comparing hers with Louise's, which had lilies of the valley
+on it, and these lines:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"I pray the prayer of Plato old&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">God make thee beautiful within,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And may thine eyes the good behold<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">In everything save sin."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Uncle William put his card away before anybody had seen it, and
+refused to show it, in spite of much coaxing.</p>
+
+<p>"It is too complimentary; modesty forbids," Carl suggested.</p>
+
+<p>"Why didn't you and Miss Helen favor us with something original, Mrs.
+Howard?" asked Mr. Caruth.</p>
+
+<p>"He is making fun of the Harp Man's Benefit," said Miss Hazeltine.</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid we exhausted our genius on that occasion," her cousin
+answered, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Uncle William, there is one thing you must tell us," said Bess, "and
+that is, <i>when</i> you were more surprised than to-night?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span>"Oh, that was long ago!" he replied. "It was Aunt Marcia who surprised
+me." All eyes turned to Mrs. Hazeltine.</p>
+
+<p>"Aunt Marcia, how did you do it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure I can't tell you. I think I am the one most apt to be
+surprised."</p>
+
+<p>"You'll have to tell," said Carl, turning to his uncle.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, if you must know, it was when she said '<i>Yes.</i>'"</p>
+
+<p>Everybody laughed, and his wife said majestically: "My dear, you are
+very absurd." But she did not appear seriously displeased.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't understand," remarked Helen; "what did she say yes <i>to</i>?" and
+this of course brought down the house.</p>
+
+<p>After supper was over they danced and played games till, all too soon,
+the evening was over.</p>
+
+<p>"Good times never last quite long enough," Louise said, as her uncle
+was arranging for the farewell Virginia reel.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought they lasted the year around," remarked Mr. Caruth, who
+stood beside her.</p>
+
+<p>"I mean special ones," she answered gayly, as she went off with him to
+take her place, leaving Ikey rather crestfallen.</p>
+
+<p>The others had quickly paired off: Carl and Dora, Aleck and Bess, Jim
+and Elsie, Will and Constance. Elsie called "Tucker" aggravatingly as
+she passed.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span>"Anyway, I didn't want to dance with her," he said to himself.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Hazeltine was playing for them, and Aunt Marcia sat with Miss
+Brown looking on; Aunt Z&eacute;lie stood in the doorway.</p>
+
+<p>She smiled at Ikey when he looked in her direction, saying: "Do you
+want a partner?"</p>
+
+<p>His gloom turned to rapture. "Oh! Mrs. Howard, will you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll try," she answered, as they took their places, his heart beating
+quickly with pride and delight. And never was a dance performed with
+more reverent devotion.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Aunt Z&eacute;lie, that is not fair!" called Carl, as he and Dora
+danced down the middle and back again.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't know you danced, Mrs. Howard," said Jim, upon whom Ikey cast
+a triumphant glance.</p>
+
+<p>When it was over she was besieged with partners for another, but she
+refused, declaring it was too late.</p>
+
+<p>So ended Uncle William's surprise party.</p>
+
+<p>When the door had closed on the last guest and Bess at the piano was
+playing a snatch of a waltz, Carl pounced upon his aunt and carried
+her off before she knew it.</p>
+
+<p>"Ikey shall not get ahead of <i>me</i>," he said, as after sailing twice
+around the room he dropped her breathless on the sofa.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XXIII.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>JIM.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>For various reasons, after a flourishing existence of two winters, the
+G.N. Club was given up, or perhaps it should be said was merged in the
+Order of the Big Front Door, which still held monthly meetings, and
+whose members wore their silver keys and tried in different ways to
+carry out their motto.</p>
+
+<p>There was hardly time in the press of school work for the weekly
+meetings, and, besides, out of the little club had grown what was
+known as the Boys' Civic League, an organization among schoolboys, in
+which, under the direction of one of their professors, they studied
+the history of their own town and pledged themselves to do all they
+could for its welfare. So, as Mrs. Howard wished it, the Good
+Neighbors gave up their club and joined the League.</p>
+
+<p>They still considered themselves her boys, however, and a week seldom
+passed in which some of them did not spend an hour with her. They owed
+more than they knew to her companionship, for in varying degrees her
+love for what was pure and true had left its impress on their
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span>characters. Her interest in them had grown with their years, and she
+looked forward with regret to the next winter, when most of them would
+go away to school. She would miss their boyish devotion, and she
+dreaded the temptations which they must so surely meet. Each one must
+fight his own battle, she knew, and she had not much fear for quiet,
+painstaking Will, or even for Carl, with all his faults; Ikey was
+still a good deal of a child, conscientious and open-hearted; but
+Aleck, with his brightness and indolence, and Jim, with his handsome
+face, engaging ways, and money, gave her most concern.</p>
+
+<p>Three years had brought about some changes. Little John's place was
+vacant. A sudden sharp illness, and the frail life went out, leaving a
+sweet and gentle memory, for John had helped in ways he did not dream
+of. Every one of those merry girls and boys was more thoughtful and
+tender for the association with him. Seeing the pleasure their
+companionship gave him, they learned the value of simple friendliness.
+Fred Ames had gone to Chicago to live, and this reduced the members of
+the Order to ten, not counting, of course, the "Honoraries," as Miss
+Brown and Aunt Z&eacute;lie were called.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't imagine what ails Jim," Carl remarked at the lunch table one
+day, a week or two after Uncle William's birthday; "he wasn't at
+school and when I stopped there on my way home the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span>man said he
+believed he had a headache and could not see anyone. That is not in
+the least like Jim."</p>
+
+<p>"I see nothing so strange in that. A headache can be a very serious
+thing while it lasts," said his father.</p>
+
+<p>"But if you had seen the man. He looked as if he were making it up."</p>
+
+<p>"Much study has affected your imagination, Carl," laughed Cousin
+Helen.</p>
+
+<p>"And what is the matter with you, then, Cousin Helen? Who sent Aunt
+Z&eacute;lie a postal card with nothing on it but the address?" inquired
+Louise.</p>
+
+<p>This caused a laugh, for Miss Hazeltine was just now the target for
+all the teasing her young relatives could contrive.</p>
+
+<p>Always somewhat famous for her absent mindedness, now that she was
+soon to be married they chose to lay anything of the kind to the fact
+of her being so deeply in love.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me tell you the latest joke," cried Aleck. "Last Sunday, when Mr.
+Arthur was here, they went to service at St. John's. The usher wanted
+to take them up front, but Sister Helen, being very modest, stopped at
+a seat half-way and asked politely, 'Can't we <i>occupew this py</i>?'"</p>
+
+<p>"Aleck, you are too bad! I only half said it," exclaimed the victim,
+while the others shouted.</p>
+
+<p>Bess and Louise were in the seventh heaven of delight at the prospect
+of being bridesmaids, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span>took a rapturous interest in all the
+preparations, their only regret being that Mr. Caruth was not to be
+the groom. Everybody was so occupied with other things that afternoon
+that Carl's remark about Jim was forgotten till he came in at
+dinner-time, looking very much excited.</p>
+
+<p>"You won't think I am crazy now. The Carters have gone to smash, and
+it is reported that Mr. Carter tried to kill himself."</p>
+
+<p>"Carl! How dreadful! Are you sure?" Aunt Z&eacute;lie dropped her book in her
+astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not altogether surprised," said Mr. Hazeltine, coming in. "He
+was known as one of the most reckless speculators in the country. His
+wealth was gained in that way, and now it has gone as it came."</p>
+
+<p>"Think of poor Jim," said Carl.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor boy! And yet it may not be the worst thing for him," added Mrs.
+Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"What shall I do?" asked Carl. "I am awfully sorry for him, but I am
+afraid he won't want to see me, and I shouldn't know what to say,
+anyway. I wonder if he will have to give up college and everything.
+Poor Jim!"</p>
+
+<p>Poor Jim, indeed! There could not have been found a more wretchedly
+miserable boy than he. The loss of their money he hardly thought
+of,&mdash;did not realize,&mdash;but the horrid notoriety of it all made him
+sick.</p>
+
+<p>With burning face he read the sensational <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span>newspaper reports, and
+thought how the boys at school were talking about him&mdash;perhaps pitying
+him. He did not want their pity; he would rather have them
+indifferent. He wished he might never see any of them again.</p>
+
+<p>Toward his father he felt a certain resentment. It was not true that
+Mr. Carter had tried to kill himself, but mind and body had given way
+under the long strain, and he was ill with brain fever.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Carter was altogether unnerved by the suddenness of the calamity,
+so that she was not allowed in her husband's room. If it had not been
+for her Jim would have run away, but he was very fond of his mother.
+He was the chief object of her interest and affection since his
+sisters had married and left home. She laughingly declared that Jim
+could make her do anything, and certainly he brought about many
+improvements. She received good-naturedly his hints that Mrs. Howard
+did this, or that at the Hazeltines' things were done so. He could not
+desert her now that she had no one else to depend on.</p>
+
+<p>Two dreadful days passed slowly, a number of his friends called to
+inquire, and left kind messages, for he would not see them. He spent
+his time strolling aimlessly through the handsome house, occasionally
+going in to see his mother. He was very gentle to her, though he found
+her lamentations hard to bear.</p>
+
+<p>Late in the afternoon of the second day he sat in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span>his room, trying to
+read. He was quite worn out with anxiety and loss of sleep, and was
+half-dozing, when his attention was attracted by a gleam of sunshine
+reflected in something on the table beside him. It was the little
+silver key. The words of the motto stared him in the face: "They
+Helped." How much it recalled to him&mdash;such pleasant companionships,
+and some real effort to be kind and useful! Was he going to fail now?
+Perhaps this was his great opportunity. If <i>he</i> did not help, who
+would?</p>
+
+<p>He stood up before the mirror, stretching himself to his full
+height,&mdash;a tall, broad-shouldered young fellow.</p>
+
+<p>"Many a boy younger than I takes care of himself, and so can I, and of
+my mother too," and wide awake now he sat down to think.</p>
+
+<p>On the table lay a note from Mrs. Howard, which he had only half read.
+He took it up now, and the warm affection it expressed, and the
+confidence that he would bear his trouble bravely, stirred his
+manliness&mdash;he would not disappoint her. "I have been a coward," he
+said, and with the same prompt decision which had surprised his
+companions on that Halloween so long ago he turned his back on his
+pride and useless regrets and became a man. When his father's brother
+arrived that night Jim met him, saw to his comfort, explained all he
+knew about the trouble, and asked such intelligent questions, with
+such an evident determination to help himself, that his uncle was
+greatly pleased.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span>There were weeks of anxious nursing while Mr. Carter hung between life
+and death, and his son, strong and gentle, made himself most useful in
+the sick-room. When at last the once sturdy, ambitious man struggled
+back to life he was only the wreck of what he had been.</p>
+
+<p>Jim returned to school when his father was out of danger, as his uncle
+thought he ought to finish the term. He was very much subdued, but his
+companions appreciated his manliness, and gave him a warm welcome.</p>
+
+<p>"He has lots of pluck," said Carl warmly; "he was as anxious to go to
+college as any of us, but he doesn't say a word about it now&mdash;says he
+is going to work this summer."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you would tell him how pleased I am with him," said Aunt
+Z&eacute;lie. "I see so little of him lately, he seems almost shy."</p>
+
+<p>The big house was sold, and when Mr. Carter could be moved he was
+taken to their new home, a little place that belonged to his wife.
+When everything was settled it was found that they would have a small
+income, enough to support two people in some degree of comfort. Then
+Jim's uncle, to everybody's surprise, offered to send him to college.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't believe in it very much, but you are such a likely boy you
+may make something out of it, so if you want to go I'll foot the
+bills."</p>
+
+<p>Jim brought the news one Friday night to a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span>meeting of the O.B.F.D. It
+was early, and only Carl and his aunt were in the room.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall work very hard, for I mean to pay Uncle James back some day,"
+he said.</p>
+
+<p>"That is right; I am sure you will, and I am glad for you and proud of
+you, for you deserve it," Aunt Z&eacute;lie said earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you really?" he asked humbly, but looking in his pleasure quite
+like his old self.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, of course we are <i>all</i> proud of you, boy," said Carl.</p>
+
+<p>And Jim thought he had never been so happy before. He had discovered
+that there are some things better even than money.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XXIV.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>A DISAPPOINTMENT.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>Dora thought one of the pleasantest things about housekeeping was
+being able to give a tea-party now and then. They were of necessity
+very small affairs, if for no other reason than because Mrs. Warner
+could not stand much excitement.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Smith was delighted to do anything for Miss Dora, and finding out
+in some way when her birthday came, herself proposed a celebration.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Warner entered into the idea with unusual interest, so Dora
+consented to invite Bess, Louise, Carl, Aleck, and Ikey.</p>
+
+<p>If it had been an order for a grand reception, Mrs. Smith could not
+have filled it with more pleasure. She sent up a delicious little
+supper, and as the crowning glory, and a present from herself, an
+immense birthday cake in pink icing, with fifteen candles on it.</p>
+
+<p>It is needless to say they had a merry time. The hostess did the
+honors with a great deal of grace, looking very pretty in a charming
+gown brought to her from New York by Aunt Marcia. Mrs. Hazeltine was
+in the habit of bringing home pretty things to her nieces, and as she
+said she <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span>considered Dora one of them it was not possible to refuse
+her gifts.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose we tell what we mean to be when we are grown up," suggested
+Bess, when the feast was over and they had drawn their chairs together
+in a cosey group.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me! I don't know," said Dora.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what you would like to be, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think perhaps I shall be some kind of a teacher, but&mdash;I know you
+will laugh&mdash;I believe I'd like to keep a store and live back of it, as
+Mrs. Smith does."</p>
+
+<p>"A confectionery, Dora?" asked Louise, as they all laughed at this
+lofty ambition. "I'll promise you my custom."</p>
+
+<p>"Ikey, you are next; what are you going to do?" inquired Bess.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, after Carl and I go to college I am going to study medicine. By
+that time Father will have left the navy, I hope, and we will all live
+here together, and I'll practise."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps there will be an office for you back of Dora's store," said
+Carl.</p>
+
+<p>"I'd like to write books," said Bess. "Beautiful stories that
+everybody will want to read. Then I'll make lots of money and build
+hospitals and do ever so much good."</p>
+
+<p>"The hospitals will be for Ikey to practise in, I suppose, my great
+and good cousin," remarked Aleck, with a profound bow.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span>"I mean to be a judge," announced Carl, who was next. "Now, Aleck."</p>
+
+<p>"I am going to try for West Point next year. Father has given his
+consent, and&mdash;well, I'll be a general."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see how you can unless there is a war," said Ikey.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps there'll be one then, and if I am wounded I can go to Bess's
+hospital and have you practise on me."</p>
+
+<p>"Louise, you are the last; what noble ambition have you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think I'll illustrate Bess's books and help Dora keep store," she
+said, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>A knock at the door interrupted just then, and Uncle William's cheery
+face appeared. "It is so late I must not stop," he said; "but I ran
+away from a political meeting to wish my little girl many happy
+returns."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 15%;' />
+
+<p>"There is to be another wedding in the family," said Mrs. Howard,
+entering the library one day with some hyacinths in her hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean it really? I did not know there was anybody to get
+married but Cousin Helen," Bess exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>Carl looked up from a weighty volume he was consulting. "That is easy
+to guess; it is Joanna, of course."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it Jo, Auntie?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span>"Yes, she confided it to me a few minutes ago. It will be in June, and
+Patrick Loughlin is the happy man."</p>
+
+<p>"I should think she would rather live with us, but there is no
+accounting for taste," said Bess, as she went to find Louise and tell
+the news.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't imagine what ails Ikey; he is as cross as a bear," remarked
+Carl, closing his book with a bang.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps he is worrying over examinations," Aunt Z&eacute;lie suggested.</p>
+
+<p>Her nephew laughed. "That would not be like Ikey; and then he has done
+finely this term, so that there will not be a bit of trouble about his
+passing."</p>
+
+<p>"I sincerely hope that there is not another of my boys in trouble,"
+she said anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! it can't be any thing really, only I never knew him to be
+snappish. I thought I'd mention it, for you might get it out of him if
+you happen to see him."</p>
+
+<p>About the middle of the afternoon Mrs. Howard closed the front door
+behind her and came out into the pleasant spring air. As she reached
+the gate she caught sight of a light-brown head in one of the
+third-story windows across the street, and acting on a sudden impulse
+she made a signal.</p>
+
+<p>The window went up promptly, and going over she called: "Can't you
+come with me out to Neffler's? I'd like some company. Never mind, of
+course, if you are busy."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span>"Thank you, I am not busy; I'll come," and in two minutes Ikey was
+beside her.</p>
+
+<p>It was easy to see he was not quite himself. Usually he would have
+been bubbling over with gayety at the honor of being chosen a
+companion for a long walk to the florist's, but now the conversation
+was all on one side.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Howard did her best to be entertaining, and took no notice of his
+evident preoccupation until she had given her orders and they turned
+toward home; then she said: "I have been waiting in the hope that you
+would tell me what is troubling you, but now I shall have to ask; Carl
+and I are both wondering what has happened."</p>
+
+<p>Ikey looked very much surprised, being under the delusion that he was
+concealing his feelings perfectly.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not in any trouble," he began, "though I am bothered about
+something, and I oughtn't to be; that is what makes it so bad."</p>
+
+<p>His companion looked sympathetic and waited for further revelations.</p>
+
+<p>"You see," Ikey went on, "I wrote to Papa about going to school with
+Carl next winter and to Yale the year after, and he was willing and so
+was Grandfather; it seemed all settled. I knew they would be back in
+June, certainly Mamma and Alice, so we could spend the summer
+together. Then I thought, of course, they would be settled somewhere
+where I could go for my holidays, but <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span>now all my plans are spoiled:
+Papa has to go to the Pacific coast."</p>
+
+<p>If his father had been sent to Siberia, Ikey's tone could not have
+been more tragic. Mrs. Howard could hardly help smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't quite understand yet," she said. "Does that mean that you
+will still be separated from your father and mother? or&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That is what makes me feel so mean," he burst out. "Of course I want
+to be with them, and yet I can't bear to go to California, and that is
+what I must do. Give up going with Carl, and go to some horrid old
+university out there. They seem to think I shall like it. Mamma is
+pleased because she used to live in San Francisco, and Grandfather
+thinks he will go out too. There is no help for it."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you will have to make the best of it, will you not? It is
+perfectly natural to feel as you do, after setting your heart on the
+other plan, and I am sure it does not mean any lack of affection for
+your father and mother."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad you think it doesn't," he said, in a relieved tone, for he
+had been torturing himself with the thought that he was a most
+unnatural son.</p>
+
+<p>"I hate to think of going so far away and never seeing any of you
+again, when you have been so good to me." His voice faltered.</p>
+
+<p>"I should feel very badly if you could leave us without caring, after
+all our good times together. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span>Carl will be dreadfully disappointed,
+but as for not meeting again, California is not so far away as that,
+and it is not likely your father will be there for the rest of his
+life." She spoke with great cheerfulness, not daring to be too
+sympathetic.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll try not to hate it so," Ikey said, bracing up a little.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Howard insisted on taking him home to dinner, and when Carl came
+in he found him holding a skein of wool for Bess while Louise read
+aloud, and if not quite his usual gay self he was at least more
+cheerful than he had been for days.</p>
+
+<p>The storm which arose when his friends heard of the change in his
+plans was most comforting. Carl declared he didn't half care about
+going to college himself if Ikey couldn't go, and Bess remarked
+sorrowfully that everything would be different next winter, with
+Cousin Helen married and the boys all away.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Ikey and Cousin Helen are going to the same place!" exclaimed
+Louise, "and we are going to see her, so we'll see him too." Here was
+a gleam of brightness, and Carl added, "And of course when you get to
+be a doctor you will come back to practise in Bess's hospital."</p>
+
+<p>When letters came from his mother and father, telling more fully their
+plans, and overflowing with the pleasure of being all together again,
+Ikey would not have been his warm-hearted self if he had not been
+glad. Dear as were the friendships <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span>which he had made in the three
+years spent at his grandfather's, family ties were stronger.</p>
+
+<p>Old Mr. Ford said he did not know what he should do without his
+grandson, and talked seriously of accepting his son's invitation to
+try a winter in California.</p>
+
+<p>It was finally arranged that Ikey should meet his parents in New York
+sometime about the middle of July, and as that was more than two
+months distant, and the present full of interesting events, as Louise
+expressed it, he put aside his disappointment and was as merry as
+ever.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XXV.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>AUNT Z&Eacute;LIE.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>The interesting events were, first, the school commencements, and, the
+week after, Cousin Helen's wedding.</p>
+
+<p>This last, which was a grand affair, took place at her country home.
+The ceremony was performed on the lawn, under the big forest trees,
+and Bess and Louise made two charming and happy bridesmaids, quite
+worthy of such a lovely bride.</p>
+
+<p>The ten were all invited, for Miss Hazeltine took a deep interest in
+the Order of the Big Front Door, and said she meant to start something
+of the kind in her new home. There never was such a beautiful wedding,
+these young people thought, and they were not alone in their opinion.</p>
+
+<p>The sweet summer day, the blue sky, the trees and grass, and the gay
+company, all made a lasting impression on the guests.</p>
+
+<p>The bride would have no formality, but moved about among her friends
+as if it were simply a garden party.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know what this reminds me of?" Bess asked Louise, as they sat
+on the grass with the other girls, waiting for the boys to bring them
+some ices.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span>"No, what?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Lucie Carleton's wedding, to be sure; you haven't forgotten
+that?" They both laughed at the recollection.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I haven't. What fun it was, and how long it is since we
+have played 'the Carletons'!"</p>
+
+<p>"What is the joke?" inquired Jim, coming back with his hands full.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, just something this wedding reminds us of," Bess replied.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm reminded that there is not much more fun for me," said Ikey, in a
+momentary fit of despondency.</p>
+
+<p>"What a long face!" laughed Dora. "Remember this is a cheerful
+occasion. The next thing you will be married yourself to some
+California girl."</p>
+
+<p>"He is coming back to see us before then, aren't you, Ikey?" said
+Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"In six years he is coming back to stay," added Carl.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder where we shall all be six years from now," said Constance,
+placidly eating her ice.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me, I shall be twenty; think of it!" From Bess's tone one might
+have inferred that this meant extreme old age.</p>
+
+<p>"I expect to be married before that," remarked Elsie confidently.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it possible? I wonder to whom," Aleck exclaimed with an air of
+great surprise.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span>"I am sure I don't know, for I have never seen anybody I'd marry if he
+begged me forever," she retorted scornfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Be quiet, you two geese, and don't spoil this lovely day by
+quarrelling," admonished Dora.</p>
+
+<p>"To change the subject, isn't Aunt Z&eacute;lie a daisy?" said Carl, pointing
+across the lawn where she stood, looking wonderfully fair and sweet in
+her soft white dress, with a touch of sunlight on her hair.</p>
+
+<p>"There is nobody in the world like her," said Dora.</p>
+
+<p>"I should think not!" echoed Jim.</p>
+
+<p>"She is the dearest, loveliest, most beautiful, and
+everything-else-you-can-think-of person that ever lived," Louise
+declared with emphasis.</p>
+
+<p>"You haven't left much for the rest of us to say," remarked Will, "but
+I am sure we all agree."</p>
+
+<p>There must have been some attraction about the ten pairs of eyes, for
+just then she turned, and seeing them smiled and threw a kiss in their
+direction.</p>
+
+<p>The sad thing about this wedding was the parting which followed. Mr.
+Arthur found himself very unpopular when at last it dawned upon her
+young relatives what it meant to tell Cousin Helen good-by with the
+certainty that, though she promised to come back often to visit, she
+would never live among them, their merry playfellow, again.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span>Aleck discovered that he was extremely fond of this sister, and felt
+what he considered an unmanly tightness about his throat when she
+kissed him. The bridesmaids were decidedly tearful, and only the
+thought of the other wedding in prospect restored their cheerfulness.
+This last-mentioned affair took place two days later at the Cathedral.
+The whole family attended, and Joanna, in blue with a white veil and
+wreath, with Nannie for bridesmaid, in a dress the counterpart of her
+own, made a blooming and happy bride. After a wedding breakfast at the
+Hazeltines' the couple departed, with many good wishes for their
+happiness, to have their pictures taken.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Z&eacute;lie sat alone in the wide hall that afternoon. The door was
+open, and outside the sunshine sifted through the vines as the wind
+kept them swinging softly to and fro; it was very still, and the
+ticking of the tall clock had a mournful sound.</p>
+
+<p>No doubt it was the reaction after the excitement of the last few
+weeks that made her feel so weary and sad. Unhappy thoughts seemed
+determined to take possession of her mind&mdash;regrets for the past and
+fears for the future; she could not throw off the depression.</p>
+
+<p>She thought of Carl's going, and how she would miss him. Would he
+become weaned from the old happy home life? Had she done all she might
+have done to help him to good, true manhood?</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span>She asked herself these questions sadly; in her present mood it seemed
+to her she had failed of what she most wished to accomplish.</p>
+
+<p>These dreary thoughts so engrossed her that Jim's voice, asking, "May
+I come in?" caused her to start.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," she answered, "I am glad to see you, though I warn you I
+am not in a very good humor."</p>
+
+<p>He did not appear alarmed. "I met Carl and he said I'd probably find
+you here. I want to tell you something."</p>
+
+<p>"I am ready to listen," she said encouragingly, but Jim seemed to find
+it hard to begin, and looked at the floor in a hesitating way quite
+unusual.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Z&eacute;lie watched him, thinking that something had come into that
+handsome young face of late which spoke hopefully for the future.</p>
+
+<p>She was very much surprised at his words.</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Howard, I have decided not to go to college." They were resolute
+eyes that looked up at her.</p>
+
+<p>"But I thought your uncle wished you to go&mdash;that it was all settled.
+Are you sure you are doing wisely?"</p>
+
+<p>His face flushed.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your pardon, dear," she said before he could reply. "I know you
+have a good reason. I am surprised, that is all."</p>
+
+<p>"It is on Mother's account, chiefly; she needs me <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span>now that Father is
+so feeble. Then you know she is used to having things, and though she
+thinks she could get along, I should feel mean to have her scrimp and
+pinch at home when I am having a good time at college. I went to see
+Mr. Barrows to-day, and he thinks he can give me a situation. They say
+it is a good place for a fellow to get a start in, so I am going to be
+a business man."</p>
+
+<p>He spoke earnestly and cheerfully, but she guessed the struggle it had
+cost. He was used to "having things" himself.</p>
+
+<p>She laid her hand on his. "You are learning to be brave and unselfish,
+to help in the truest sense, and these are far more valuable lessons
+than any you could learn out of books. I honor you for your decision."
+Aunt Z&eacute;lie spoke with shining eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"If I have learned anything it is you who have taught me," Jim said
+gently.</p>
+
+<p>"If I have really been a help to you I am very glad and thankful, but
+I am sure most of the credit belongs to the boy who was so ready to be
+helped."</p>
+
+<p>When he left, after half an hour's talk, her sympathy and interest had
+already made his sacrifice seem a little easier, but he did not guess
+how he had on his part cheered and comforted this kind friend.</p>
+
+<p>Jim had been gone only a few minutes when Aunt Z&eacute;lie's corner was
+again invaded. This time it was Ikey who looked in, and seeing her
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span>alone came and took possession of a stool at her feet.</p>
+
+<p>"I am going a week from next Thursday," he announced.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't enjoy all these changes in the least," she said, patting the
+curly head; "I can't think what I shall do without my boys."</p>
+
+<p>"You have been so awfully good to me, only I never could say so like
+Jim. I don't want to go away and have you think I don't care, for I
+do, and I hope you won't forget me." Ikey got through this speech with
+difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Z&eacute;lie couldn't help laughing at him. "You are a dear boy, and
+there is not the slightest danger that we will ever forget you," she
+said, and then she told him about the talk she had just had with Jim.</p>
+
+<p>"He is splendid, isn't he? and I used to wonder why Carl liked him."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, he has changed a good deal since we first knew him, but I am
+proud of all my boys, and believe I can trust them wherever they go."</p>
+
+<p>It was almost dark in the hall when she found herself taken possession
+of by two strong arms, and Carl's voice inquired what she was doing
+all alone.</p>
+
+<p>"Feeling ashamed of myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Very unnecessary, I am sure."</p>
+
+<p>"No, I was worrying a little over you boys for one thing; then I had a
+visit from Jim."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span>"He is tiptop, but I don't know what I am going to do without old
+Ikey."</p>
+
+<p>"Then tell him so, for he is afraid we will forget him."</p>
+
+<p>"Ikey is a great goose; but indeed, Aunt Z&eacute;lie, you need not be afraid
+for us! I don't mean to be self-confident,&mdash;I know I shall often do
+wrong,&mdash;but it means a lot to a fellow when he has somebody like you
+to care for him."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, how dark it is! Who is here? I can't see," exclaimed Bess,
+coming in, followed by her father and Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"Carl making love to Aunt Z&eacute;lie," said the latter, dropping down on
+the other side of her aunt, and taking possession of all that was
+left.</p>
+
+<p>Bess surveyed them discontentedly. "There is not a scrap of a place
+for me."</p>
+
+<p>"You will have to put up with your old father," said Mr. Hazeltine.</p>
+
+<p>"You are better than nobody," she said saucily.</p>
+
+<p>"I forgot to tell you," began Louise suddenly, "that Mr. Caruth is
+going to Japan."</p>
+
+<p>"Is that so?" her father said in surprise, while Carl and Bess both
+exclaimed. "Did you know anything of it, Z&eacute;lie?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is rather a sudden decision, I fancy. Some friends have been
+urging him to go. He was here this afternoon and said good-by," she
+replied.</p>
+
+<p>"I met him just as he was leaving," said Louise, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span>"and he asked me to
+say good-by to everybody for him."</p>
+
+<p>"If everybody goes, what are we to do?" asked Bess disconsolately.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose we go, too! What do you say, Z&eacute;lie, to sending Carie and
+Helen to comfort Aunt Annie in her loneliness while the rest of us go
+off for a holiday? We can see Ikey on his way and drop Carl at school
+later on."</p>
+
+<p>"You are an angel to think of such a thing!" cried Louise, and Mr.
+Hazeltine was so nearly suffocated by his ecstatic daughters that he
+almost regretted his proposal.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Z&eacute;lie wouldn't have dared to object if she had wished to, so she
+and her brother made their plans while the girls and Carl ran over to
+tell Ikey the good news.</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a><hr />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span><br />
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XXVI.<span class="totoc"><a href="#toc">ToC</a></span></h3>
+
+<h4>THE BIG FRONT DOOR IS LEFT ALONE.</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p>"If Dora could only go!" Bess said, as she and Louise flew around in a
+delightful bustle of preparation.</p>
+
+<p>As this was quite out of the question, Dora was content to stay at
+home. She promised Helen that she would go over and pet Mr. Smith, the
+cat, occasionally, that he might not feel her absence too deeply, and
+Aunt Z&eacute;lie told her to help herself to all the flowers she wanted.
+Uncle William sent her half a dozen new books, and the girls and Carl
+promised to write often.</p>
+
+<p>The boys felt themselves to be most important members of society as
+the time for leaving drew near, for they were petted and feasted and
+made much of generally.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Marcia gave them an elegant dinner; Elsie had a f&ecirc;te in their
+honor; but best of all was the farewell tea-party at Miss Brown's the
+evening before they left, to which only the ten were invited.</p>
+
+<p>It would be impossible to tell of all the fun they had, and how Mary
+actually came so near laughing at some of the nonsense that she had
+to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span>beat a hasty retreat to the kitchen to save her dignity.</p>
+
+<p>They drank the health of the departing members in lemonade, and then
+Ikey proposed "the Lady of the Brown House, who has been altogether
+jolly, though we did begin by breaking her window."</p>
+
+<p>This was received with great applause, and Aleck said, "You must make
+a speech, Miss Brown."</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid I shall not be equal to the occasion," she answered; "but
+I must say that I have always been glad of that broken window. I owe
+to it some of my happiest hours, and I thank you all for you kindness
+to your invalid neighbor."</p>
+
+<p>"Three cheers for Miss Brown!" cried Aleck.</p>
+
+<p>"I think she will be just as much complimented if we make less noise,"
+suggested Bess. "I am sure she knows that we all love her, and if we
+have given her any happiness it is only a piece of the pleasure she
+has given us come back to her."</p>
+
+<p>"Hurrah for Bess!" cried the irrepressible one.</p>
+
+<p>Next Will proposed the Big Front Door.</p>
+
+<p>Great enthusiasm prevailed as Carl rose to respond. They all expected
+one of his spread-eagle efforts, but instead he said: "I thank you all
+in the name of the Big Front Door and the people who live behind it.
+We have had good times there and hope to have more in the future, but
+besides this it has helped us to do right sometimes, and though our
+Order may seem rather <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span>childish now, let us not forget our motto, and
+keep our silver keys to remind us to be helpers wherever we go."</p>
+
+<p>He sat down with a flushed face, rather abashed at his own
+earnestness.</p>
+
+<p>"Good for you!" said Jim cordially, and the others responded, "We
+will! We will!"</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of the festivities Louise was discovered in tears. "I did
+not mean to," she said, "but it seems as if everything was coming to
+an end."</p>
+
+<p>"It is only the end of a chapter, and we will begin another
+presently," Dora suggested brightly.</p>
+
+<p>In two minutes Louise was laughing through her tears, and the party
+came to an end as cheerfully as it had begun.</p>
+
+<p>Dora waved a good-by to the travellers as they passed early the next
+morning. In the afternoon she went over to the deserted house, where
+only Sukey was left in charge, petted Mr. Smith, and cut some roses;
+then she went out and sat on the carriage block and recalled the day
+three years before when she had stopped there to rest, and had
+wondered who lived in that pleasant house.</p>
+
+<p>There was the same big, hospitable door, but it would not open to-day
+to let out two merry little maidens.</p>
+
+<p>From her window Miss Brown nodded and beckoned, so she ran across and
+paid her a visit.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span>"Come often and cheer me up, for I shall miss my neighbors
+dreadfully," that lady said as she was leaving.</p>
+
+<p>"I will," answered Dora, adding merrily, "but you still have the Big
+Front Door."</p>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+
+
+<h4>THE END.</h4>
+
+<br />
+<hr />
+<br />
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Story of the Big Front Door, by 
+Mary Finley Leonard
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+</pre>
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+</body>
+</html>
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+Project Gutenberg's The Story of the Big Front Door, by Mary Finley Leonard
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Story of the Big Front Door
+
+Author: Mary Finley Leonard
+
+Release Date: September 20, 2006 [EBook #19340]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STORY OF THE BIG FRONT DOOR ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Garcia, Jeannie Howse and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Kentuckiana Digital Library)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    +--------------------------------------------------------------+
+    | Transcriber's Note:                                          |
+    |                                                              |
+    | Inconsistent hyphenation in the original document has been   |
+    | preserved.                                                   |
+    |                                                              |
+    +--------------------------------------------------------------+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+  [Illustration: "THEY HAD DRAWN THEIR CHAIRS TOGETHER IN A COSEY
+  GROUP."]
+
+
+
+
+                          THE STORY
+                              OF
+                      THE BIG FRONT DOOR
+
+
+
+
+                              BY
+                       MARY F. LEONARD
+
+
+            "THEY HELPED EVERY ONE HIS NEIGHBOR."
+
+
+
+             NEW YORK: 46 EAST FOURTEENTH STREET
+                 THOMAS Y. CROWELL & COMPANY
+                 BOSTON: 100 PURCHASE STREET
+
+
+
+
+                       COPYRIGHT, 1898,
+               BY THOMAS Y. CROWELL & COMPANY.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAPTER                        PAGE
+
+    I. THE OUTLAWS                                         1
+
+   II. IN THE STAR CHAMBER                                12
+
+  III. THE LADY OF THE BROWN HOUSE                        20
+
+   IV. DORA                                               31
+
+    V. UNCLE WILLIAM                                      51
+
+   VI. THE MAGIC DOOR                                     59
+
+  VII. IKEY'S ACCIDENT                                    65
+
+ VIII. THE M.KS.                                          74
+
+   IX. A RIVAL CLUB                                       84
+
+    X. GOOD NEIGHBORS                                     93
+
+   XI. PLANS                                             103
+
+  XII. CEDAR AND HOLLY                                   112
+
+ XIII. THE HARP MAN'S BENEFIT                            127
+
+  XIV. CLOUDS                                            140
+
+   XV. DORA'S BRIGHT IDEA                                156
+
+  XVI. SILVER KEYS                                       165
+
+ XVII. A PRISONER                                        172
+
+XVIII. SOMETHING ELSE HAPPENS                            183
+
+  XIX. AUNT SUKEY'S STORY                                190
+
+   XX. THE ORDER OF THE BIG FRONT DOOR                   198
+
+  XXI. WORK AND PLAY                                     206
+
+ XXII. UNCLE WILLIAM IS SURPRISED                        219
+
+XXIII. JIM                                               230
+
+ XXIV. A DISAPPOINTMENT                                  238
+
+  XXV. AUNT ZELIE                                        246
+
+ XXVI. THE BIG FRONT DOOR IS LEFT ALONE                  255
+
+
+
+
+THE STORY
+
+OF
+
+THE BIG FRONT DOOR.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE OUTLAWS.
+
+    "Come listen to me, ye gallants so free,
+      All ye who love mirth for to hear;
+    And I will tell you of a bold outlaw
+      Who lived in Nottinghamshire."
+
+                _Old Ballad._
+
+
+Ikey Ford was the first to make the discovery, and he lost no time in
+carrying the news to the others.
+
+Great was their consternation!
+
+"Moving into the Brown house? Nonsense, Ikey, you are making it up!"
+Carl exclaimed.
+
+"What shall we do about the banquet for King Richard?" cried Bess,
+sitting down on the doorstep despairingly.
+
+"And my racket is over there, and your grandma's fur rug, Ikey Ford!"
+wailed Louise, shaking her finger at the bringer of evil tidings. He
+assented meekly, adding, "and Sallie's clothes-pins."
+
+A stranger might have been puzzled to guess what sort of calamity had
+befallen the little group in the doorway of the pleasant,
+hospitable-looking house among the maple trees, that warm August
+morning. Something serious certainly, for Louise's dimples had
+disappeared, Bess was almost tearful, and the boys, though they
+affected to take it more lightly, wore plainly depressed.
+
+"Let's go over to Ikey's and look through the fence," suggested Carl,
+and, as there seemed nothing else to do, the others agreed.
+
+They filed solemnly down the walk and across the street,--Bess with a
+roll of green cambric under her arm,--and nobody uttered a word till a
+secluded spot behind Mrs. Ford's syringa bushes was reached, where,
+through an opening in the division fence, they could look out
+unobserved upon the adjoining house.
+
+"The side windows are open!" Louise announced in a tragic whisper.
+
+"Didn't I tell you so?" replied Ikey with mournful triumph.
+
+It was a small house with a pointed roof, and it stood in the midst of
+an old-fashioned garden, where for years and years lilacs and
+snowballs, peonies and roses, pinks and sweet-william, and dozens of
+other flowers, had bloomed happily in their season, without any
+trouble to anybody. In the background sunflowers and hollyhocks grew,
+and on either side of the front gate two stout little cedars stood
+like sentinels on guard. The street upon which this gate opened was
+wide and shady, and the bustle and din of the city had not yet invaded
+its quiet.
+
+Though in reality a red house grown somewhat rusty, it was called the
+"Brown house," because as far back as any one in the neighborhood
+could remember it had been occupied by an old lady of that name. For
+years before she died she was bed-ridden, and to the children there
+was something mysterious about this person who was never seen, but on
+whose account they were cautioned not to be noisy at their play. After
+her death the house was left closed and unoccupied, but hardly more
+silent than before. An air of mystery still hung about the place; the
+children when they passed peeped in at the flowers alone in their
+glory, and spoke softly as though even yet their owner might be
+disturbed.
+
+This was in the early spring; as the summer wore on this garden grew
+more and more irresistible. Other playgrounds lost their charm to the
+eyes that looked in at the long waving grass and the pleasant shady
+places under the apple trees.
+
+"Let's play Robin Hood," Bess proposed one morning as they sat in a
+row on the fence.
+
+Carl and Louise received the idea with enthusiasm, and Ikey listened
+in silent admiration as the details of the fascinating game were
+unfolded.
+
+The Hazeltine children had from their babyhood been in the habit of
+making plays of their favorite stories, but it seemed to Ikey
+immensely clever; so while the others argued over who should take this
+part and who that, he joyfully accepted whatever was offered him.
+
+He did not fare so badly either, for being plump and rosy he was
+allowed to personate the jolly Friar Tuck. Robin Hood fell naturally
+to Carl as the oldest and the leader, Bess became Little John, Louise
+appeared by turns as Allan-a-Dale and the sheriff of Nottingham, and
+little Helen was occasionally pressed into service as Maid Marian. Who
+first thought of turning the deserted garden into Sherwood forest no
+one could ever remember, but as they sat on the fence that morning
+with the waving sea of grass below them, somebody began
+
+    "One for the money,
+    Two for the show,..."
+
+and away they all went. Some minutes later, Mrs. Ford, glancing from
+her window, wondered what had become of the children.
+
+So the fun began and continued through the long summer days, when
+grown people stayed indoors and wondered what the children found to do
+out in the heat from morning till night. But in that distant corner of
+the garden, where, under the shelter of a crooked apple tree, the
+forest rovers had their trysting place, the weather was never too
+warm. The unoccupied house became transformed into Nottingham castle,
+and was never approached without delicious thrills of terror.
+Excitement ran high on the day when Robin was released from the
+jail--otherwise a small rustic arbor--by his trusty followers.
+
+There was simply no end to the fun, and the secrecy with which it was
+carried on helped to deepen the interest. The climax was reached when
+preparations were begun for King Richard's banquet.
+
+As usual, it originated with Bess, when she heard that a favorite
+cousin, a boy about Carl's age, was coming to visit them for a few
+days.
+
+"Aleck will make a very good King Richard," said Louise, when the
+matter was under discussion, "and we can pretend that he is just back
+from the Holy Land."
+
+It was decided that this must be a real feast, not merely an occasion
+of pepper grass and cookies, so their combined funds were carefully
+laid out at the corner confectionery. Many articles supposed to be
+necessary to the comfort of the royal guest were smuggled into the
+garden, and everything was in readiness for his arrival on the next
+day, when Ikey made his startling discovery.
+
+It had never occurred to them that some one might come to live in the
+Brown house; they were quite overwhelmed by it, and for more than an
+hour they sat under the syringa bushes peeping through at their lost
+domain. No one had much to say. Bess was gazing sadly at her roll of
+cambric which was to have done duty as suits of Lincoln green for the
+foresters, and Ikey was thinking of the fur rug and the clothes-pins,
+when Carl proposed a raid for the recovery of their possessions. "The
+girls can wait on the fence and take the things as we bring them," he
+said.
+
+This promised a little excitement, so on the very spot from which they
+had made their first entrance into Sherwood forest, Bess and Louise
+waited while the boys dropped down and disappeared behind the bushes.
+In a few minutes they came rushing back empty handed, to report that
+not a trace of anything was to be found, and that a man with a scythe
+was at work on the other side of the garden cutting down the grass.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It was very quiet in the neighborhood that afternoon. There were no
+children to be seen anywhere, and on the broad piazza of the house
+where the Hazeltines lived the chairs and settees, with here and there
+a gay cushion, appeared to be having a good time all to themselves,
+gathered in sociable groups. The clematis and honeysuckle swung softly
+in the breeze, making graceful shadows, and the maple trees stretched
+out long arms and touched each other gently now and then. At the back
+of the house on the kitchen steps sat Aunt Sukey, a person of dignity
+and authority. Her hands were folded over her white apron and her eyes
+rested with satisfaction on the rows of peach preserves that
+represented her morning's work.
+
+"Mammy," as the children called her, was a family institution, and
+could not be spared, though her last nursling was fast outgrowing her.
+
+No preserves tasted like Sukey's, and no one could, on occasion, make
+such rolls.
+
+"Yes," she remarked, continuing her conversation with Mandy, the cook,
+who was stepping around inside, "they's _mischevious_ of course, but I
+can remember when Mr. Frank and Mr. William was a heap worse."
+
+"Law, Aunt Sukey, I wouldn't want to see 'em if they was any worse
+than that Ikey Ford! It looks like the children has been up to twice
+as many pranks since he come," replied Mandy.
+
+"He don't take after his pa, then; Mr. Isaac was as nice,
+quiet-mannered a boy as you ever see, when he used to go with Mr.
+Frank. But pshaw! all that triflin' is soon over. Look at Miss Zelie:
+seems like it warn't no time since she was climbin' fences and tearin'
+her clothes, till I'd get clean discouraged tryin' to keep her nice.
+Oh! they's fine children, I don't care what you say; and Louise is the
+flock of the flower. She is like Miss Zelie, with her dark eyes and
+shinin' hair."
+
+"Miss Zelie herself sets more store by Carl than any of the rest,"
+said Mandy, coming to the door.
+
+"That's cause he favors his ma's family and has a look like his uncle
+Carl. You know Miss Zelie married Miss Elinor's brother. He used to
+come here for his holidays when she was a little girl no bigger 'n
+Bess,--that was after Mr. Frank married Miss Elinor,--and they was
+always great friends. It looks like it's mighty strange that Miss
+Elinor and Mr. Carl should be taken, and old Sukey left."
+
+There was silence for a minute; then as Sukey wiped her eyes she
+continued, "I've nursed 'em all from Mr. William down, and I knows old
+master's grandchildren is bound to turn out right."
+
+It was almost sunset when Aunt Zelie--tall and fair, like Bess's
+favorite heroines--came and stood in the front door, wondering where
+the children were. She was not left long in doubt, for hardly had she
+settled herself to enjoy the pleasant air when there was a sudden rush
+from somewhere and she was surrounded by a laughing, breathless little
+company. The outlaws of the morning were scarcely to be recognized.
+Little John and the sheriff of Nottingham were attired in the freshest
+of white dresses, with pink bows on their Gretchen braids, while Robin
+and the Friar were disguised as a pair of bright-faced modern boys,
+and with them was little Helen, a dignified person of eight, who
+carried a doll in her arms.
+
+"Auntie, did you know that somebody is coming to live in the Brown
+house?" Louise asked, as they drew their chairs as close as possible
+to hers. At this time in the day she was their own special property,
+though there _were_ people who complained that they always monopolized
+her.
+
+"Yes, your father heard that a relative of old Mrs. Brown's was going
+to take the house, but that is all I know," she answered.
+
+"Carl and Ikey saw a cross-looking woman with a feather duster. I do
+hope there will be some nice children," said Bess.
+
+"All boys," Carl added briefly.
+
+"Boys? No, indeed! Girls are much nicer, aren't they, Ikey?" and
+Louise looked at him mischievously over her shoulder.
+
+Ikey's shyness or his politeness, perhaps both, would not allow him to
+reply.
+
+"They are both nice when they are nice," said Aunt Zelie. "Being a
+girl myself, of course I like girls, and so does this individual,"
+patting the head against her shoulder.
+
+"Oh, I like _some_ girls!" Carl conceded graciously.
+
+"I wish there would be a little girl for me to play with," remarked
+Helen plaintively, for it was the trial of her life that she was
+considered too little to be made a companion of by the other children
+except on special occasions.
+
+"It is a fortunate thing that the house is to be occupied," said Aunt
+Zelie, "for Mr. Jackson, the agent, told Frank that it looked as if
+some one had been camping out in the garden. The grass was trampled
+down and I don't know what damage done."
+
+If she had not happened to be looking across the street she would have
+seen some guilty faces. Bess grew red, Louise opened her mouth and
+shut it again without saying anything, Carl drummed on the back of his
+chair with an air of extreme indifference which Ikey tried to copy,
+and Helen looked from one to the other with very big eyes.
+
+The Fords' tea bell, rung at the front door for Ikey's benefit,
+relieved the strain. Then presently Louise saw her father and baby
+Carie coming up the street, and the Brown house was not mentioned
+again.
+
+As Aunt Zelie was on her way upstairs that night she was waylaid in
+the dimly lighted hall by three ghostly figures.
+
+"What are you doing out of bed?" she exclaimed.
+
+"Oh, auntie, we want to tell you something! It is about the Brown
+house. We have been playing Robin Hood in the garden."
+
+"It was a lovely place, and we didn't do any harm, really."
+
+Aunt Zelie listened with just a little bit of a smile till she had
+heard the whole story. It had been great fun, there could be no doubt
+of that.
+
+"Was it wrong?" asked Bess anxiously.
+
+"We did not hurt anything, not one bit," Carl insisted.
+
+"Why did you keep it such a secret?"
+
+"That was part of the fun; but I wish we had told you," said Louise.
+
+"Yes, it is nicer to have you know things;" and Bess sighed, relieved
+now that confession was made.
+
+"It is too late to discuss it to-night, but I want you to think about
+it and decide for yourselves whether or not it was right."
+
+"Did you know it before we told you?" Carl asked suddenly.
+
+"I only guessed it to-day," she replied, smiling.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+IN THE STAR CHAMBER.
+
+
+There never lived a more genial, kindly man than old Judge Hazeltine,
+and the house he planned and built reflected, as perfectly as a house
+could, the character of its owner.
+
+"The front door looks like the Judge," people used to say, laughing as
+they said it, for he was portly and the door was wide. But they meant
+more than just that, for there were few, even among the unimaginative,
+who did not feel drawn to that door. Hospitality shone from every
+panel, the big fanlight was like a genial sun, and the resemblance to
+his cheery face and cordial manner was not altogether fanciful.
+
+Of the inside of the house perhaps it is enough to say at present that
+it kept the promise of the outside.
+
+After the judge's death the old home fell to the share of the younger
+of his two sons, for the William Hazeltines had already built their
+fine mansion out on Dean avenue, where Aunt Marcia found things more
+suited to her fastidious taste than on the quiet street which had
+ceased to be fashionable.
+
+On the other hand, her brother-in-law declared that he much preferred
+his large garden and home-like neighborhood to the elegant monotony of
+her surroundings. The children agreed with their father, and so
+perhaps, for the matter of that, did Uncle William.
+
+At the top of the house there was a long low room, with five windows
+looking east, west, and south, which was known as the star chamber.
+This name had originated with Uncle William in the days when he and
+his brother Frank played and studied there, as Carl and his sisters
+did now. On rainy days when the garden was out of the question the
+children were most likely to be found here.
+
+It was a pleasant place and well suited for any sort of indoor game.
+Except for a rug or two the floor was bare, and the furniture
+consisted of an old claw-footed sofa on which at least six people
+could sit comfortably at one time, a wardrobe, some book-shelves, and
+a hammock swung across one corner. There may have been a chair or two,
+but the wide window-sills made pleasanter resting-places. Here in the
+summer time you looked out into the soft greenness of the maple trees,
+getting glimpses of the quiet street, but when the branches were bare
+a fine outlook was to be had all over the neighborhood, and you saw
+how big houses and little houses stood sociably side by side, while an
+old gray church kept guard at one corner. Here Bess and Louise
+romanced over an imaginary family known as "The Carletons," or played
+dolls with Helen, and here Carl arranged his stamp album and made
+signals to Ikey across the street. Sometimes their father and uncle
+would drop in and pretend they were boys once more. Then what delight
+it was to listen to their stories of boyish pranks!
+
+Aunt Zelie was their most frequent visitor. The days when she kept her
+dolls and "dressing-up things" in the old wardrobe, which was now put
+to the same use by her little nieces, were not so very far back in the
+past, and many of her story books were still to be found on the
+shelves among later favorites.
+
+Going up to the star chamber on the morning after the excitement over
+the Brown house, she walked in upon an indignation meeting.
+
+"Just when we wanted to play Crokonole!"
+
+"It is _too_ mean!"
+
+"She might let him come, it spoils all our fun!"
+
+This is what she heard, and she asked in surprise, "What in the world
+is the matter?"
+
+There was silence for a minute, during which the rain made a great
+pattering outside; then little Helen, who was serenely busy with her
+paper dolls, replied, "Ikey's grandma won't let him come over, 'cause
+he took her fur rug and Sallie's clothes-pins."
+
+"What did he want with the clothes-pins and rug?"
+
+"We wanted them to play with, Aunt Zelie. You can do a great many
+things with clothes-pins," Bess explained.
+
+"Aleck was to have been King Richard--the rug was for him at the
+banquet; and now he hasn't come and we can't do anything," said Louise
+mournfully.
+
+Aunt Zelie sat down on the sofa and folded her hands in her lap.
+
+"I should like to know how many of _our_ things have been carried over
+to the Brown house garden," she said.
+
+"We took some of the straw cushions and two or three cups that Mandy
+said we might play with," replied Bess, watching her aunt's face
+anxiously. There was another silence, during which Carl became
+absorbed in a book and Louise gave her attention to Helen's dolls.
+Then Aunt Zelie spoke:
+
+"The more I think of this the more uncomfortable I feel about it."
+
+"I can't see why," came from Carl.
+
+"Because it seems to me such a lawless proceeding. Do you know that
+there are people who say that no children were ever so lawless as
+American children to-day?"
+
+"That is poetry, auntie; you made a beautiful rhyme," laughed Louise.
+But her aunt refused to smile.
+
+"It is not poetry, but sad fact, I'm afraid. You may not have done
+much actual harm, but you have shown no respect for other people's
+property. You went into the Brown house garden without leave, and you
+encouraged Ikey to carry off his grandmother's things without
+permission. I have trusted you all summer--I thought I could; but this
+makes me afraid that you ought to have someone with more experience to
+watch over you. You know when I came back to you two years ago I
+promised to stay so long as I could be a help to you, but--"
+
+"Oh, Aunt Zelie! You do help us--don't go away!" cried Bess, clasping
+her around the waist; Louise seized one of her hands tightly in both
+her own, and Carl looked out the window with a flushed face.
+
+"That is not fair, Aunt Zelie," was all he said.
+
+He could never forget--nor could Bess--how she had come to them in
+their loneliness, and taken the motherless little flock into her arms,
+comforting them and wrapping them all about with her love and
+sympathy. How could they ever do without her?
+
+"You aren't going away, are you?" Helen asked, leaving her dolls and
+coming to her side.
+
+"I hope not, for I can't think what I should do without my children,"
+she answered. And then they all snuggled around her on the old sofa
+and talked things over. It was astonishing what a difference it
+made--trying to look at the matter from all sides. Even Mrs. Ford's
+indignation did not seem so very unreasonable when you stopped to
+think how inconvenient it was to be without clothes-pins on Monday
+morning.
+
+"I know it does not seem exactly right as you put it, Aunt Zelie,"
+Carl acknowledged, "but it was such fun, we couldn't have had so good
+a time anywhere else."
+
+"Suppose you found the Arnold children playing in our garden some day,
+would you think that because they had found that they couldn't have so
+good a time anywhere else, it was all right?"
+
+"Why, auntie, those Arnold boys are not nice at all; we _couldn't_
+have them in our garden," cried Louise.
+
+"No one was living in the Brown house--it is different," Carl began.
+
+"I know what she means," said Bess. "Just because it is fun isn't a
+good excuse."
+
+"That is it," answered her aunt. "I believe in fun if only you do not
+put it first, above thought for the feelings or property of others. I
+am sure you did not mean to do wrong, but it would not do for me to
+let you go on being thoughtless, would it?"
+
+"Mrs. Ford isn't a bit like you, Aunt Zelie; she was dreadfully mad at
+Ikey, and said he must stay in his room all day," remarked Louise.
+
+"I am sorry for Mrs. Ford. I rather think _I_ should be dreadfully mad
+too, if I were in her place. She is an old lady and is used to having
+her household affairs move on smoothly, and one day she finds her
+servants upset and some of her property missing, all because certain
+naughty children cared more for a little fun than for her comfort."
+
+Aunt Zelie spoke gravely, and her audience looked very much subdued.
+
+In the course of the day Joanna, one of the maids, was sent over to
+the Brown house to inquire about the things left by the children in
+the garden. She returned with the missing articles, which had been
+carried into the house by the man who cut the grass.
+
+"Did you see anybody, Jo? Are there any children?" were the questions
+she met with. But she had only seen a middle-aged woman who was
+cleaning the hall, and had learned nothing about the new occupants.
+
+"It is very stupid of Joanna," said Carl as he rolled up the rug and
+the clothes-pins and marched over to apologize to Mrs. Ford for their
+share of the mischief. He did this so meekly and with such evident
+sincerity that the old lady was greatly mollified, and sent him up to
+tell Ikey he might consider himself released from the day's
+confinement in his room.
+
+For the rest of the week the children were models of propriety. No one
+would have dreamed that they had been outlaws so short a time before.
+
+From the star chamber windows Robin and his merry men looked down on
+the transformation which was taking place in their old domain.
+
+The long grass was cut down, and with it those patches of pepper grass
+that had seasoned many a feast. The bushes and vines were trimmed, the
+walk was reddened, the shutters were thrown open. Every day added
+something to the change, yet, besides the servants, no one had been
+seen about the house.
+
+Who could their new neighbors be? The subject was discussed morning,
+noon, and night, till their father said he would have to tell them the
+story of the man who made a fortune minding his own business. Uncle
+William, who was there at the time, said that probably the man was too
+stupid to enjoy his fortune after he made it, and he pretended to be
+willing to go over and inquire at the door, if Louise would go with
+him.
+
+"At least we know there can't be any children," said Bess, "for they
+couldn't stay in the house all the time."
+
+"Please tell us the story about the man, Father," asked little Helen,
+and couldn't understand why they all laughed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE LADY OF THE BROWN HOUSE.
+
+
+Bang! went the door, and away they rushed, like a small tornado,
+across the porch, down the walk and over the street.
+
+They seemed to be running away from Helen, for a second after they had
+vanished behind Mrs. Ford's oleanders she came around the house.
+
+Indignant tears were in her eyes; it was hard not to be wanted, to be
+thought too little to play with. Bess and Louise had such good times
+with the boys and she had nothing in the world to do this afternoon.
+To be sure they had been very gracious all morning, and had even
+allowed her to listen to a thrilling chapter in the history of the
+Carletons, but this was too good to last.
+
+At lunch certain signs passed back and forth across the table arousing
+her curiosity, and afterwards when she found them laughing on the
+stairs and begged to know what they were going to do, Carl had replied
+provokingly, "What do you suppose?" and now they had run away with
+Ikey somewhere. The house was very quiet; Carie was taking her nap,
+Aunt Zelie dressing to go out. Helen sat down on the top step of the
+porch and wiped her eyes, saying to herself, "They are just as mean
+as anything, but I don't care--I'll have a good time too. I think I'll
+ask Aunt Zelie to let me go with her."
+
+It happened that as the runaways reached the gate Aunt Marcia's coupe
+turned the corner, and her horrified eyes beheld their flight. When
+she stepped from her carriage her lips were firmly closed in a manner
+which indicated that they would be opened presently for somebody's
+benefit. She was so absorbed that she almost fell over the woebegone
+little figure on the step.
+
+"You have been crying--what is the matter?" she demanded.
+
+"Oh, Aunt Marcia, I didn't see you--please excuse me," said Helen,
+whose politeness rarely failed her, rising and putting away her
+handkerchief. Mrs. Hazeltine saw pretty clearly how matters stood.
+
+"Never mind, my dear," she said; "perhaps you would like to take a
+drive with me. I am going out to Cousin John's."
+
+Helen was her favorite among the children, because she was quiet and
+demure, and did not tear and soil her clothes as Bess and Louise did.
+Helen on her part looked up to Aunt Marcia with deep admiration, and
+meant to be just like her when she was grown. So she ran off very
+happily to have her dress changed, while Mrs. Hazeltine waylaid Aunt
+Zelie as she came downstairs ready for a walk.
+
+"Dear me! the children have been in mischief," was this lady's inward
+exclamation, for she knew the signs of disapproval, and felt like
+running away, as she used to do when a child, from Sister Marcia's
+lectures.
+
+She only sat down on the bottom step, however, and waited.
+
+"How do you do, Zelie? I see you are going out and I shall not detain
+you for more than a minute. Little Helen is coming to drive with me."
+
+She seated herself in a judicial attitude on one of the high-backed
+hall chairs.
+
+"I do not wish to interfere," she continued, "But I should like to
+inquire if you know where the children are this afternoon?"
+
+"I have a general idea," Aunt Zelie replied, slowly putting on her
+glove and reflecting that it would take more than her sister's powers
+to be able to say at any given moment exactly where they were.
+
+"I thought you did not know. They are running through the streets,
+Louise without her hat. It may do for boys, but for little girls I
+think it disgraceful."
+
+"I told them they might go to the Ford's; they do not play in the
+street. You must have seen them when they were on their way there, and
+I do not object to their running."
+
+Mrs. Hazeltine shook her head. "How can you think it proper for Bess
+and Louise to race with the boys in that fashion? You seem to be
+conscientious, yet you do not restrain them in the least."
+
+"I own I do not know how to make a difference between girls and boys.
+Why are they born into the same families if they are not meant to play
+together? And if they are to be strong and healthy they must be out of
+doors. I am sorry to seem to set my judgment up against yours, but--"
+
+"You are stubborn, Zelie, like all the Hazeltines. _I_ believe in
+fresh air as much as you do, but I should send Bess and Louise to walk
+with Joanna. However, I see it is of no use to talk to you. I should
+never mention the subject at all if I did not feel a deep interest in
+the children." Mrs. Hazeltine rose. "Here comes Helen," she said, "so
+I'll not detain you any longer," and taking her little niece by the
+hand she sailed away.
+
+Meanwhile the culprits were taking breath on the grass in the Fords'
+back yard, Ikey hospitably treating his guests to apples and salt.
+
+"I suppose," Bess began, taking a bite of her apple, "that it is
+rather mean to run away from Helen, but we have been very good to her
+to-day, haven't we, Louise?"
+
+"Yes, we have; and the more you do for her the more she thinks you
+ought to do."
+
+"She can't expect to go everywhere we go," said Carl decidedly.
+
+The business on hand this afternoon was nothing more or less than the
+erection of a telephone which had been constructed by the boys out of
+fruit cans and pieces of old kid gloves. The main difficulty lay in
+getting their line across the street, for it was to communicate
+between Ikey's room and the star chamber. An attempt had been made
+once before, but the result was such a mortifying failure that their
+energy and interest flagged for a while.
+
+The trees caused most of the trouble. Their line first caught in one
+of these at such a distance from the pavement that while they were
+absorbed in getting it off a gentleman who happened to be passing had
+his hat suddenly removed. This accident convulsed everybody but Bess,
+who in great embarrassment tried to explain that it was not intended
+for a practical joke. Finally it was caught and broken by the angry
+driver of a market wagon. Carl, who disliked to give anything up, had
+ever since been trying to think of a plan.
+
+"There must be some way," he said as he lay on his back looking up at
+the sky.
+
+"I know!" cried Bess, seized with an inspiration; "clothes-props!"
+
+"What about them?" asked Ikey doubtfully.
+
+"It isn't Monday, and any way we can get ours.--Mandy will let us have
+them," Bess said reassuringly, and then she unfolded her plan.
+
+"Isn't she clever?" exclaimed Louise admiringly.
+
+"We'll try it, it may work," said Carl, with masculine condescension.
+
+"What in the world can those children be doing?" somebody wondered as
+she looked through the half-closed blinds of one of the Brown house
+windows a few minutes later.
+
+Mounted on a chair near the Fords' front fence stood Bess holding
+aloft a clothes-prop, and looking like a small copy of "Liberty
+Enlightening the World." Through a groove in the top of the pole ran
+the line, one end of which was safely fastened in Ikey's window.
+Louise had the rest of it in charge and slowly dealt it out as she
+crossed the street in front of Carl, who by means of another pole kept
+it elevated beyond all harm. Once over the street it was easily
+attached to a cord hanging from the star chamber, then slowly and
+cautiously Ikey pulled it up. Several times it caught in the trees,
+but a careful jerk sent it free, and at last it was safe.
+
+"Three cheers for Bess! It was her plan," called Ikey from above.
+
+"It really worked very well," Carl acknowledged.
+
+"I knew all the time it would," added Louise, as they went inside to
+finish their work.
+
+The watcher in the Brown house window returned reluctantly to the book
+she had been reading, as though she found the bit of real life more
+entertaining.
+
+When all was done it was pronounced a success. Even though you could
+not hear so very distinctly, at least the bells fastened at each end
+tinkled most realistically when the line was pulled.
+
+As they came out of the side door at the Fords' after inspecting
+Ikey's end of the telephone, Louise catching sight of a ball which lay
+on the grass made a spring for it. The others rushed after her, there
+was a scramble that would have shocked Aunt Marcia beyond expression,
+and Carl getting possession tossed it with all his might--he did not
+stop to think where. Alas! it went over into the next yard and a crash
+of broken glass told the tale. They looked at each other in
+consternation, and Ikey ran and peeped through the fence.
+
+"You have broken one of the Brown house windows," he reported.
+
+"It wasn't all his fault, it was partly mine," said Louise, who always
+stood by her friends in trouble.
+
+"Oh, dear!" sighed Bess. "Just when we were going to be so good! What
+will Aunt Zelie say?"
+
+"I'll have to go and tell them I did it, and that I'll have the glass
+put in," said Carl.
+
+Louise at once volunteered to go with him, and Bess suggested, "Let's
+all go."
+
+Ikey did not like the plan exactly, but he would not have objected for
+the world. Louise tossed back her long braids and put on her hat, and
+the solemn little party started out.
+
+"Whom shall I ask for?" Carl suddenly demanded, as they marched up
+the newly reddened walk.
+
+"Dear me! We don't know the name," gasped Bess, feeling inclined to
+turn and run.
+
+"Never mind, just ask for the lady of the house," said Louise, her
+courage rising to the occasion. "It sounds beggarish, but you can't
+help it."
+
+Bess and Ikey retreated a little when the door was opened by a woman
+who asked somewhat gruffly what they wanted.
+
+Carl hesitated, so Louise in her politest manner inquired for the lady
+of the house.
+
+"What do you want with her?" said the woman, eying them sharply.
+
+"We want to _see_ her," was the emphatic reply.
+
+"Well, you can't, then," and the door would have been shut in their
+faces if a voice from inside had not called "Mary!"
+
+She disappeared for a moment, then returning asked them in.
+
+Bess held Ikey's hand tightly as they followed the others along the
+hall. To think of being inside the Brown house!
+
+Before they had time to consider what they were to do or say, they
+found themselves in a quaint room with dim old portraits on the wall;
+but all the children saw was a lady with white hair and bright eyes,
+seated in an invalid's chair by the window. As Louise advanced
+timidly, followed by the others, this lady held out her hand, saying:
+
+"You wish to speak to me, Mary says; I am very glad to see you."
+
+They all felt reassured by her pleasant tone, and Louise found her
+voice.
+
+"We came to tell you that, while we were playing, Carl threw his ball
+and broke your window. It was partly my fault too, and we thought we
+would all come and tell you."
+
+"I am very sorry about it, and I will have a new pane put in," Carl
+added.
+
+"I am sure it was an accident," said the lady, smiling; "you must not
+feel badly. I shall be glad of it if it helps me to make the
+acquaintance of some of my new neighbors. Won't you tell me your
+names?"
+
+Louise's dimples at once began to show themselves, for she was always
+ready to make friends, and she gave her plump little hand, saying:
+
+"I am Louise Hazeltine, and this is my brother Carl and my sister
+Bess, and Ikey Ford who lives next door."
+
+"We are much obliged to you for not minding about the window," Bess
+added, forgetting her shyness.
+
+"Won't you sit down and talk to me for a while? I am Miss Brown."
+
+The children smiled at each other. "We have always called this the
+Brown house," Carl explained.
+
+"Then you won't have to change. It is much simpler than if I had
+happened to be named Green or Black, isn't it?" said their new friend,
+laughing. "And now I am sure you can't guess what I call _your_
+house."
+
+Of course they couldn't, so she told them that she had named it the
+house with the Big Front Door.
+
+This amused them very much, and Louise asked, "How did you know we
+lived there?"
+
+"Oh, I have seen you going in and out. I can't move about easily, so
+when I grow tired of reading or sewing I look out of the window."
+
+It was astonishing how much at home they felt. Bess and Louise sat
+together in a big chair chattering away as if they had known Miss
+Brown all their lives. When she asked about the telephone, even Ikey
+had a word to say as they grew merry over the story of their
+difficulties.
+
+As they were leaving, Bess said demurely, "Miss Brown, I think we
+ought to tell you that we have been playing in your garden. We didn't
+mean to do any harm, but Aunt Zelie says it wasn't respecting other
+people's property."
+
+"My dear children, I wish you would come often and play in my garden,"
+was the hospitable reply.
+
+"I am afraid your Mary wouldn't like it," said Louise; adding quickly,
+"and we'd rather come inside now and see you."
+
+"Thank you, I hope you will come, and you must excuse poor Mary; she
+is not so ill-natured as she seems."
+
+"Aunt Zelie," said Carl that evening as they were relating the day's
+adventures, "Miss Brown is tiptop, she wasn't a bit mad. There is
+something about her like you."
+
+"Why, Carl! Her hair is white, and she is not nearly so pretty," cried
+Louise.
+
+"Well, goosie, I didn't say she looked like her, did I?"
+
+"She is very nice at any rate, and has lots of things to show us some
+time--things she had when she was a little girl. We may go to see her
+again, mayn't we, Auntie?" Bess asked.
+
+"Do you think she would like me to go to see her?" Helen inquired.
+
+"Probably she wouldn't mind; we will take you sometime," Louise
+replied graciously.
+
+Helen had returned from her drive in a happy frame of mind, for Aunt
+Marcia had bought her a charming little card-case, and had ordered
+some engraved cards to go in it. Her sisters admired it as much as its
+proud owner could desire, and were quite attentive all the evening.
+
+"Mary," said Miss Brown that night, "those are nice children; and just
+think! I already know _four_ of my neighbors!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+DORA.
+
+
+One afternoon, when the interest in the Brown house was still at its
+height, and before the children had made the acquaintance of their new
+neighbor, a little girl came slowly up the street carrying a
+sun-umbrella.
+
+A hush had fallen upon the neighborhood; nobody was to be seen, and
+the only sound not made by the birds and insects was the far-away
+click and whirr of a lawn-mower.
+
+She had had a long walk and was tired; a carriage-block under the
+maple trees offered a pleasant resting place, so, closing her
+umbrella, she sat down. She had a pair of frank gray eyes and a smile
+that made you feel at once that she was a cheery little person,
+accustomed to make the best of things.
+
+"How still it is!" she said to herself. "I wonder if some wicked fairy
+has put everybody to sleep? I wish I might go into their houses and
+break the spell. And here comes an enchanted prince," she continued,
+laughing at the fancy, as a large black cat came across the street in
+a leisurely, sleepy way.
+
+The gray eyes seemed to inspire his confidence, for the victim of
+enchantment stopped to rub against her dress.
+
+"Pretty old kitty, you are somebody's pet," she said, softly touching
+the glossy head.
+
+He could have told her that some one in the neighborhood was awake. In
+fact, two individuals had invaded the shady spot where he was taking
+his nap, and persisted in tickling his ears with grass till he was
+obliged to leave. He did not mention this, however, only arched his
+back and purred a little, and then, as if he suddenly remembered
+important business, trotted off through the bars of the gate and up
+the walk leading to a large house. The observer on the carriage-block
+thought it the most attractive house she had ever seen. Everything
+about it told of pleasant times: the tennis net, the hammock under the
+trees, the broad piazza, and, most of all, the wide front door which
+seemed to invite her to come in and see what sort of people lived
+behind it. "I wonder who lives here. I wish I knew. I believe I'll
+follow the cat and find out," she thought merrily.
+
+At this moment the door opened and two little girls appeared, all in a
+flutter of dainty blue ruffles. Each carried a cushion, and one had
+what looked like an atlas under her arm.
+
+"Shall we sit on the porch, Bess?" asked the one with yellow hair.
+
+"Oh, no, Louise, don't you think it will be pleasanter under the
+chestnut tree?" the brown-haired maiden said; and then they came
+across the grass and settled themselves under the horse-chestnut, the
+branches of which met those of the maple tree that cast its shade over
+the carriage-block. They were quite unconscious of the wistful eyes
+that watched them as they bent over the atlas, from which Louise took
+some large sheets of paper.
+
+"How pretty they are! I wish I knew them," the owner of the eyes said
+to herself. Then, feeling rather shy in the presence of these charming
+little persons who might look around presently and wonder what she was
+doing there, she rose and took up her umbrella.
+
+She couldn't help lingering a little, for she wanted very much to know
+what they were going to do. Standing where she was shielded front
+their view by a bush that grew in the fence corner, this is what she
+heard:
+
+"We haven't played the Carletons for ever so long; do begin," urged
+Louise.
+
+"I think Lucy ought to be married," said Bess; "she is eighteen, you
+know, and I suppose people are generally married when they are so old
+as that. Then a wedding will be such fun!"
+
+"Yes, indeed, and she has been engaged to Edwin Graves a long time."
+
+"Well, her father and mother have at last consented, though they
+wanted her to marry an English earl, who was madly in love with her."
+
+"I am glad I finished the new house in time," said Louise, holding up
+a drawing which represented the interior of a lofty mansion. "But go
+on about the earl."
+
+"She met him at the queen's palace, where all the English young ladies
+were in love with him, but he thought Lucy the most beautiful of all.
+She did not care for him, though, because she loved Edwin and had
+promised to marry him. Even though he hadn't so much money, she said
+she would rather marry a free-born American than any haughty earl."
+
+"That is very interesting," said Louise, admiring the patriotic
+sentiment, "but do you suppose if she didn't marry Edwin he would die
+of a broken heart?"
+
+"But she is going to marry him," said Bess, refusing to consider the
+question.
+
+"And now we will skip the getting ready part and have the wedding. It
+is a beautiful cloudless night in June, and there are roses
+everywhere; the house is filled with them."
+
+"I'll put them in while you are telling it," suggested the artist.
+
+Bess assented to this and continued, "Lucy is dressed now, and she is
+the most beautiful bride anyone ever saw."
+
+"Do you remember Aunt Zelie's wedding?" asked Louise. "Cousin Helen
+says she was the prettiest bride she ever saw."
+
+"Not very well. I don't remember how she looked, but I think she is
+the most beautiful person in the world now."
+
+"Oh, yes, so do I!"
+
+The wedding then went on without interruption for a while.
+
+"Lucy is tall and stately, her eyes are blue as the sky, and her hair
+is long and golden. She speaks very softly, and has the sweetest
+smile, and she walks like a queen. Her dress is white silk and
+beautiful lace, with a long, long train, and she wears diamonds and
+carries a bunch of roses."
+
+"Now tell about Edwin Graves, Bess."
+
+"Men are a great deal harder to do," said the story-teller with a
+sigh.
+
+"Let me, then, for I know exactly how he looks," and, clasping her
+hands around her knees and gazing upwards, Louise began: "He is very
+tall and grand-looking, his eyes are black, and his voice is very
+deep."
+
+At this interesting point Bess exclaimed, "Louise, here comes Uncle
+William, and I know he is going to take us driving!"
+
+The listener, who had forgotten everything but the story, came to
+herself with a start. "How dreadful of me!" she said, walking away
+very rapidly, while the story-tellers ran out of the gate to greet a
+tall gentleman who had just driven up.
+
+"I suppose they are sisters," she thought, looking back once more
+before she turned the corner.
+
+"How nice it must be to live in a house like that. _Bess_ and
+_Louise_; I wonder what their last name is."
+
+Louise was busy with her drawing one morning, comfortably established
+in a shady corner of the porch, when her aunt called to her:
+
+"I wish you would keep an eye on Carie while Joanna goes on an errand
+for me."
+
+"I will, Aunt Zelie," she responded promptly.
+
+It was not likely her charge would give her much trouble, for Carie
+was quite capable of entertaining herself, and was at that moment
+promenading back and forth with an old parasol over her head,
+pretending she was going to market.
+
+"Don't go on the grass, baby; it is wet," cautioned Louise, by way of
+showing her authority, and then returned to the new mansion for the
+Carletons upon which she was working. She soon became so absorbed in
+this that she forget to look up now and then.
+
+Meanwhile Carie talked busily to herself, gesticulating with one small
+forefinger. But after a little she grew tired of filling her basket
+with grass and leaves, and stood peeping out through the bars of the
+gate. How much more fun it would be to go to the real market where she
+had often been with Joanna! She knew perfectly well that she was not
+allowed outside by herself, but that did not make it seem any less
+attractive. With a cautious glance over her shoulder she softly
+pulled the gate open, and in a moment more was flying up the street.
+When she reached the corner she turned to the right and slackened her
+pace, feeling very important and grown up as she bobbed merrily along
+under her parasol.
+
+"Where are you going, little one?" asked a man who passed her.
+
+She gave him a roguish glance as she answered, "To martet."
+
+At the next corner she turned again to the right, safely crossing the
+street, but here everything was unfamiliar and she began to feel
+timid. Then she suddenly saw a very large dog coming toward her. He
+was so large she thought he must be a bear, and, with a frightened
+scream, she turned to run, but tripped over her parasol, and fell, a
+forlorn little heap, on the sidewalk.
+
+"What is the matter? Are you hurt? You mustn't be afraid of the dog;
+he is good, and doesn't bite."
+
+These reassuring words were spoken by a girl of eleven or twelve, who
+helped her up and brushed off her dress.
+
+"What a darling you are!" she added, as Carie lifted her big blue
+eyes, all swimming in tears, saying, "I fought it was a bear."
+
+"No, indeed; he is only a nice old dog who lives next door to me, so I
+know all about him. Now tell me where you are going all alone?"
+
+"I runned away," was the honest answer, "and I dess you better take
+me home," she added, looking up confidingly into the pleasant face.
+
+"Then you must tell me what your name is and where you live."
+
+Carie could tell her name, but to the other question could only
+answer, "Over there," pointing in the wrong direction with great
+assurance. Her companion was puzzled; she felt certain some one was
+alarmed at the disappearance of this dainty little midget.
+
+"I'll ask Mrs. West if she knows anybody near here named Hazeltine,"
+she said. "Come in and sit on the doorstep till I find out something
+about you."
+
+She was back in a moment. "I think I know now, you dear little thing!
+It must be that lovely house I saw the other day."
+
+For some minutes after Carie's flight Louise worked on, then
+remembering her charge she discovered her absence. She ran to the gate
+and looked up and down the street, she searched the garden and the
+house, and finally burst in upon Aunt Zelie crying:
+
+"I have lost her! I have lost her!"
+
+The news spread in a moment; nothing else could be thought of till the
+lost darling was found.
+
+Carl ran in one direction, Sukey in another, and Bess flew over to ask
+if by any chance Miss Brown had seen the runaway. Louise stood on the
+porch, the picture of misery.
+
+  [Illustration: "A GIRL OF ELEVEN OR TWELVE HELPED HER UP AND
+  BRUSHED OFF HER CLOTHES."]
+
+"You will never trust me again, _never_" she sobbed as her aunt came
+out and stood beside her, looking anxiously up and down.
+
+"I am sure you won't be so careless another time," Aunt Zelie said,
+pitying her distress.
+
+At this moment who should turn the corner but the small cause of all
+the excitement, chatting away to her new friend, quite unconscious
+that she was giving anybody any trouble!
+
+"Why, Carie Hazeltine, where have you been?" cried Louise, drying her
+eyes and running to meet her.
+
+"I found her on Chestnut street--a dog had frightened her," her
+companion explained, reluctantly releasing the plump hand she held.
+
+"You are a naughty girl," said her sister, taking possession of her.
+"You might have been run over, or something dreadful."
+
+"I didn't det run over," Carie insisted indignantly.
+
+"Well, say good-by, and 'thank you for taking care of me.' We are all
+very much obliged to you," Louise added, turning to the stranger.
+Carie held up her mouth for a kiss, and then allowed herself to be led
+away.
+
+"At any rate I know their name is Hazeltine," said Carie's friend to
+herself.
+
+The culprit was soon in a fair way to think she had done something
+very funny and interesting, people made such a fuss over her, so Aunt
+Zelie carried her off to be solemnly reproved.
+
+"I suppose you are going to the party to-morrow, aren't you?" asked
+Elsie Morris, a neighbor and friend, who had been helping in the
+search.
+
+"Of course," answered Bess. "I am glad you came home in time, Elsie;
+Aleck is going to stay in and go with us."
+
+"There are to be fireworks and lanterns and all sorts of things,"
+observed Aleck, who lay at his ease in the hammock.
+
+"Yes, I know," said Elsie, "and everybody is to have a--I don't know
+what you call it--something to remember the party by. Annie May told
+me herself."
+
+"How nice! It will be almost like Christmas," said Louise.
+
+"Not like one of Uncle William's parties, though," put in Carl.
+
+"School begins next week, and three months of pegging before
+Christmas," groaned Aleck.
+
+"Come on, then; let's make the most of the time we have," Carl urged
+energetically.
+
+It was the afternoon of the next day, and Louise stood before the
+mirror critically viewing her sash.
+
+"Why, Joanna! You have made Bess's bows ever so much longer than
+mine."
+
+"I can't see what difference that makes," was the rather sharp reply,
+for the September day was warm and the task of dressing three restless
+young ladies for a party was not conducive to coolness.
+
+"It makes a great deal of difference to us, for we wish to look
+exactly alike," said Louise loftily. "And if you are going to do a
+thing at all, you ought to do it well; Father says so."
+
+"Dear me! Here comes Ikey, and we are not ready," exclaimed Bess, who
+stood at the window.
+
+"You might be if you weren't so particular. I never saw the beat of
+your equal," and Joanna whisked Helen's dress over her head.
+
+"The _beat_ of your _equal_," Bess repeated. "What does that mean,
+Jo?"
+
+"My patience!" was the only reply to be had from this much-enduring
+maid.
+
+"Joanna is cross; I'll get Aunt Zelie to tie my sash," said Louise,
+running off, followed by Bess.
+
+Their aunt was in the lower hall with Ikey, who was looking dignified,
+if not a trifle stiff, in a new standing collar. Louise decided that
+he needed a rose in his buttonhole, and danced away to get one when
+her sash had been arranged to her satisfaction.
+
+Though there was more than a year's difference in their ages, Bess and
+Louise were exactly the same height, and were sometimes taken for
+twins. This delighted them beyond measure, and to help the impression
+they wished to be dressed alike, down to the smallest detail.
+
+Though Bess's hair curled prettily she insisted on wearing it in two
+braids, because that was the only comfortable fashion in which her
+sister's heavy locks could be arranged. Aunt Zelie laughed at them,
+but let them have their way.
+
+Carl and Aleck were the last to appear, which Bess thought was very
+strange, considering they had no sashes to be tied, or hair to be
+curled or braided.
+
+"Now trot along and have the best kind of a time," said Aunt Zelie
+after she had inspected them, and given some finishing touches to
+their cravats; "I am proud of my girls and boys."
+
+They were a merry party as they started out, waving their good-bys,
+Ikey feeling particularly proud to be counted one of her boys. He only
+half wanted to go, for, though sociably inclined, he was bashful, but
+the girls had promised not to desert him.
+
+Carl affected to hold parties in disdain. "They never do anything
+worth while; who cares for 'drop the handkerchief' or dancing?"
+
+When Louise mischievously suggested that he must be going for the
+supper, he strolled ahead with an air of lofty scorn.
+
+The occasion was a birthday party, an outdoor affair, and the large
+yard was hung with Japanese lanterns ready to light when the sun went
+down. As the children came flocking in with their bright faces and gay
+ribbons, it was a pretty scene.
+
+There were swings and all sorts of games, and soon everybody was busy
+having a good time. Even Carl forgot that he did not like parties. But
+there was one person who seemed to be left out of the fun. Stopping to
+rest after some lively game, Bess noticed a girl sitting on a bench
+all by herself. She looked lonely, and Bess felt sorry for her.
+
+"I think I ought to go and speak to her; won't you go with me, Elsie?"
+she asked.
+
+"No; I'd rather not. I think she is funny-looking."
+
+"But I am afraid she does not know anybody."
+
+"Well, it is not our party; why doesn't Annie May take care of her?"
+And Elsie smoothed her pink ribbons complacently.
+
+Bess was shy, and thought she could not go by herself to speak to a
+stranger. "I'll wait till I see Louise," she said.
+
+"Who is that girl?" some one asked the little hostess.
+
+"Her name is Dora Warner," was the reply. "Mamma knows her mother.
+They haven't lived here long. I have tried to introduce her, but
+nobody wants to talk to her, and she doesn't know a single game. I
+wish Mamma would come and take care of her."
+
+The stranger sat alone looking on at the merry scene. She felt timid
+and unhappy, and had to wink very hard now and then to get rid of a
+troublesome mist that found its way to her eyes.
+
+"I am silly I know; I ought not to expect to get acquainted all at
+once," she said to herself bravely.
+
+If it had not been for the loneliness she might have enjoyed the fun
+going on around her, even though she had no part in it. Such dainty
+dresses, such laughing and dancing about, such airs and graces, she
+had never before seen! She recognized the charming little girls who
+had so taken her fancy a week or two before--sisters, she felt sure,
+of that dear little Carie.
+
+"Oh, dear!" she said at last; "I can't help wishing I had not come!"
+
+Not thinking what she was doing, Dora took up a croquet mallet which
+had been left on the bench, and began slowly to screw it into the
+ground. Just then a boy rushed by hotly chased by another. The one in
+pursuit tripped on the mallet and fell headlong on the grass.
+
+"Are you hurt? I am so sorry; I did not mean to do it!" she exclaimed
+in dismay.
+
+"No, I am not hurt," he replied, sitting up and rubbing the stains off
+his hands with his handkerchief. "How did you come to do it anyhow?"
+and he gave her a glimpse of a pair of merry brown eyes, and then went
+on polishing his hands.
+
+"I don't know," she answered.
+
+"If it had not been for you I could have caught Aleck."
+
+"I am so sorry," Dora said again, in such a mournful tone that the boy
+laughed.
+
+"You needn't think I care! Aleck knows I can catch him. Do you like to
+run?"
+
+"I haven't tried it very often lately. I think you could catch me,"
+she answered.
+
+"I probably could; as a general thing girls aren't much on running,
+but you should see Louise!"
+
+"Who is she?" asked Dora.
+
+"She is my sister; I thought everybody knew Louise."
+
+"I don't know any one," was the reply in a mournful tone.
+
+"Don't you really?" Carl asked, sitting up very straight; "and is that
+the reason you are over here by yourself?"
+
+"I know Annie a little, but you see I haven't lived here since I was a
+baby. We have been travelling about a good deal, so I haven't had a
+chance to know many people. Mamma wanted me to come this afternoon."
+
+There was something exceedingly pleasant in her straightforward
+manner.
+
+"I don't care much for parties myself," said Carl, "but if you want to
+get acquainted you must not stick in a corner."
+
+"What must I do?" Dora asked, smiling.
+
+"Well, to begin with, you make friends with somebody who knows
+somebody else, and so on. It is very easy."
+
+"Then I have begun with you, though I do not know your name."
+
+"Very well, here goes! My name is Carl Hazeltine, the girl over by the
+oak tree is my sister Louise, the boy with her is Isaac Ford--the one
+who is laughing I mean; next to him is Elsie Morris, and that fellow
+coming this way is Aleck Hazeltine, my cousin, and--"
+
+Dora put out her hand appealingly. "I can't possibly remember so many,
+and I haven't told you my name. It is Dora Warner."
+
+"We used to have a cat named Dora," Carl remarked gravely, taking a
+small round glass from his pocket and composedly surveying his
+necktie, "a nice, white, meek little pussy cat."
+
+"I had a dog once, when we were in London, named Carl--o. He was a
+curly dog and ever so vain when we tied a ribbon on his collar," was
+the prompt response. Then they both laughed merrily, and Carl asked
+with friendly interest, "Were you really in London!"
+
+"Yes, we were there last winter."
+
+"Wasn't it great fun?"
+
+"No, for papa was ill, and mamma always with him, so I was lonely."
+
+Something in Dora's tone made Carl notice that her sash was black.
+
+"So I suppose her father is dead," he thought, but could think of
+nothing to say, and jumping up suddenly was off like a flash.
+
+Dora thought her new acquaintance a funny one, but his friendly manner
+had made her feel cheerful again.
+
+She saw him coming back presently, accompanied by a little girl with
+soft dark eyes and a sweet face which she recognized at once.
+
+"This is my sister Bess," he announced.
+
+Bess sat down beside her, saying gravely, "Carl says you don't know
+anyone. Wouldn't you like to come and play with us? We are going to
+begin a new game."
+
+Dora was quite ready. "Only I am afraid I shall not know how," she
+said.
+
+"That won't make the least difference, for we haven't any of us played
+it before. It is very easy--just throwing bean-bags," and, taking her
+hand in a friendly clasp, Bess led her toward a gay group that was all
+in an uproar over some of Aleck's nonsense.
+
+"Here comes that odd-looking girl," whispered Elsie to Helen. "Just
+see what a plain dress she has on!"
+
+"Why, you are the girl who brought our Carie home yesterday, aren't
+you?" cried Louise, as Bess introduced Dora.
+
+"Are you really? She has been talking about you all day. Carl, it was
+Dora who found Carie," Bess exclaimed delightedly.
+
+From this moment the charmed circle was open to her. Dora could hardly
+believe she was not dreaming. To be taken into the midst of all the
+fun under the protection of her new friends--to find herself suddenly
+popular! What could have seemed more incredible half an hour before?
+Louise, who was a born leader, and whose bright face and sunny temper
+made her a general favorite, took her in charge, and Dora entered so
+heartily into the game, laughing so merrily at her mistakes, that her
+companions begun at once to like her.
+
+"Come, Elsie, aren't you going to play?" asked Bess.
+
+"I don't know how," was her reply, in a fretful tone.
+
+"It is perfectly easy," said one of the others.
+
+"Never mind; she doesn't know beans," laughed Aleck, tossing a bag to
+Dora.
+
+"I know you are very rude," pouted Elsie.
+
+"Do play," urged Dora, running to her. "I will show you exactly how,"
+and half reluctantly she yielded, for she really wanted to play.
+Before they were through the game, supper interrupted, and gave them
+something else to think about.
+
+Mrs. May, remembering the stranger and coming to look for her,
+concluded that she was quite able to take care of herself, for she
+seemed to be having an extremely good time.
+
+A good time truly it was, Dora thought, as she sat among her new
+friends.
+
+"I am so glad we are acquainted with you," Louise said.
+
+"I am sure I am glad," she answered, "and I do hope I shall see Carie
+again sometime. There is one thing I must tell you," she continued.
+"The other day I walked by your house, and I was so tired I sat down
+on your carriage-block to rest. It was very quiet, and nobody was in
+sight, and I was sitting there thinking how very big your front door
+was--"
+
+"How did you know it was our house?" asked Bess.
+
+"I didn't then, but presently the door opened and you two came out.
+You had on blue dresses, and Louise had a book, and you came and sat
+under a tree not very far from me."
+
+"Why, we didn't see you!"
+
+"I know you did not, and, of course, I ought to have gone away,
+but"--here Dora's face flushed--"I couldn't help hearing the beginning
+of your story, and then I forget what I was doing--it was dreadful; I
+want you to know about it--I listened to all you said."
+
+"How funny! And we did not see you! Why, Dora, we don't care a bit, do
+we, Bess?"
+
+"I am very glad if you don't. I was so ashamed of myself. I hoped some
+day I should know you, but I did not think it would happen so soon,"
+and Dora heaved a sigh of relief.
+
+"But isn't it funny that you should have found Carie?" said Bess.
+
+"And then have tripped me up," added Carl, joining them. "It is really
+as curious as our getting acquainted with Miss Brown."
+
+"Who is Miss Brown?" asked Elsie.
+
+"She is a person who has lately moved into Nottingham castle," he
+replied gravely.
+
+"Robin Hood broke one of her windows," added Aleck.
+
+"What does he mean? I don't understand it at all," fretted Elsie, who
+was so easily teased the boys could never resist the temptation.
+
+"Carl is talking nonsense. I will tell you about her sometime," said
+Bess.
+
+"Good-by, Dora," said Louise when the happy evening was over and they
+were starting home. "I think we ought to be friends because you found
+Carie; don't you, Bess?"
+
+Bess certainly thought so, for she had taken a desperate fancy to this
+new acquaintance.
+
+"You must come to see me; Helen and all of you," Dora said cordially.
+
+"Mamma, I have had a beautiful time, I am glad I went," she exclaimed,
+standing beside her mother's couch a few minutes later. "Does your
+head ache? Then I'll wait till to-morrow to tell you about it;" and
+she went to bed to dream pleasant dreams.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+UNCLE WILLIAM.
+
+
+When the children reached home that evening they found Aunt Marcia and
+Uncle William in the library.
+
+Carie, too, was there, bent on an investigation of her uncle's pocket,
+from which she had just brought to light in triumph a chocolate mouse.
+
+"Now, baby dear, you must go to bed, mammy is waiting for you," said
+Aunt Zelie.
+
+"Let me find one uzzer one," pleaded Carie, depositing her prize on
+her uncle's knee, and continuing the search.
+
+"Of course you have had a 'perfectly lovely' time," said Uncle William
+as the party-goers entered.
+
+"Indeed we have," answered Louise, establishing herself on an arm of
+her father's chair. "And we've found the nicest girl," she added.
+
+"I found her," said Carl.
+
+"She is the girl who brought Carie home yesterday, and we like her
+very much," explained Bess.
+
+"Annie May hasn't any politeness; she didn't introduce her to more
+than one or two people. Think of being at a big party like that and
+not knowing anyone!"
+
+"That is not a proper way in which to speak of your hostess, my son,"
+said Mr. Hazeltine.
+
+"How did you happen to get acquainted with her?" asked Aunt Zelie,
+smiling at Carl's vehemence.
+
+"Auntie, it was the funniest thing you ever heard of!" Louise
+exclaimed. "She tripped him up with a croquet mallet!"
+
+"She must have been desperate," remarked her father, pulling one of
+the long braids that hung over her shoulder.
+
+"She did not mean to do it--it was when I was running after Aleck--and
+she was very sorry. Then I found she didn't know anybody, so I went
+for Bess, and she had a good time after that," Carl explained briefly.
+
+"She has lived in London, and different places abroad," Bess added.
+
+"May we go to see her, auntie? We told her we would if you'd let us."
+
+"Louise, you should never promise to visit people till you know
+something about them," said Aunt Marcia reprovingly.
+
+"Her name is Dora Warner, and she boards with her mother at Mrs.
+West's on Chestnut street, and her father is dead. I think we know a
+good deal about her, Aunt Marcia," Bess said demurely.
+
+"I am going to see her, and take her a chocolate mouse," Carie
+suddenly announced, having been a silent listener while she captured a
+handful of mice.
+
+"I want to know what it is you like so much about your new friend,"
+said Uncle William.
+
+"What do you think of her, Helen?" his wife asked of the little girl,
+sitting so quietly beside her.
+
+"Oh, I like her, Aunt Marcia, ever so much. She asked _me_ to come to
+see her, and she is older than Bess."
+
+"There is no nonsense about her," said Carl.
+
+"I think it is hard to tell why you like people." Bess twisted her
+handkerchief meditatively. "She isn't exactly pretty, but she is
+pleasant and polite--"
+
+"Yes, and she is ready to do anything, and doesn't think about her
+clothes," Carl interposed.
+
+"Boys think about their clothes as well as girls," said Louise. "I
+know lots of girls who don't think about their clothes."
+
+"So do I--some who have no regard whatever for them," said Aunt Zelie,
+laughing.
+
+"Do you know I like the description they give of Dora," remarked Mr.
+William Hazeltine, after the children had left the room.
+
+"I never knew Carl to be so warm in the praise of a new acquaintance,"
+said his brother. "You will have to let them go to see her, Zelie."
+
+"Pray, do not be rash; find out who they are first," begged Mrs.
+Hazeltine.
+
+"I can't help thinking," said her husband, "that this little girl may
+be the daughter of my old friend Dick Warner; you remember him, Frank?
+He died about a year ago, somewhere abroad. As bright and
+sweet-tempered a fellow as ever lived! I must look into it."
+
+Uncle William usually had his own way about things, for the reason
+that no other way was so pleasant. No one could resist his bright face
+and cordial manner. He carried around with him an atmosphere of such
+hearty goodwill that it was next to impossible to be cross or gloomy
+in his presence. People sometimes wondered how he happened to marry
+Mrs. Hazeltine, but the reason was plain enough to him. He regarded
+her with the greatest admiration, feeling that a harum-scarum fellow
+like himself was most fortunate in having such a wife to keep him
+straight. He was very proud and fond of her, and quite blind to what
+others called her managing propensities. Sometimes, indeed, he
+wondered how she could be so severe in her judgment of the children,
+but then someone must be firm. And though she was often annoyed by his
+friendliness with all sorts of odd people, and wished William would
+draw the line somewhere, she always ended by saying leniently that he
+would never be anything but a boy.
+
+He had a warm love for children. No matter how ragged and forlorn they
+might be, they interested him. The newsboys and bootblacks felt that
+he was their friend, and many were the treats they received at his
+hand. By his young relatives and their many friends he was looked upon
+as a sort of every-day Santa Claus. One of his peculiarities was a
+love for surprising people. He sent mysterious parcels, left candy
+about in unexpected places, or took the children out for a walk, and
+then whisked them off on some delightful excursion.
+
+Promptness was another of Uncle William's good qualities. Having
+determined to make inquiries about his old friend, he did it at once,
+and so it happened that Dora and her mother were called down to the
+parlor one day to see a tall gentleman with kindly dark eyes and
+iron-gray hair, who won them at once by his simple, cordial manner.
+
+Mrs. Warner was a thoroughly saddened woman since the death of her
+husband, but even she could not resist his friendliness, and Dora was
+altogether captivated.
+
+The children were surprised and delighted when they heard that their
+uncle had been to see the Warners, and that Dora was really the
+daughter of his old friend.
+
+"So of course we _ought_ to be friends with her," Bess remarked, as
+though it was a solemn duty rather than a pleasure.
+
+Aunt Zelie allowed them to go to see her at once, and invite her to
+spend the next day with them.
+
+"Don't things happen beautifully, Mamma?" Dora said gayly, as she
+dressed that morning. "To think that I really know Bess and Louise,
+and am going to see them!"
+
+Her mother smiled sadly; she was glad her daughter had found such
+pleasant friends, for she knew that their quiet life was making her
+old for her years.
+
+So Dora, in a flutter of delight, found herself following in the
+footsteps of the black cat, up the walk leading to the Big Front Door.
+And there on the porch, stretched at his ease, was that gentleman
+himself, apparently waiting for her, for he rose to meet her, and
+arched his back, and purred with great friendliness.
+
+Then the door opened and she was inside, but before she could look
+around her, three little girls came flying down the stairs and laid
+violent hands upon her. Talking very fast, and quite breathless with
+laughing, they took her up to the dainty room--all blue and
+white--which Bess and Louise called theirs, where she took off her
+hat. Next she had to be presented to Aunt Zelie, from whom she
+received a welcome which made her feel at home from that minute. And
+then to the star chamber, where they found Carl, who was very glad
+indeed to see Dora again. One morning was really too short for all
+there was to be said and seen.
+
+Dora was interested in everything: stamp albums, photographs, dolls,
+and most of all in the story books.
+
+"You must take 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' home with you," Carl
+insisted when he found she had not read it, and then the others began
+to press their favorites upon her until she was quite overwhelmed.
+
+She must look over at the Brown house garden, and hear about their new
+neighbor, and about Ikey Ford, and how tiresome his grandmother was.
+These confidences were interrupted by Carie, who walked in, eager to
+see the girl who had found her, and other attractions faded before the
+delight of holding this dainty bit of humanity on her lap. Nothing
+could be so charming, Dora thought, as she kissed the rosy cheeks and
+soft hair, and listened to her funny chatter; for Carie, who was not
+given to showing favors indiscriminately, treated her with unusual
+graciousness, bestowing chocolate mice with a lavish hand.
+
+"You ought to be the best children in the world, for you have
+everything," Dora said as they went down to lunch.
+
+"Oh, we are!" modestly replied Carl.
+
+When this was over she was taken into a large room full of books and
+beautiful things, among them two portraits. One of these was of a
+white-haired man whose eyes seemed to smile at her as Bess said, "This
+is Grandfather;" the other face had something about it so like Bess's
+own that her low-toned explanation, "This is Mamma," was not needed.
+
+After all, they had not quite everything.
+
+When Carl went over to see Ikey about something, they seized the
+opportunity to play the Carletons, it being a game that the masculine
+mind scorned. They sat under the same chestnut tree, and the black cat
+joined them, and was formally introduced to Dora as Mr. Smith.
+Everything was quiet in the neighborhood, somebody was cutting the
+grass not far away, and it really might have been mistaken for that
+afternoon two weeks ago, except that the girl who was then on the
+carriage-block was now in the garden. To make the resemblance
+complete, who should drive up but Uncle William, calling to know if
+anybody wanted to go to the country.
+
+The Carletons were promptly consigned to the seclusion of the atlas,
+while the romancers ran for their hats.
+
+It was almost dark when Dora was set down at her own door, merry and
+rosy.
+
+"Good-by! and do ask your mother to let you go to our school," her
+friends called, waving their handkerchiefs as they turned the corner.
+That happy day settled it. Dora and the Hazeltines became fast
+friends. Everybody liked her, the grown people as well as the
+children. Even Aunt Marcia pronounced her a most well-behaved little
+girl, and hoped Bess and Louise would profit by her example. Carl
+claimed the credit of having discovered her, and Carie always referred
+to her as "My Dora."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE MAGIC DOOR.
+
+
+When Miss Brown said of the Big Front Door that it made her cheerful
+simply to look at it, she had no idea, nor had anyone else, how much
+was going to grow out of it.
+
+First of all was the story Uncle William told one stormy Sunday
+evening before the wood fire in the library.
+
+It had been a trying day to the children, with the rain coming
+steadily down, their father away, and Aunt Zelie sick with a cold.
+Perhaps it was not to be wondered at that by afternoon they had grown
+"cantankerous," as Sukey expressed it, and that something very like
+quarrelling had gone on in the star chamber.
+
+This was all forgotten when the early tea was over, and they gathered
+around the fire with Uncle William in father's arm-chair.
+
+The shadows were dark in the corners of the room, but the soft
+wavering light gilded everything within reach, touching Grandfather's
+portrait with its gentle magic, till he himself seemed to be standing
+there, smiling and about to speak. The young faces turned to Uncle
+William were full of quiet content.
+
+"Do you know what Miss Brown has named our house?" Bess asked. "She
+calls it the house with the Big Front Door."
+
+"That is a very good name and reminds me of a story."
+
+"Oh, please tell it," they all begged, and so without preface Uncle
+William begun:
+
+"Once upon a time a man built a house. He selected the materials with
+greatest care, and watched every brick, stone, and beam used in its
+construction, that everything might be strong and good. But it was to
+the front door that he gave most thought. This was of oak after a
+design of his own, and was wide and massive, with hinges of
+wrought-iron and a dragon's-head knocker. Some of his neighbors
+admired it, others found fault with it, objecting that it was out of
+proportion and too large for a dwelling-house. But after a while they
+discovered that it was more than an ordinary door. There was some
+magic about it; it shed a radiance over the whole neighborhood. People
+when they were perplexed would look towards it, and presently their
+doubts would fade away. Those who were despondent or sorrowful were
+cheered and comforted by the sight of it. In stormy weather it was
+like a small neighborhood sun. And no one rejoiced more than its owner
+in the strange power of the door, for he had a heart full of love and
+goodwill, and he and his children were constantly doing kindnesses to
+their neighbors. They were a happy family too among themselves, and
+the reason seemed to be because they lived in the radiance of the
+magic door.
+
+"At length, to the sorrow of his friends, this good man died. In his
+parting instructions to his children he warned them that the door
+might sometime lose its power, and if its hinges should ever become
+rusty, or its lock hard to turn, he directed them to a certain iron
+box where they would find a key which, if used according to the
+directions attached, would soon restore it. This made little or no
+impression upon them at the time, for, since the oldest of them could
+remember, the door had been always the same, and it seemed improbable
+that it would ever change. They missed their father sadly, but for a
+time continued to live as they had when he was with them. However, as
+the months passed, all unconsciously at first they began to neglect
+their duties; to forget the acts of neighborly kindness they had once
+been so glad to perform; and saddest of all, they fell to quarrelling
+among themselves. Then one day they could not open the door, try as
+they would. Rust was discovered thick upon its hinges, and while they
+were wondering how this could have happened, some one brought word
+that complaint was general in the neighborhood that the door had lost
+its magic power. The children looked at one another in dismay, till
+one remembered the iron box and went in search of it. When it was
+found and opened in the midst of the family there was in it simply an
+ordinary key with a card tied to it, and on the card were written
+these words: 'They helped every one his neighbor.'
+
+"They were for a time at a loss to understand, when one wiser than the
+rest spoke: 'Do you not see,' he said, 'that it was the spirit of
+helpfulness that made our home happy, and gave our door its strange
+power? We have neglected our father's teaching; have been selfish and
+unloving, and so are no longer a blessing to ourselves or others.'
+
+"Each felt in his heart that this was true, and with one accord they
+made up their quarrels; one went to visit a sick neighbor, another
+carried a coat to a poor man and food to his children, and in various
+ways they tried to begin over again, and live as their father had
+lived. Then happiness returned to their home, the key slipped easily
+into the lock, the door opened wide once more, and gradually regained
+its old power. So not only were they happy themselves, but they kept
+alive the memory of their father, whose name was loved and honored by
+all who came within the radiance of the magic door."
+
+There was silence for a few minutes; then Bess asked, "Was Grandfather
+the man who built the house?"
+
+Uncle William smiled.
+
+"You must find the moral for yourselves, but I acknowledge that Miss
+Brown put the idea into my head."
+
+"And you told it because we were cross this afternoon, I know," said
+Louise wisely.
+
+"Suppose Miss Brown could tell when we are bad just by looking at the
+door!" Carl suggested, laughing.
+
+"It would be dreadful," said Bess soberly.
+
+"But it isn't true about _our_ door, is it?" Helen asked.
+
+"Of course not, goosie," replied her brother.
+
+"Put it the other way, and suppose that Miss Brown could tell when you
+are kind and unselfish, that would not be dreadful," said their uncle.
+"And I forgot to say," he added, "that the key in the story is
+warranted to work like magic anywhere. It was a favorite text of your
+grandfather's. When this house was built I was a little boy, hardly as
+old as Helen, but I remember distinctly the first time I went through
+it. I was very much delighted, and came running down the steps,
+calling, 'Oh, father, what a nice house this is!' and he replied, 'I
+am glad you like it, William. It is only a house now, but we are going
+to try to make it a home.' I don't think I quite understood what he
+meant till long afterwards, though he went on to explain that a home
+is a place where love, obedience, and helpfulness grow, and are stored
+up as the water is stored in Quarry Hill reservoir, to find its way
+out into the world after a while, carrying comfort and cheer.
+
+"Your grandfather did all he could to make this house a real home
+while he lived, and now the responsibility rests upon you."
+
+"I truly mean to remember the key, and try to be a helper," said Bess,
+finding and marking the text in her own Bible, at Uncle William's
+suggestion. "I like that part about the radiance of the magic door,"
+she added.
+
+"It is easy enough to talk about it, but it's not so easy to _be_
+good," said Carl with emphasis.
+
+"We are not here to do easy things, and, as Bess says, we can all
+try," Uncle William replied, "and now we have had a sermon, let us
+have some music before I go."
+
+"Let's tell Dora about the magic door; perhaps she would like to
+help!" said Louise, as she and Bess went upstairs to bed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+IKEY'S ACCIDENT.
+
+
+The days grew shorter and cooler, the leaves began to flutter down,
+and each morning, from her sitting-room window, Miss Brown watched the
+children start for school.
+
+First the little girls, tossing good-by kisses to Aunt Zelie, ran down
+the walk to join Dora or Elsie; then a few minutes later Ikey was at
+the gate whistling for Carl. In the five months since Ikey had come to
+stay with his grandparents the boys had become almost inseparable.
+
+Dr. Isaac Clinton Ford was a surgeon in the navy, and having been
+ordered to the Mediterranean, his wife, whose health was not good,
+followed him, with their little daughter, while young Isaac was sent
+to his father's old home. Warmly attached to it himself, Dr. Ford
+could think of no better place for his son, and old Mr. and Mrs. Ford
+felt that it would be almost like having their boy again, from whom
+they had had only brief visits for eighteen years.
+
+Unfortunately, neither took into account that young Isaac was totally
+unlike the quiet, studious boy his father had been. It was a question
+which suffered most during those first weeks, the elderly people
+whose lives had moved on like clockwork for so many years, or the
+mischievous, fun-loving boy suddenly introduced into their household.
+
+The Fords' was a tall, three-story, stone front house, with everything
+about it inside and out in immaculate order. The stone steps and walk
+were spotless, the windows shone, and the shades and curtains were
+arranged in the most exact manner. The only flowers were three
+oleanders in tubs, and these partook of the general tidiness.
+
+It is easy to see that a boy without any deep regard for spotless
+stones, who labored under the delusion that windows were made to look
+out of, and who did not hesitate to push curtains aside and open
+blinds, who whistled when his grandfather was taking his nap, left his
+things lying about, and teased the snappish old pug was destined to be
+a trial. On the other hand, the change from a free and easy home life,
+with a mother as merry-hearted as himself and a father who was more of
+a boy at forty than he had been at twelve, to that humdrum routine
+would have been trying to wiser people than Ikey.
+
+No wonder the first weeks were full of miserable homesickness. Life
+would have been unendurable if the Hazeltines had not discovered him.
+Ikey was ready to meet them more than half way, and before long became
+their boon companion.
+
+Mrs. Howard, the children's aunt, guessed how matters stood, for she
+had lived across the street from the Fords most of her life; so she
+went to his grandmother, and asked her to let Ikey play with Carl and
+the little girls every day.
+
+Mrs. Ford consented, feeling surprised and gratified; and unwilling to
+be lacking in hospitality, she allowed her grandson and his friends
+the freedom of the back yard, on condition that they would respect the
+front. Before the summer was over she had become so used to the sound
+of the children's voices that she no longer found it necessary to go
+to the window every five minutes to see what they were doing.
+
+Ikey had a genius for getting hurt. Cuts, bumps, and bruises were
+matters of every-day occurrence, and were accepted with a heroism born
+of long familiarity. But one morning when he and Carl were on their
+way to school he met with an accident which was unusually hard to
+bear.
+
+As they were passing a high board fence they heard a great barking and
+growling, as if a lot of dogs were tearing one another to pieces.
+"What in the world!" exclaimed Carl, trying to find some crack or
+knothole.
+
+"You can't see in that way," Ikey cried scornfully, and giving a
+spring he grasped the top of the fence and drew himself up to look
+over.
+
+Exactly how it happened he could never tell; probably his curiosity
+was resented, for before he had time to see anything, some sharp
+teeth made themselves felt, and he dropped down groaning, "My nose! My
+nose!" Carl was very much alarmed at sight of the blood that streamed
+down from his face, but had presence of mind to remember a doctor's
+office in the next block.
+
+"Your nose isn't all gone, is it?" he asked anxiously, as he led the
+way.
+
+"No, I think there is some of it left," came in muffled tones from the
+handkerchief Ikey held to his face.
+
+Fortunately the doctor was in and dressed the wound, pronouncing it
+not serious, but advising his patient not to be in such a hurry to
+investigate strange dogs another time, or he might lose the whole of
+his nose instead of only a slice.
+
+Relieved that it was no worse, and not being in the habit of making a
+fuss over his hurts, Ikey decided to go on to school.
+
+Perhaps if he could have looked in the glass he would not have been so
+ready, for the yellow plaster did not add to his beauty.
+
+Now all danger was over, Carl could not contain himself, but laughed
+and laughed till his friend's feelings were somewhat hurt.
+
+They were late of course, and created a sensation when they entered,
+and the suppressed amusement among the boys became an uproar at
+recess. It was decidedly trying to be the object of so much school-boy
+wit; to hear over and over again: "Ikey, what ails your
+nose?"--"Can't you wear it in a sling?"--"Or put a shade over it?"--or
+to see on the blackboard lines adapted from Mother Goose:
+
+    "It used to be a blackbird, so the story goes,
+    But now it is a puppy dog that nips off his nose."
+
+He stood it bravely till school was over, but on the way home, at
+sight of the girls on the corner he made a sudden dive across the
+street.
+
+"Where is Ikey going?" Louise asked, in surprise, of Carl and Aleck.
+
+"He has lost his nose," answered the latter.
+
+"Has he gone to look for it?" laughed Dora.
+
+"Tell us what you mean," said Bess.
+
+With much laughter the boys told the story.
+
+"It is mean of you to make fun. Suppose it was your nose?" and Louise
+held on to her own.
+
+"Perhaps it won't turn up any more," suggested Bess.
+
+"I am afraid he won't go to the ball-game; that will be too bad," said
+Carl.
+
+They were all going with Uncle William to see a game of foot-ball that
+afternoon, and there was only time for a hasty lunch before they
+started. Carl ran over to beg Ikey to go in spite of his
+disfigurement, but a melancholy voice from the third-story landing
+declined so positively that there was nothing left to be said.
+
+From behind the curtains Ikey watched the party start off, and felt
+very unhappy at not being with them.
+
+That was a miserable afternoon! His grandmother's exclamations and
+questions had only made matters worse, and he took refuge in his room,
+declining to eat any lunch.
+
+Before long he succeeded in convincing himself that nobody cared for
+him, except, perhaps, his father and mother, who were so far away.
+
+Maybe the others would be sorry when he died of hydrophobia. He had
+heard that people often had it when they were bitten by dogs, and it
+seemed very probable that this would be his fate.
+
+Absorbed in his misery, he hardly knew how time passed, till some one
+knocked at his door. He lay on the couch with his face buried in the
+pillows, and thinking it was the housemaid he said, "Come in," without
+looking up.
+
+The hand that touched his head, however, was not Katie's, nor the
+voice that said, "You poor boy!"
+
+It was Mrs. Howard, or Aunt Zelie as he always called her in his
+thoughts.
+
+Overwhelmed with mingled delight and dismay, he could only struggle to
+a sitting position, with his handkerchief to his nose and not a word
+to say.
+
+She did not appear to notice this, but talked on, and in some way it
+came about that presently his aching head was down on the pillows
+again, and her soft hand was smoothing back his hair, just as Mamma
+did, while she told him that Mr. Hazeltine had inquired about the
+dogs, and found that they were only very large and lively puppies, not
+at all vicious.
+
+Ikey heaved a sigh of relief, and managed to thank her for her
+thoughtfulness. Then they talked of other things, and he actually lit
+the gas--for it was growing dark--that she might see the photographs
+of his mother and sister.
+
+Before Aunt Zelie left they were even laughing together over his funny
+accident, and when with a kiss on his forehead she was gone, it was a
+much happier boy she left on the sofa.
+
+There was sure to be a tonic in her petting, and Ikey got up and
+washed his face, looking bravely in the glass meanwhile. Then he went
+meekly downstairs and enjoyed his dinner. Mrs. Ford never petted
+anyone, she did not know how; but she showed her sympathy by offering
+her grandson all sorts of good things to eat.
+
+At the most exciting moment of the foot-ball game Louise exclaimed:
+"We haven't done anything to help Ikey, and he is really and truly our
+neighbor!"
+
+"We will try to find something to take him," said Uncle William.
+
+There was little to be had in that part of the town, so they turned it
+into a joke, and it was a most remarkable collection that Carl and
+Aleck displayed in the Fords' sitting-room that night.
+
+There was a toy balloon, a beetle that ran all over the room in a
+life-like manner, a jumping jack, and some popcorn balls.
+
+Old Mr. Ford declared he had not laughed so much in twenty years as he
+did at the antics of the boys and the beetle. His bedtime passed
+before he knew it.
+
+Ikey went to sleep with the balloon tied to the head of his bed,
+feeling that after all his friends _did_ care. The next day the doctor
+replaced the ugly yellow plaster with something white that was more
+pleasant to look at, and in a short time his nose was as well as ever,
+except for a slight scar.
+
+Bess had thought of giving a masquerade ball in his honor, to be held
+in the star chamber, and at which he was to appear as "The Man in the
+Iron Mask," but owing to his rapid recovery it was given up. She was
+rather disappointed, for it seemed an interesting way in which to help
+a neighbor in affliction. She and Louise were very anxious to be
+helpers, but were not content with small every-day opportunities.
+
+"I can't think of things as Dora does," she complained to Aunt Zelie
+one evening.
+
+"What has Dora been doing?" her aunt asked.
+
+"Oh, it was at school to-day, when we were reading together at recess
+in a new story book of Elsie's. There was Elsie and Constance, Dora,
+Louise and I, and that meek little Mamie Garland kept walking up and
+down looking at us. Nobody likes her, because she is a telltale. Then
+before we knew what she was going to do Dora jumped up and ran after
+Mamie, and asked her if she didn't want to hear the story. You could
+see she was surprised, but she came, and Louise made room for her."
+
+"And did she spoil the story?"
+
+"No--not really, but it is nicer to have just the people you like. But
+I suppose it is pretty mean to go on having a nice time when somebody
+else isn't--even if you don't like them--and not ask them."
+
+Aunt Zelie smiled at this remarkable sentence. "It is easy to be
+selfish with our good times," she said; "but don't be discouraged, you
+will be more quick to see an opportunity next time. If I am not
+mistaken I saw a little girl put away her book to play with her small
+sister not so very long ago."
+
+"Do you think that would count?" Bess asked earnestly.
+
+"I certainly do," answered her aunt, pinching the rosy cheek.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE M.KS.
+
+
+Bess stood at the window, her brows drawn together in a decided frown.
+Not that the sunshine was dazzling; quite the contrary. It was what
+Aunt Sukey called a drizzle-drazzle day. The air was full of a
+penetrating mist that put outdoor amusements out of the question.
+Stormy Saturdays were particularly trying, and to-day the rain
+interfered with an expedition to which the children had been looking
+forward for a week.
+
+"I wish I were a fairy," said Louise, who sat on the floor building a
+block house for Carie; "I wouldn't have any rainy days."
+
+"A mighty nice world 't would be, I reckon, if you had the fixin' of
+it," Sukey remarked sarcastically.
+
+"Oh, well, perhaps I'd have _some_ rain, but only at night."
+
+"Don't you s'pose the good Lord knows what kind of weather is best for
+us a heap better than a no-account fairy?" Sukey continued, seeing an
+opportunity for some moral teaching.
+
+"Of course he does, but I shouldn't think one Saturday would make much
+difference."
+
+"That ain't for us to say. Folks can't have all they wants in this
+world, and they has to be taught it."
+
+"Louise, I see Miss Brown at her window; don't you think it would be
+nice to go to see her?" said Bess. "We could wear our waterproofs."
+
+"Yes, indeed; may we, mammy?" asked Louise, jumping up. Though Sukey
+professed to be a stern disciplinarian she rarely denied the children
+anything, so after a careful survey of the weather she thought they
+might go if they would wear their overshoes. Miss Brown saw them as
+they came out of the door and raised a big umbrella. "Where can they
+be going?" she wondered as they disappeared from her view. A few
+minutes later, however, they came in sight again, this time on her
+side of the street, and stopped at her gate.
+
+"You are a pair of rainy-day fairies!" she exclaimed as they entered.
+They both laughed at this, and Bess explained that it was just what
+Louise had been wishing to be.
+
+"Then we each have our wish, for I have been longing for some good
+fairy to cheer me this gloomy day."
+
+Miss Brown's sitting-room was a pleasant place even on the darkest
+day. A bright fire burned in the grate behind the high brass fender,
+some yellow chrysanthemums bloomed in the west window, the mahogany
+chairs and tables shone with the polish time gives to such things, and
+behind the glass doors of the corner cupboard stood rows of pretty
+old china. From above the mantel, old Mrs. Brown--at the age of
+eighteen, with stiff little curls over each ear and immense leg o'
+mutton sleeves in her low-necked pink gown--looked down, smiling
+impartially upon everybody.
+
+"Don't you think rainy days are tiresome?" asked Louise, seating
+herself in the window beside the flowers.
+
+"Not when I have company," was the smiling reply.
+
+"Aunt Zelie has been staying with Cousin Helen this week, and Carl
+went home with Aleck yesterday, and we were going out to spend the day
+to-day and come home with them. But of course we couldn't on account
+of the rain, and there is nobody at home but Carie and Sukey, for
+Helen is at Aunt Marcia's." The tone in which Bess spoke was so
+doleful it was almost tragic.
+
+"Uncle William says there is always a bright spot somewhere, and
+perhaps there is for us, but we haven't found it," added Louise; then
+looking across the street she gave a little laugh. "I was just
+thinking of the Magic Door," she explained.
+
+Miss Brown wanted to hear about it, so Bess told the story, growing
+quite cheerful as she proceeded.
+
+Miss Brown was more pleased with it, if possible, than Dora had been.
+She said it explained why she was so contented and happy in her new
+home.
+
+"My old aunt left me this house with all its contents on condition
+that I would occupy it. At first it seemed out of the question, but
+the more I thought of a home of my own the more I wanted to try it,
+and now I feel settled for life! You see," she went on, "how
+beautifully it came about this afternoon. Here I was feeling stupid
+and a little lonely; I looked at the Big Front Door, and presently it
+opened and you came out and straight over here, to make me cheerful
+again."
+
+The children beamed on her with faces that said plainly: "Here is an
+appreciative person."
+
+At this moment who should appear but Mary, with a plate of warm spicy
+cookies! The climax of sociability was reached!
+
+"Miss Brown, is it hard to knit?--to learn, I mean," Louise asked
+presently, looking admiringly at the bright wools the lady was working
+with.
+
+"Not at all; I learned when I was a little girl."
+
+"I should like to know how, it is such pretty soft work," said Bess.
+
+"I shall be very glad to teach you. We might have a knitting class for
+rainy afternoons."
+
+"And after awhile perhaps we could make an afghan for Uncle William!"
+cried Louise delightedly. "Wouldn't that be fun, Bess?"
+
+"If it would not be a trouble to Miss Brown."
+
+"It would be a great pleasure to me," she answered, smiling at the
+bright faces.
+
+"It would be nice--" Bess began.
+
+"Well, dear, what?" as she hesitated.
+
+"I don't know whether I ought to ask you, for it might be a bother to
+you, but I was thinking how nice it would be to have a club, and ask
+Dora and Elsie."
+
+"Bess, that is a _lovely_ plan!" exclaimed her sister.
+
+Miss Brown thought so too, and said if the others would like it she
+should be glad to have them, and she suggested that they bring their
+friends to talk the matter over on the next Saturday afternoon.
+
+In discussing the club Bess and Louise forgot their disappointment,
+and were astonished to find how late it was when Joanna came for them.
+
+"There _was_ a bright spot, after all," said Louise as they were
+putting on their waterproofs. "If we had gone to the country we might
+never have thought of the club."
+
+Some days later the postman had three most important notes to deliver
+to Miss Dora Warner, Miss Elsie Morris, and Miss Constance Myer.
+
+This is the way they read:
+
+   You are requested to be present at the Brown house next Saturday
+   afternoon, to organize a knitting club. Please come early.
+
+                    Truly yours,
+
+                         BESS HAZELTINE.
+                         LOUISE HAZELTINE.
+
+Much time and thought were expended on these invitations, and the
+importance of the senders was only equalled by the curiosity and
+interest of the girls who received them.
+
+Aunt Zelie insisted that five were as many as Miss Brown ought to
+have. "For you know she is not used to such lively young ladies as you
+and Elsie and Do--"
+
+"Not _Dora_, Auntie!" cried Bess; "she is perfect, and never makes a
+noise."
+
+Mrs. Howard laughed, and went to see the lady of the Brown house,
+fearing she was undertaking too much for her strength.
+
+But Miss Brown was quite sure of herself.
+
+"If you knew how like spring sunshine they are in my sober life, you
+would see that it can only be a benefit to me," she said.
+
+"Of course _I_ think they are dear children, but I may be partial,"
+their aunt replied, smiling.
+
+"I discovered one secret of their attractiveness some time ago--they
+are fortunate children," and Miss Brown looked admiringly into the
+sweet face before her.
+
+Promptly at three on Saturday afternoon the invited guests appeared.
+They were a little shy and silent at first after Bess introduced them
+to their hostess, but this wore off very quickly at the sight of five
+pairs of needles with the knitting already begun in bright worsteds.
+
+Dora, who had learned to knit in Germany, was made assistant teacher,
+and for an hour they worked away diligently.
+
+Then Miss Brown said they had done very well for beginners, and that
+it was time to stop and decide upon a name for their club.
+
+The work was hardly put away when Nannie, the new maid, came in,
+bringing some of Mary's delicious cakes, and chocolate which was
+served in the oddest little cups brought by Miss Brown's grandfather
+from India when she was a child. Chocolate had never before tasted so
+good.
+
+"Did you have tea parties with them when you were a little girl, and
+never break any of them?" Constance asked with wide-open eyes, for she
+had broken half a dozen tea-sets in her short lifetime.
+
+"You did not think _then_ that when you were grown up you would give
+some other children chocolate in these cups, did you?" said Dora.
+
+"If we should keep our things I wonder if they would be as funny and
+interesting to us when we are grown up?" Bess fingered one of the cups
+admiringly as she spoke.
+
+"I never feel as if I'd care for things when I am old," said Elsie.
+
+"I can remember when I used to feel so too, but it is a great mistake.
+Now I enjoy things which I have had for a long time, more than I do
+new ones. When I use my tea-set I always think of the days when my
+cousin Margaret and I used to play together."
+
+"Couldn't you tell us about it, Miss Brown?--about your cousin and
+when you were a little girl?" asked Louise.
+
+"Please, if it is not too much trouble," added Bess.
+
+They all looked so eager she could not refuse.
+
+"There is really not much to tell," she said. "Thirty years ago little
+girls were not very different from those I see now, though we had not
+half so many toys and books.
+
+"This cousin and I lived with our grandmother. Margaret was a year
+younger than I, and a delicate child, while I was strong and well
+then. My father and mother died when I was a baby, and my
+grandmother's house in Philadelphia is the first place I remember.
+Margaret did not come to live with us till she was six years old. Her
+mother too was dead, and her father spent most of his time abroad. She
+used to talk a great deal of her home in the South, for she did not
+like the city, but longed for the country and the warm climate she was
+used to. I remember the stories she told me after we were in bed at
+night. Sometimes they were in rhyme and always about her beautiful
+southern home.
+
+"Our grandmother was good to us, but she was strict too, and every day
+for an hour we sat beside her learning to sew and knit. Instead of
+going to school we had a governess. We took our exercise in the open
+square opposite our house, where there were trees and grass, and, best
+of all, squirrels. This tea-set which my grandfather brought to me
+the year before Margaret came to live with us was my greatest
+treasure, and I thought it a great treat to be allowed to play with
+it. When I was ten years old Margaret and I had measles, and one day
+when we were nearly well grandmother left us to go to a funeral. Our
+house servant happened to be sick, so there was no one in the house,
+besides ourselves, but the cook. Telling us on no account to leave the
+warm room, grandmother drove off. Then Margaret began to wish that we
+had asked to have the tea-set. I knew where it was kept and
+volunteered to get it, for it was mine and I thought I had a right to
+it.
+
+"Next we began to wish for something to eat. The spirit of naughtiness
+possessed me, I think, for I determined to go downstairs and find
+something. I stole down to the dining-room, where I found nothing but
+bread--which we did not want--and doughnuts. I carried back half a
+dozen of these, and we had our feast.
+
+"Before we finished grandmother came home. When we heard the carriage
+we had a great time getting the crumbs out of the way, and the dishes
+put in their place. In my hurry I dropped a cup and cracked it.
+
+"When grandmother came in she found everything as usual, but that
+night Margaret was very ill; she had a relapse and came near dying. No
+doubt the doughnuts had something to do with this, and perhaps the
+excitement also. I confessed how naughty I had been, and my
+grandmother was very kind, for she knew how I loved Margaret, and how
+I should miss her if she died. However, she recovered, but I had the
+broken cup to remind me of my disobedience. It is there among the
+others now."
+
+"Thank you for telling us," said Dora as the cup was passed around.
+
+"Is Margaret alive now?" Bess asked.
+
+"Yes, indeed; she is married and living in England, and has three
+great boys and one little daughter. And now let us find a name for our
+club."
+
+It was difficult to suit everybody, till after a good deal of
+discussion Dora made a suggestion.
+
+"Suppose we have a name not like any we ever heard of, and call
+ourselves the Merry Knitters."
+
+Nobody could find any objection to this, so it was accepted.
+
+"For we want to be knitters and we mean to be merry," said Louise.
+
+"And let's not tell the boys what M.K. stands for," proposed Elsie.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+A RIVAL CLUB.
+
+
+It was the next Saturday afternoon, and Carl, Aleck, and Ikey sat in
+the star chamber busily discussing something.
+
+"There they go!" Ikey exclaimed; and the others, looking over his
+shoulder, saw the M.Ks. filing up the Brown house walk.
+
+"They think they are so clever," growled Aleck. Carl raised the window
+and called; "Never you mind, we'll get even!"
+
+"We don't care," answered Elsie.
+
+"You are welcome to," cried Dora gayly, waving her work-bag.
+
+"You'd better not lean out so far," cautioned Bess, and then the door
+closed behind them.
+
+As the girls had hoped, the boys were wildly curious about the
+mysterious letters "M.K." They made a great many absurd guesses, and
+Carl finally nicknamed it the "Club of Many Kinks," which he thought
+sounded like girls. But they only laughed, and wouldn't tell.
+
+He tried to bribe Louise, or to extract it unawares from Bess. Aleck
+went to the length of offering Elsie a box of candy if she would give
+him so much as a hint, and they united their efforts upon Aunt Zelie,
+all to no purpose. Now they had come to the conclusion that the only
+thing to do was to start an opposition club, and in their turn arouse
+the curiosity of the girls.
+
+Mrs. Howard sat in her own little study, a room over the front door,
+where she kept her special treasures, and was most likely to be found
+when she was at home. She was busily sorting letters and bills when
+Carl's face appeared at the half-open door.
+
+"May we come in?" he asked.
+
+"Who are 'we'?"
+
+"Oh, only Aleck and Ikey," and he ushered in his companions without
+further ceremony.
+
+"If you don't object to my going on with my work, I shall be glad to
+have you," she said.
+
+"Can't we help you?" asked Aleck politely, dropping down among the
+cushions on the couch.
+
+"No, I thank you, and please have some mercy on my new pillow."
+
+Ikey, who admired pretty things, rescued the dainty white and yellow
+pillow, and modestly helped himself to a footstool.
+
+"Take the floor, Carl, it is the only safe place," murmured lazy
+Aleck.
+
+"Somebody take it, please, and tell me the object of this call."
+
+"We want to get even with the girls," began Carl, as his aunt leaned
+back in her chair, all attention.
+
+"They think themselves so clever with their old club," said Aleck, his
+nose in the air.
+
+"They are clever--quite as much so as boys." Aunt Zelie returned to
+her bills, and there was silence for a moment; then Ikey spoke:
+
+"We thought it would be fun to have a club too, and not tell the girls
+the name. There isn't any harm in that, is there?" meekly.
+
+"None whatever. What I do not like is that tone of lofty superiority.
+You do not realize how it sounds, and as I consider myself one of the
+girls I shall take such remarks as personal. Now tell me about the
+club; is it to be simply for fun?"
+
+"We'd like a little fun, please," said Aleck.
+
+"Aunt Zelie, we really don't know what we want, but we thought you
+could suggest something. You can think of scrumptious things when you
+try, and we can get ahead of the girls easily if we have you. So
+please, there's a dear," and Carl emphasized his request with a
+bear-like hug from behind.
+
+There was no holding out against their entreaties, so she agreed to
+think it over.
+
+"You may each invite one friend to a meeting in the star chamber next
+Friday evening, and in the meantime I'll do my best to think of
+something for you," she said, and very well satisfied the boys
+departed, to lie in wait for the M.Ks.
+
+When they came to think of it, it was not easy to decide which of
+their friends to ask. Ikey finally settled upon his next best chum,
+Fred Ames. "Don't you think he will do?" he asked Carl as they walked
+home from school.
+
+"Yes, of course; he is a very nice boy. I think I'll ask Jim Carter."
+
+Ikey looked astonished. "Do you think he is the sort of a fellow your
+aunt will like?"
+
+"I don't care; I like him and I am going to ask him," Carl replied
+positively. He thought best, however, to make some explanation.
+
+"You see, Aunt Zelie," he said, finding her alone that evening, "Jim
+is a funny kind of a boy. Ikey doesn't like him, but I think there is
+a lot that is good in him. He is bright, I can tell you, and there is
+nothing really mean about him, but his father gives him too much
+money. I suppose that isn't ever good for a boy."
+
+"I hardly think it is," she said, smiling at Carl's judicial manner.
+
+"When he first came to school he thought he could get around anybody
+with his money, but he soon found the boys did not like it,--but
+perhaps I'd better not ask him."
+
+"Ask him by all means if you think he would like to come. I am willing
+to trust your judgment."
+
+There were many points of resemblance between Jim Carter and Carl.
+Both stood well in their classes, were independent and popular with
+their schoolmates, but their home surroundings were very different.
+Mr. Carter was deeply engrossed in making money, having become
+suddenly rich through a lucky speculation. Ambitious for his only son,
+he wished him to have all the advantages of education which he himself
+had missed. So Jim was sent to a good school, but was taught at home
+by precept and example that to get money was the chief thing.
+
+Mrs. Carter was a good-natured, loud-voiced woman, who idolized her
+son, and could not deny him anything. It was the want of refinement,
+which Carl felt but could not express, and the utter lack of home
+training, that were responsible for Jim's faults.
+
+His good-nature and real generosity won him friends among those who
+were at first disgusted by his boasting and display, and with a keen
+instinct for popularity Jim quickly learned the lesson.
+
+He admired Carl Hazeltine and was flattered by his invitation.
+
+"We want to get up a club," Carl said. "My aunt is going to help us,
+and we mean to have some fun; I'd like to have you, if you will come."
+
+He accepted on the spot, though he wondered a little why an "aunt"
+should have anything to do with it. His experience with such relatives
+was limited to a middle-aged person who wore a shawl the year around,
+and regarded boys as necessary evils, to be sent upon as many errands
+as possible in the course of the day. Indeed, he would have considered
+his mother, of whom he was very fond, decidedly out of place among
+his friends.
+
+He was the last to arrive on Friday evening, and he looked about him
+with some curiosity as Carl led the way to the star chamber. As they
+passed the library door he had a glimpse of a pleasant family group;
+Mr. Hazeltine with his paper, Bess and Louise studying their geography
+lesson, and Helen playing with Mr. Smith. An airy vision awaited them
+at the top of the first flight of steps; Carie in her nightgown,
+holding out her arms and calling, "I want to tiss you dood-night,"
+while Sukey came running after.
+
+"You naughty fairy," said her big brother, catching her and handing
+her over to mammy after the kiss was bestowed.
+
+"What a pretty little thing!" Jim remarked admiringly.
+
+"She is the sweetest baby in the town," Carl responded loyally.
+
+In the star chamber they found the other boys. Ikey and his friend
+Fred Ames, Aleck and his special chum Will Archer, who was as quiet
+and steady-going as Aleck was mischievous and happy-go-lucky.
+
+Jim was warmly welcomed, and Ikey gave him an ear of popcorn to shell.
+The rest were already at work seated on the rug before the fire. The
+old sofa was drawn up sociably, and a chair of state had been provided
+for Mrs. Howard.
+
+When the door opened a few minutes later, they were all talking and
+laughing at once in a decidedly uproarious fashion.
+
+"Here is Cousin Zelie!" cried Aleck, and there came a sudden lull as
+they scrambled to their feet. Jim was the only one she did not know,
+and for some reason the sight of this slender young woman in black,
+with a white rose in her dress, caused him a fit of unusual shyness.
+Ikey himself could not have been more abashed than he was when Carl
+introduced him.
+
+"As the fire is in such fine condition, perhaps the popping had best
+go on while we talk," Aunt Zelie said, taking the chair; "then when
+business is over the refreshments will be ready."
+
+Fred and Ikey were appointed a committee to attend to the corn, and
+when all were comfortably settled, she began:
+
+"As you know, the object of this meeting is to hear suggestions for a
+club. I have been thinking about it for a week, and this is the best
+plan that has occurred to me: it is to have a Good Neighbors Club. The
+text Uncle William gave you children, Carl, suggested it to me. 'They
+helped every one his neighbor.' It would mean keeping our eyes open
+for ways of helping, and being careful to respect the property of
+others.
+
+"You see I take it for granted that you want something besides fun,
+though I am sure we shall have a good time too."
+
+"I don't think I understand what we are to do," said Will.
+
+"You are not to break your neighbors' windows, for instance," replied
+Aleck, winking at Carl.
+
+"There is no trouble about the helping," answered Mrs. Howard; "there
+are always opportunities for that, and on the other hand I am inclined
+to think that you all at times do things that, to say the least, do
+not improve the appearance of your neighborhood. For example--but I
+believe I'll let you find out for yourselves. Suppose for a week you
+try to discover what it means to be a good neighbor, and report next
+Friday. The rest of my plan is very simple. To hold meetings every
+week or once in two weeks, as you choose, and I have some fascinating
+work which I know you can learn to do, and surprise the girls. I shall
+have it ready for the next meeting, and while you work we can have
+reading, or you can select a subject to discuss. Now the meeting is
+open; please talk and ask questions."
+
+Just here Ikey created a diversion by letting the pop-corn burn,
+whereupon Mrs. Howard took it from him, and, kneeling on the rug,
+popped the rest herself. Carl brought in a basket of apples, and
+drawing up in a sociable circle they soon became merry and very much
+at ease.
+
+Aunt Zelie liked boys, and had a way of establishing friendly
+relations with them on short acquaintance. And this evening she made
+a special effort, for she wanted to know Carl's friends and make the
+new club a success. The boys were ready to adopt her plan without
+waiting, but she insisted upon their taking a week to think about it.
+Before they left she wrote out the text on a card for each of them,
+that they might keep it in mind.
+
+"Isn't she splendid?" said Ikey to Jim as the door closed behind them,
+for ever since the day of his accident he had been her ardent
+worshipper. Jim assented rather coolly. In fact, he was a little
+dazed. He had had a good time, though now it was over he was inclined
+to wonder why. As for being a good neighbor, he thought it sounded
+silly; but before he went to bed he took out the card and read the
+text: "They helped every one his neighbor."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+GOOD NEIGHBORS.
+
+
+The Hazeltines' lot was a corner one, and Aunt Marcia, driving one
+afternoon along the street upon which their side gate opened, saw two
+boys seated on a box near the entrance to the alley that ran back of
+the stable.
+
+"What can they be doing?" she asked herself, and not being able to
+imagine, she stopped the carriage and stepped out to investigate.
+
+As she approached it became evident that one of the boys was Carl.
+
+"What are you doing here I should like to know?" she demanded.
+
+"We aren't doing any harm, Aunt Marcia," her nephew answered stoutly.
+
+"An alley is no place to play in. Is that Louise?" as somebody peeped
+out of the stable door. "I am astonished; you must go in at once."
+
+"I am going in directly, I am, indeed, Aunt Marcia; but please don't
+make the boys get up till they are sure it is quite dead." As she
+spoke Louise came out into full view.
+
+"What are you talking about, and who is this boy?" Mrs. Hazeltine put
+up her glass, embarrassing Ikey greatly. "Oh, it is that Ford boy!
+Now tell me what you have in that box."
+
+"A cat." Carl's eyes were full of mischief, though his tone was
+solemnity itself.
+
+"Mercy upon us! Let it out at once!"
+
+"We can't; it is dead."
+
+"Dead? You wicked boys! Did you kill it?"
+
+"Oh, Aunt Marcia," cried Louise before Carl could reply, "they had to
+do it, indeed, _indeed_ they did! It was hurt; some boys shot it with
+a toy pistol, and it was dreadful; so we bought some chloroform and
+Ikey killed it because he knew how, and now they are sitting on the
+box to make sure!"
+
+Horrified and astonished, Mrs. Hazeltine surveyed her young relatives
+in silence.
+
+"Why couldn't you have James do it?" she inquired at length.
+
+"He has taken the horses to be shod."
+
+"Where is Zelie?"
+
+"Gone to Chicago with Cousin Helen."
+
+"Well, Louise must go in at once, and may I inquire how long it will
+be necessary for you to sit on that box in this damp place?"
+
+"It must be dead now, I think," Ikey said, rising.
+
+Carl was proceeding to make an investigation, when Aunt Marcia
+protested, "Wait till I'm gone, if you _please_; _I_ don't care to
+have anything to do with such business," and drawing her skirts about
+her, she hastily retired.
+
+"There never were such children!" she said to her husband that night.
+"Think of it--actually killing a cat--and Louise helping!"
+
+"Don't you think it was better than letting the poor thing suffer?"
+asked tender-hearted Uncle William.
+
+"I don't care, Carl, you needn't laugh," said Louise that same
+evening; "for cats _are_ neighbors, father says so. Anything or
+anybody you can help, he said."
+
+"All right, I'll tell Ikey to report it at the G.N. meeting."
+
+"Oh, ho, Mr. Carl! Is that what you are going to do at your club?"
+cried both his sisters in the same breath.
+
+"Pooh! that is nothing," said Carl, affecting great unconcern, but
+secretly very much provoked with himself; "we do a great deal more
+than that."
+
+The girls were excessively pleased over his little slip, and he at
+last descended from his lofty pinnacle and humbly begged them not to
+tell Aleck.
+
+The M.Ks. had in their turn christened the boys' club the "Great
+Noodles," a name in which it was thought Uncle William had a hand.
+
+"_Sounds like boys_," Elsie remarked with much emphasis.
+
+The next day after school, just as the group of boys on the corner
+began to separate in various directions, Jim Carter asked, "Have you
+fellows thought of anything for Friday night?"
+
+"Ikey has," laughed Carl. "You couldn't guess what he did yesterday."
+
+"Shut up! I'd like to know if you didn't help?" Ikey's strap full of
+books swung round in dangerous proximity to his friend's head.
+
+"Full details of the sad occurrence given later," Carl called out as
+he ran for his life.
+
+"I don't understand it, do you? I haven't any neighbors to help," Jim
+said, as he and Fred Ames walked on together.
+
+"I don't know. I suppose it means _not_ doing things too. Perhaps this
+is one thing," and Fred carried to the edge of the sidewalk the skin
+of the banana he was peeling, and dropped it on the pile of dust and
+dirt which had been swept up by the street cleaner.
+
+"Do you think Mrs. Howard meant silly things like that?"
+
+"Why not? I heard of an old man who slipped on a banana skin and broke
+his leg. It would not have seemed silly to him if someone had put it
+out of his way. But if she didn't mean such things, what did she mean?
+Perhaps you think you are improving the neighborhood." Fred glanced
+mischievously at his companion, who held a piece of chalk and was
+carelessly making a straggling-white line on everything he passed. Jim
+dropped his hand impatiently. "I don't think I'll belong," he said. He
+did not quite mean this. He was really curious to see what it would
+amount to, but at the same time he was not exactly pleased. He felt
+great scorn for what he considered trifles, and had a strong belief in
+his right to do as he pleased.
+
+Thursday night of this week happened to be Hallowe'en. Jim, who had
+had almost unlimited freedom since his babyhood, had often gone about
+with a crowd of boys on this night ringing doorbells, carrying away
+door-mats, and turning on water. By the marauders it was looked upon
+as a grand frolic, and owners of missing mats and deluged yards might
+grumble as they pleased. He had even looked forward to the time when
+more daring exploits would be possible, and when some of his old
+companions came for him this evening he joined them as a matter of
+course.
+
+"Let's give old Grandfather Clark a dose first, he is always as mad as
+fury," said one of the boys.
+
+At this moment the motto of the club popped into Jim's head.
+
+"They helped every one his neighbor." This was not helping. There came
+to him a sudden determination not to have anything to do with it. Not
+that he saw any special reason why they should not have fun at old Mr.
+Clark's expense, but rather because he wanted to go to the club at
+least once more; and, mingled with this, there was a feeling that the
+nicest fellows did not do things of this kind.
+
+There could be no doubt as to the interest in the G.N.C. as the boys
+had begun to call it. On Friday night six eager faces greeted Mrs.
+Howard when she entered the star chamber, and there was an amiable
+scramble for the honor of giving her a chair.
+
+"First we'll have reports and then begin work; that is, if you have
+decided that you like the plan." As she spoke she looked at Jim, who
+was nearest.
+
+He had entirely recovered from his bashfulness, and was feeling rather
+well pleased with himself, so he answered promptly:
+
+"I am not sure I understand it, Mrs. Howard, but I have thought of one
+thing. I suppose you would not call it being a good neighbor to go
+about on Hallowe'en as lots of boys do, carrying off gates and doing
+other mischief. I have done it myself, and I never thought there was
+much harm in it, but I suppose there is." He was astonished himself at
+this honest conclusion.
+
+Mrs. Howard smiled. "Stopping to think makes such a difference," she
+said. "I should be sorry indeed to believe that any of you boys could
+take part in some of the wild pranks that are often played on
+Hallowe'en. My brother had a valuable young tree destroyed last night.
+Boys do such things for fun, they say, but it doesn't seem honest to
+make other people pay so dearly for their fun."
+
+"I never thought of it in that way," said Fred.
+
+"But how are you ever to have any fun if you must stop and think about
+things?" Jim asked, feeling ashamed in spite of himself as he
+remembered how near he had come to making one of such a crowd.
+
+"Its being fun isn't any excuse. Suppose you thought it fun to steal
+somebody's pocketbook?" said Carl.
+
+"That is a different thing."
+
+"What is the real difference between stealing money and ruining
+something that cost money?" asked Will.
+
+"Father says that in America people have less respect for public
+property than anywhere else in the world," remarked Fred.
+
+"I am afraid it is true," replied Mrs. Howard, "and that is why I want
+you boys to think about it. Ikey, haven't you something to say?" This
+young gentleman, who had been fidgeting about like some uneasy insect,
+now became greatly embarrassed.
+
+"I don't know whether it will count or not, and it is as much Carl's
+as mine," he began.
+
+"It isn't at all; you thought of it--go on."
+
+Aunt Zelie nodded encouragingly at him, though she had no idea what
+was coming, and after several beginnings Ikey managed to tell the
+story of the cat. Louise had found the poor thing, and had come in
+great distress to the boys. Ikey remembered seeing his father kill a
+pet dog with chloroform, and so volunteered to try it on the cat. Carl
+bought the chloroform, and, putting some cotton saturated with it in a
+paper bag, they drew this over the animal's head, covering all with a
+box made as air-tight as possible.
+
+"But," said Ikey comically, "I don't know whether cats are neighbors."
+
+"Indeed, they are most useful ones, and frequently unappreciated. It
+was a kind thing to do, and, now you know how easy it is, I hope you
+will all be ready to put any poor animal out of its misery when you
+find it hopelessly hurt."
+
+"We had a beautiful funeral, Cousin Zelie, and are going to take up a
+collection for a tombstone," said Aleck.
+
+They grew so merry over Ikey's story that it was difficult to come
+back to such commonplaces as writing on fences and walls, and
+scattering papers around.
+
+"Everybody does such things, so what difference will our not doing
+them make?" asked Jim.
+
+"Everything has to begin, and you don't know how contagious a good
+example is," replied Mrs. Howard.
+
+"Let's have a penny fine for each time we do a thing of the sort,"
+Carl suggested.
+
+Last of all, Will Archer told about the little lame boy, son of the
+minister at the church on the corner.
+
+"I think perhaps it would be a pleasure to him if some of us would go
+to see him occasionally. He hardly gets out at all in the winter, and
+he is a bright little fellow."
+
+"That is a beautiful suggestion," said Mrs. Howard. "I am glad that
+you have thought of so many things good neighbors should and should
+not do. Taken all together it amounts to this: To be thoughtful for
+the rights of others, and ready to help. Now, what of our club? Shall
+we try this plan?"
+
+It was unanimously adopted, and they all wrote their names under the
+text in a new blank-book which was handed over to Jim, who offered no
+objection to being made secretary.
+
+"And now for our work," said Mrs. Howard. "Some years ago, when I
+spent a summer in Maine, I learned from an Indian woman to make
+baskets of sweet grass. This year I had a friend bring me some of this
+grass, and it occurred to me the other day that it would be just the
+work for you boys."
+
+Carl brought in an armful of the fragrant material, and his aunt
+showed them how to fasten it to the frame she had had made for the
+purpose, and then braid it. Their fingers were awkward at first, but
+they soon learned to do it evenly, and found it pleasant work.
+
+"What are we to do with them when they are done?" Ikey asked.
+
+"Sell them, and help somebody with the money," was the reply.
+
+The thought of making anything good enough to sell was inspiring, and
+they worked with a will till it was time to adjourn.
+
+Talking it over with her brother after the boys were gone, Aunt Zelie
+said: "Perhaps our club is too comprehensive: a sort of Village
+Improvement, Humane and Missionary Society combined, but the boys
+thought of these things themselves. If we can only cultivate the
+spirit of helpfulness, perhaps it will find its own natural channel in
+each."
+
+"You can't specialize in everything, life is too short," answered Mr.
+Hazeltine, laughing.
+
+"I don't know what you mean by channels, and specializing, and all
+that," said Carl, looking in the door, "but I can tell you, Aunt
+Zelie, the boys like it, and Jim thinks you are tiptop. Hurrah for the
+G.N.C.!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+PLANS.
+
+
+"Suppose we ask the boys to help us," said Bess, threading her needle,
+and carefully making a nice little knot.
+
+"Oh, no!" objected Elsie, "let's do it all by ourselves."
+
+"If the boys can help us to do something better than we can do without
+them, I think we ought to have them," said Dora wisely.
+
+"It will be more fun too," said Louise, whose motto was "The more, the
+merrier."
+
+"We haven't much time either," Bess continued; "but Aunt Zelie will
+help us, and you too, won't you, Miss Brown?"
+
+"I'll be glad to do anything I can," replied that lady, looking up
+from the feather-stitching she was showing Constance.
+
+Christmas was coming. The fact could no longer be overlooked, and as
+usual everybody was feeling surprised at its nearness.
+
+It was not a bit too near, the children thought, though even they had
+a great deal to do, and found the days all too short.
+
+Miss Brown was full of suggestions for Christmas gifts, and most
+patient with awkward fingers, and the M.Ks. were very happy over the
+things she was helping them to make. Now, on top of all this they had
+found something else to talk about and work for.
+
+One day when Bess and Louise were in the corner confectionery, the
+wife of the proprietor, as she handed them their package, held out a
+small bundle of edging, asking them to take it home and show it to
+their aunt. It was made, she said, by a young Italian girl who, though
+a cripple, was trying to support herself and some younger brothers and
+sisters.
+
+As the trimming was pretty and strong, Mrs. Howard bought some for the
+children's aprons, and finding the girl worthy, gave her other work,
+which was carried back and forth by a little sister.
+
+Louise saw this child waiting in the hall one Saturday morning, and
+went down to talk to her. Tina was pretty, with great black eyes and
+short dark curls, but Louise found her rather silent, for she was in
+fact rather awed by her surroundings. The wide hall with its polished
+floor and soft rugs seemed very grand to her unaccustomed eyes.
+
+"I wish I could sew and embroider like your sister, then I could make
+some money," said Louise.
+
+Tina wondered why she wanted money, but only answered, "So do I."
+
+"Bess and I have never enough money for Christmas. Is that what you
+want it for?"
+
+"No; I would give it to my father."
+
+"Why, he wouldn't want it, would he? Hasn't he any money?"
+
+Tina shook her head, and after some questioning she explained that her
+father was a member of a small string band. He played the harp, she
+said, and sometimes earned a good deal, but he had been sick, so he
+lent his harp to a man who promised to keep his place for him and pay
+him something besides. "But he was a bad man!" she exclaimed
+vehemently, "for he broke the harp, and then ran away and would not
+pay to have it mended; and now my father does not want to get well, he
+is sick with sorrow."
+
+"But can't he get it mended himself, or find the bad man and make him
+pay for it?"
+
+"It would cost a great deal of money,--fifteen dollars the music man
+told my sister,--and the man who broke it has gone away to the South."
+
+"I am so sorry," was all Louise could say, for their talk was
+interrupted; but she ran upstairs immediately to tell Bess.
+
+"Don't you wish we could have it mended for him?" she asked.
+
+"Yes, indeed, but we haven't any money to spare from our Christmas
+things, and if we used it every bit it would not be enough."
+
+"We might get somebody to help us; still that wouldn't be as nice as
+doing it ourselves."
+
+"Perhaps we could have a fair, like the one Aunt Zelie had when she
+was a little girl. Let's ask her," proposed Bess, jumping up.
+
+But their aunt thought it too great an undertaking. "I was several
+years older than you are," she said, "and we worked for six months to
+get ready. However," she added, seeing the disappointed faces, "you
+might do something else, tableaux or charades."
+
+This idea pleased them, and they decided to talk it over at the club
+that afternoon.
+
+There was no difficulty in interesting the M.Ks. They were all
+enthusiasm.
+
+"We may not make enough," said Louise, "but that ought not to keep us
+from trying to help."
+
+"If we could only give them the money for a Christmas gift," said
+Dora.
+
+"I don't see how you could manage that, but a New Year's gift would be
+almost as good, would it not?" asked Miss Brown.
+
+"There is Ikey now! I'll call to him to find the other boys and bring
+them over." Dora rapped on the window-pane with her knitting needle as
+she spoke.
+
+Ikey, who had just vaulted over a hitching-post on his way down the
+street, came to a sudden halt.
+
+"Find Carl and Aleck, and bring them here, that's a good boy; we want
+to consult you about something," she called.
+
+He obeyed with soldierly promptness and was across the street in a
+second. A few minutes later Louise announced, "Here they come, and
+Aunt Zelie with them."
+
+"I am one of the boys now, you know," said Mrs. Howard as she entered.
+"How cosey you look! I believe I should like to join your club too."
+
+"Oh, do! Please do, Mrs. Howard!" came in a chorus from the M.Ks. as
+she sat down in the midst of them.
+
+"We'll talk about that another time; at present we have something else
+to discuss. Sit down, boys, and listen while the girls tell you what
+they want. I already know about it."
+
+Bess then told the story of the broken harp, and explained how anxious
+they were to earn money enough to have it mended.
+
+"We intend to give an entertainment, and we want you to help," said
+Dora.
+
+"What are you going to have?" Carl asked cautiously.
+
+"We want you to help us to decide."
+
+"We can help in one way, can't we?" Ikey exclaimed ecstatically,
+whereupon the other boys looked daggers at him, for the basket-making
+was kept a profound secret.
+
+"I didn't tell anything, did I?" he inquired in an aggrieved tone.
+
+"What does he mean, Aunt Zelie?" asked Louise.
+
+"It is something we are not ready to tell just yet, but I have a plan
+to propose. I shall need all of you to help carry it out, and if you
+are willing to do a little work I am sure we can have a charming
+entertainment."
+
+Profound interest reigned in Miss Brown's sitting-room for the next
+half hour, as Aunt Zelie unfolded her plan and explained what she
+wanted of each one. "And in the meantime you must not breathe a word
+about what we are to have, but excite every body's curiosity as much
+as possible," she said in conclusion.
+
+"Won't it be lovely!" cried Elsie, clapping her hands.
+
+"A great deal better than a fair, and more fun," said Louise.
+
+In the pretty room which belonged to Bess and Louise sat a busy group
+one afternoon. Its owners were occupied with a tall scrap basket that
+was intended for Uncle William and Aunt Marcia. Aunt Zelie had donated
+the ribbons to trim it, and they were anxious to have it as handsome
+as possible. Helen and Carl were there too, the one making a bonnet
+for her doll, the other pasting in his scrap-book, sitting on the
+floor with a newspaper spread out before him. Dora had received a warm
+welcome when she came in with her work, as she often did. They all
+agreed in thinking that she could not come too often, and to Dora life
+in that house was a sort of enchantment. It seemed brighter, roomier,
+pleasanter there than anywhere else.
+
+Her young friends did not dream of the cares already resting on her
+shoulders: the effort to cheer her mother, who was fast becoming an
+invalid, the life in the large boarding-house that neither of them
+liked.
+
+"Do you think it will be pretty?" Bess asked, holding her basket at
+arm's length to see the effect of the golden-brown ribbon she was
+weaving in and out through the straw.
+
+"It is a beauty," answered Dora admiringly.
+
+"Yes, it _is_ pretty, really," said Louise, whose fingers were trying
+to fashion what she called a stylish bow.
+
+"Girls are funny, always sticking bows on things," observed Carl.
+
+"If it is funny to like to make things look pretty, I am glad I am
+funny," said Dora severely.
+
+"Dear me! Of course, I was not objecting in the least," replied the
+young gentleman, who rather enjoyed being taken to task by Dora.
+
+"I am sorry to break up this pleasant party, but I am afraid I must,"
+Aunt Zelie said, coming in.
+
+"Why, Auntie?" asked Louise, looking up with three little wrinkles
+between her eyes, for the stylish bow would not be quite as she wanted
+it.
+
+"Because I am in danger of losing my roses," answered her aunt,
+pinching Bess's cheek. "Yesterday they had no fresh air worth
+mentioning."
+
+"Oh, please don't make us go!" cried Bess in a tone that was almost a
+wail. "We have so much to do!"
+
+"I must finish my bow," Louise said positively.
+
+"I shall not _make_ you, but Joanna is going to Aunt Marcia's with a
+note, and I want you to go too because you need the air. I am sure
+Dora will take the walk with you, and on the way back suppose you stop
+and ask Mrs. Warner to let her stay to dinner. So fly now and get
+ready." She spoke so energetically that Dora began at once to roll up
+her work, and Bess dropped her scissors with a sigh of relief, but
+Louise held on to her bow desperately.
+
+"I _will_ finish it," she said to herself.
+
+"Louise," her aunt said gently, "the reason you cannot make the bow to
+please you is because you are tired. Now, which will you do, put it
+away till to-morrow--when I am sure you will not have any trouble with
+it--and go to walk with the others, or stay here and grow more and
+more tired and cross, till you are not fit to come to dinner with the
+rest of us?"
+
+She had a struggle with herself before she answered in a choked voice,
+"I guess I'll go, but I did want to finish it."
+
+"Of course, but you will be glad by and by that you chose to do what
+was right, instead of what you wanted to do," and Aunt Zelie sent her
+off with a kiss.
+
+The walk to Aunt Marcia's was not such a hardship after all, and when
+they reached home there was at least an hour for studying lessons
+before dinner, and that was followed by a grand frolic with Carie,
+lasting till it was time for Dora to go.
+
+"I am sorry I was cross this afternoon," Louise said when she came for
+her good-night kiss.
+
+"It was because you were tired, dear, I know. You and Bess must take
+care not to be too much occupied with Christmas. It will not do to
+neglect every-day duties even for that," replied her aunt.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+CEDAR AND HOLLY.
+
+
+One Saturday afternoon, about three weeks before Christmas, the boys
+marched triumphantly into Miss Brown's sitting-room with a large
+tissue-paper parcel. When this was undone, before the eager eyes of
+the M.Ks., there were four beautiful fragrant little baskets with tops
+of bright-colored silk.
+
+"How pretty!"--"How lovely!"--"Where did you get them?"--"Surely you
+did not make them?"--"What are you going to do with them?"
+
+"Why didn't we make them, I'd like to know?" asked Ikey proudly.
+
+Certainly the boys had reason to be satisfied at the praise their work
+received.
+
+"I know you did not sew on the silk," said Dora, examining one
+closely.
+
+"Oh, well, Aunt Zelie and Cousin Helen did the sewing, of course, but
+we did all the rest," said Carl.
+
+"And what do you mean to do with them?" asked Elsie.
+
+"Sell them and give the money to the harp man."
+
+They were so pretty there proved to be no trouble in disposing of
+them. Aunt Marcia, who was superintending a Christmas bazaar, offered
+to put them on one of her tables, where they sold the first evening
+for a dollar and a half apiece.
+
+After this the meetings of the G.N. club had to give way to rehearsals
+for what Cousin Helen called "The Harp Man's Benefit," which was to
+occur on New Year's eve. In the meantime Uncle William had interested
+himself in the matter, and, through a friend who was a music dealer, a
+harp was lent to Mr. Finnelli till his own could be repaired.
+
+"So we feel more comfortable about it now," said Louise, "and we think
+we'll make at least ten dollars at our entertainment."
+
+Late in the afternoon of the day before Christmas Aunt Zelie sat alone
+in the library taking a moment's rest.
+
+The sound of happy voices came through the open door. It was a custom
+in the family to decorate the hall on Christmas eve, and the children
+had been making wreaths and festoons of cedar, and having any amount
+of fun. They were now having a merry time over Ikey's suggestion to
+hang a holly wreath above the Big Front Door. From the top of the
+ladder Carl began:
+
+    "'Twas the night before Christmas,"
+
+and the others chimed in:
+
+                  "and all through the house
+    Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse."
+
+A moment later Aunt Zelie's quiet was invaded.
+
+"Nothing makes me feel more like Christmas than that old rhyme," she
+said, as the laughing children gathered around her.
+
+"Talk to us about Christmas, Auntie, please," said Louise.
+
+"Could you possibly talk about anything else?" she asked. "What is it
+that makes this such a happy time?"
+
+"Why," answered Carl, "it is because it is such fun to give presents
+to people, and know you are sure to get a lot yourself."
+
+"Yes, it is because every one tries to make some one else happy. Why
+do we keep Christ's birthday in this way?"
+
+"Because he came to make us happy, I suppose," said Bess.
+
+"Don't you wish you could have heard the angels sing? I like that part
+of the story best where the shepherds are out in the fields," said
+Louise.
+
+"I like the wise men seeing the star and bringing gifts," said Carl.
+
+"It is beautiful from beginning to end, and it is a true story, that
+is what makes it so dear to us," Aunt Zelie said, looking into the
+fire.
+
+"I wish it came oftener, a whole year is so long to wait," sighed
+Bess.
+
+"Dear me," laughed her aunt, "I don't. It would take all my time to
+get ready. I have ever so many things to do after you are snugly
+tucked in bed."
+
+"I think I'll not go to bed to-night," remarked Carl.
+
+Even he was tired, however, after they had helped their father and
+Uncle William trim the hall. So many small fingers were sometimes a
+hindrance, but then it was "such fun."
+
+"Christmas belongs to the children, so let them have a good time in
+their own way," said their uncle.
+
+To the older people the season was full of memories of those who used
+to take part in the happy festival, but were there no longer; for the
+children's sake, however, no difference was made in the old customs.
+
+All was done at last, even to fastening the mistletoe in the
+chandelier, and it only remained to hang the stockings beside the
+nursery fireplace. Carie's was already there and she herself safe in
+dreamland.
+
+"I just can't wait till morning," said Bess, as she put up her own.
+
+"It is nice to know it is coming, I think," and Louise twirled around
+on her toes and dropped her stocking into the grate.
+
+"What will Santa Claus put your things in now?" laughed Carl.
+
+"It is only scorched," she said, snatching it from the fire, which was
+fortunately low.
+
+After some laughing and whispering over a plan for waking before any
+one else, they separated and were soon so soundly asleep that even
+Christmas was forgotten.
+
+It was beginning to be light next morning when Louise opened her eyes
+to find Carl standing beside her.
+
+"How hard you are to wake," he said. "It is daylight, and everybody
+will be up directly."
+
+They aroused Bess, and the three ran first to their father's door,
+then to Aunt Zelie's, giving half a dozen hearty raps, and calling
+"Merry Christmas" at the tops of their voices.
+
+When Mrs. Howard opened her door she saw three airily attired figures
+flying up the third-story stairs.
+
+Hurrying into her dressing-gown, she followed. She found them in the
+star chamber with the window wide open, shouting themselves hoarse at
+Ikey, who had been awakened by the telephone bell.
+
+"You crazy children, you will take cold! Put the window down at once."
+
+"Oh, Auntie, it was such fun! Ikey was so surprised!" they cried.
+
+"I should imagine so," severely.
+
+"You needn't pretend to look cross, Aunt Zelie, for you just can't,"
+laughed Carl.
+
+"Now for our stockings!" cried Bess, and there was a rush for the
+nursery.
+
+Such laughing, such squeals of delight, such cries of admiration, as
+were to be heard there for the next half hour!
+
+Carie in her long night-gown pranced wildly around a wonderful white
+bear, which moved its head and growled in a most natural manner when
+Carl wound it up. Helen hugged in one arm the beautiful doll Cousin
+Helen had dressed for her, while she dived into the toe of her
+stocking. Bess and Louise sat on their new sled and turned the pages
+of a story-book. Carie brought matters to a climax by backing into her
+bath-tub, which Aunt Sukey had just brought in and placed by the fire.
+She was rescued, dripping and somewhat aggrieved, amid great laughter.
+Such an every-day matter as breakfast was hardly worth thinking of,
+there was so much else in prospect. All the uncles and aunts and
+cousins were coming to dinner, and after that the tree! There was
+enough to keep them in a gale of excitement.
+
+Bess and Louise had a plan of their own which no one else knew about,
+and after breakfast they stole off together.
+
+Going into her little study not long after, Aunt Zelie found them
+there. Bess stood on a chair holding a vase which she had just filled
+with white roses; Louise stood beside her with some others in her
+hand.
+
+"Oh, Auntie!" they both exclaimed, "we didn't want you to come till it
+was all done."
+
+"Shall I go away?" she asked, smiling.
+
+"We'll tell you about it now, shan't we, Bess?" said Louise. "You
+know," she continued, as her sister nodded approval, "we thought
+perhaps Uncle Carl would be glad if we remembered him on Christmas,
+and we couldn't think of anything but flowers."
+
+Bess had placed the vase on a bracket beneath her uncle's portrait,
+and now came down from the chair, adding anxiously, "You like it,
+don't you, Aunt Zelie?"
+
+"The vase wouldn't hold them all, so you must wear the rest," and
+Louise put them into her hand.
+
+Aunt Zelie silently kissed them both.
+
+There was something about this kiss that for a moment clouded the
+brightness of the day for Bess. "I wish people did not die," she
+exclaimed with almost a sob, as they went downstairs.
+
+"What makes you look so sober, I should like to know?" demanded Uncle
+William, who, with Aunt Marcia, was the first of the guests to arrive.
+
+"I was just thinking," she replied, and then, as Aunt Zelie came in
+with her usual bright face and the roses on her breast, she felt
+reassured and danced away to be as merry as anybody.
+
+Dora and Ikey were the only outsiders invited to the tree, which was
+much like other trees, and so does not need to be described. It was
+perfectly satisfactory, however, and they all had exactly what they
+wanted. Dora was amazed at the number of things that fell to her
+share, most of all at a small gold bracelet with a daisy on the clasp,
+from Aunt Marcia.
+
+"You may be sure she likes you after that," whispered Aleck.
+
+"Let's go over and wish Miss Brown a Merry Christmas," proposed Carl,
+when the candles began to burn low.
+
+"We will storm Nottingham castle!" cried Ikey. "Come on!"
+
+They received a cordial welcome. "What good children you are to think
+of me to-day!" she said, laying down her book.
+
+"We have had such a beautiful time we thought we would finish it by
+coming to see you," said Dora.
+
+"And thank you for our work-bags," added Bess.
+
+"You need not think you have had all the Christmas on your side of the
+street," said Miss Brown, pointing to a rose-bush in bloom in the
+window and to some new books on her table. "And I should like to
+know," she continued, "how five little girls happened to guess what
+would please me most."
+
+The M.Ks., after much discussion about their gift to Miss Brown, had
+accepted Aunt Zelie's advice and had themselves photographed in a
+group.
+
+"I shall never be lonely again with these bright faces to look at,"
+she said, lifting the picture from the floor beside her sofa.
+
+"Did you have Christmas trees when you were a little girl, Miss
+Brown?" Louise asked.
+
+"No, my grandmother used to celebrate New Year's day as the great
+holiday; we had gifts then, but not a tree."
+
+"I haven't had one since I was a very little girl," said Dora; and
+Ikey added, "And neither have I."
+
+"Did you have one when you were a little girl, Ikey?" asked Aleck
+gravely, making everybody laugh.
+
+After they were gone Miss Brown sat alone in the firelight, thinking
+that of all the blessings the year had brought her, not the least was
+the friendship of these girls and boys.
+
+Of all the young people invited to Uncle William's party, no one was
+in such a flutter of delight as Dora. Affairs of this kind were new to
+her, and as the Hazeltines had talked so much about it, it was no
+wonder she felt eager and excited as she dressed next evening.
+
+"I suppose Elsie wouldn't go if she had to wear such plain things as
+mine," she thought as she took out her white dress. "Louise said they
+were going to wear white. Oh, dear! I should like to have nice
+clothes, but I can't bother mamma about it." Dora sighed, for she
+liked pretty things as much as anybody.
+
+All trace of anything like discontent had disappeared when she stood
+before her mother to have her sash tied.
+
+"You should have had a new dress, poor child," Mrs. Warner said sadly.
+
+"No, Mamma dear," was the cheerful answer, "you must not mind. It does
+not matter what I wear; I shall have a good time."
+
+"How fortunate it is that Dora cares so little about dress!" her
+mother thought as her daughter kissed her and ran down to the parlor,
+where Carl was waiting with a bunch of roses which he presented with
+much grace. The girls were in the carriage outside, and the drive
+through the streets, where the electric lights were just appearing,
+was no small part of the pleasure. Helen said it was like grown people
+going to a party. "But it is more fun to be children, I think," said
+Dora, burying her face in her flowers.
+
+It was not quite like a grown-up party, for Uncle William's guests
+were invited to come at the sensible hour of six o'clock, but the
+beautiful house was all thrown open for their entertainment.
+
+Dora forgot her dress as they went up the steps and were ushered into
+the brilliantly lighted hall.
+
+They were the first arrivals, for the Hazeltine children were to
+assist in receiving the others, so when they came downstairs there
+were only Aunt Marcia, handsome and stately as usual, and Cousin
+Helen, looking exceedingly pretty in her pale-blue gown. The next
+comer was a tall gentleman whom Bess and Louise seemed to know very
+well. They called him Mr. Caruth, and were evidently delighted to see
+him.
+
+"I am glad you came home in time for the party," Louise said to him;
+and Carl with an eye to business added, "You must come to our
+entertainment on New Year's eve, Mr. Caruth."
+
+"What do you charge for reserved seats?" asked the gentleman,
+laughing.
+
+"Suppose we give him an arm-chair and make him pay a dollar for it,"
+suggested Miss Hazeltine.
+
+"He is a very nice man," Bess whispered to Dora. "We wish he would
+marry Cousin Helen, for then he would be related to us."
+
+"Upon my word!" Miss Hazeltine exclaimed, so suddenly that Bess gave a
+guilty start, "I have forgotten my office; come here and be decorated
+before any more arrive." From a basket she took a handful of badges.
+
+"What are these for?" Louise asked as her cousin pinned one on her
+shoulder.
+
+"You will find out by and by," said Uncle William, coming in with a
+red rose in his buttonhole.
+
+And now the fun began. The children came in so rapidly that Cousin
+Helen had to have an assistant to fasten on the badges, and Mr.
+Hazeltine was here, there, and everywhere, seeing that no one was left
+out of the good time. They played games and danced, grown people and
+all, and later in the evening Mr. Frank Hazeltine actually induced
+Aunt Marcia to take part in "Tucker," to the delight of her young
+relatives.
+
+It was particularly exciting when Uncle William was "Tucker." They
+came through the grand right and left positively breathless, and
+everybody was glad of a few minutes' rest before supper.
+
+"Isn't it strange that Dora does not have prettier dresses?" Elsie
+Morris whispered to the girl next her. "I like her ever so much, but
+she wears the plainest clothes."
+
+As she spoke Dora passed to join Bess, who was beckoning to her from
+the other side of the room. She heard enough of what was said to make
+her color deepen as she went straight on.
+
+"Elsie, she knew you were talking about her," cried Constance Myer.
+
+"No, she didn't," Elsie insisted, feeling very much ashamed.
+
+"She won't have any use for you after this," remarked Jim Carter, who
+was standing near. He found that he was mistaken, however. When they
+were decorating themselves with the tissue-paper caps and favors found
+in the bonbons, Elsie, who was a most fastidious little mortal,
+exclaimed, "I wish my cap was not green. I can't wear it with a blue
+dress."
+
+"I'll change with you, for mine is blue and I like green quite as
+well."
+
+It was Dora who stood beside her, holding out the cap. Poor Elsie was
+greatly abashed and couldn't say a word, but Dora insisted.
+
+"Please take it; I want you to have it, you will look so pretty in
+it."
+
+She was exceedingly surprised when Elsie put her arms around her neck
+and kissed her, saying:
+
+"You are the best girl in the world."
+
+It was a small thing, for Dora had spoken truly when she said that she
+liked one as well as the other, but it made a deep impression upon two
+people. Elsie began from that moment to be more careful and kind in
+her criticisms, and Jim rather reluctantly came to the conclusion that
+this was better and finer than showing resentment.
+
+When supper was over the company was pervaded by a feeling that
+something interesting was about to happen.
+
+"What is on hand, Louise, do you know?" Aleck asked, and at that
+moment Uncle William was heard making an announcement. He had had an
+interview with Santa Claus, he said, as the old gentleman was passing
+through the city in a hurry to get home, and after some persuasion he
+had prevailed upon him to wait over and receive any of the young
+people present who cared to call on him.
+
+This occasioned great applause, and all were eager to pay their
+respects to jolly St. Nicholas.
+
+Half a dozen at a time, according to the numbers on their badges, were
+conducted to a curtained doorway and told to enter. They all seemed to
+enjoy the interview, for they came out with smiling faces, and not
+empty-handed either.
+
+The children of the family were, of course, the last to go in, and
+Dora waited for them.
+
+The room was one which Uncle William called his den, and the figure in
+the arm-chair would have been recognized anywhere by his rosy
+countenance and long white beard. He wore his fur great-coat, and his
+cap and gloves lay on the table.
+
+He gave them a friendly greeting, saying, "So you are the last? It is
+a fortunate thing, for if I wait much longer I shall miss my train."
+
+"I did not know you travelled in that way," said Carl mischievously.
+
+"Dear me, boy! How could I manage with a sleigh and reindeer in this
+mud? I save those for colder climates. Now, before I am off, I think I
+have something left in my bag."
+
+Opening a large satchel, he brought out half a dozen packages, and
+then taking up his cap and gloves and wishing them a Happy New Year,
+he was off before they could say "Jack Robinson."
+
+"He is a fine old fellow," said Carl, examining the gun he had been
+wishing for.
+
+"Indeed he is!" echoed Dora, taking a peep at the beautiful
+illustrated copy of "Little Women," and then she was called to lead in
+the closing Virginia reel with Uncle William.
+
+"Well, how did you like the party?" Carl asked her as they drove home.
+
+"I have had the best time I ever had in my life," she answered with a
+happy laugh.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE HARP MAN'S BENEFIT.
+
+
+"Where is my wig?"
+
+"I have lost my banner!"
+
+"Tell Ikey to hurry, he has to go on first. Do you think that chimney
+will stand?"
+
+There was such confusion behind the scenes on New Year's eve that
+Cousin Helen put her hands over her ears when she came in.
+
+"It is time to begin," she said. "Ikey and Helen are first."
+
+The performers had advertised their entertainment very thoroughly, and
+as a result a large and interested audience of young people had
+assembled before eight o'clock.
+
+When at length the curtain rose in response to vigorous clapping, it
+brought to view a fine stage, on which was a cottage with a window and
+door and a lifelike chimney, and everything was covered with
+glistening snow. After the audience had had time to admire this scene
+sufficiently, a boy and girl entered, dressed in outdoor costume. They
+looked sad, and the girl took her handkerchief from her muff and held
+it to her eyes. Her companion begged her not to cry, for Father Time
+would surely help them. Then he knocked at the door of the cottage. It
+opened at once and out came a veritable Father Time, leaning on his
+staff. His long white beard, his scythe and hourglass, all proved his
+identity. Looking at the children he asked:
+
+    "Who is it knocks at my door to-day?
+    Speak to me quickly, I cannot stay."
+
+The little girl replied:
+
+    "Dear Father Time, we've come to you,
+    Perhaps you'll tell us what to do.
+    Our teacher says that in the year
+    Too many holidays appear.
+    She says we must at least drop one,
+    And she'd be glad if there were none."
+
+And the boy added:
+
+    "It is hard to know what day to choose,
+    When there isn't one you care to lose."
+
+In great astonishment Father Time exclaimed:
+
+    "To drop a holiday! Absurd!
+    Impossible! Upon my word!
+    Affairs like this belong to me,
+    As I'll soon let this teacher see."
+
+He rapped on the ground with his staff and a small page appeared,
+wearing a pointed cap and carrying a tin horn. Bowing low before
+Father Time, he was instructed to call the Holidays together. He
+withdrew and was heard blowing his horn in the distance. Presently
+music sounded, and the eight Holidays came marching in, with banners,
+singing:
+
+    "Joyous Holidays,
+    Full of gayety,
+    Bringing happy hours,
+    Merry days are we.
+
+    "Children love us well,
+    Surely they have reason.
+    Happiness and mirth
+    Bring we every season.
+
+    "Father Time, we've come,
+    Answering to your call,
+    Glad to do your will
+    Are we one and all."
+
+After marching twice around the stage they took their stand in a
+semicircle before Father Time and the children.
+
+Father Time: "These children have come to me in deep distress, because
+their teacher (a most singular person) says there are too many
+Holidays, and one of them must be given up. I have sent for you to
+reassure them; speak for yourselves."
+
+The Holidays looked at each other in dismay, and exclaimed:
+
+    "Holidays are we,
+    And we've come to stay,
+    Caring not a whit
+    What such people say."
+
+Boy and girl (clapping their hands): "Oh, dear Holidays, we are so
+glad! But are you _sure_ she can't send any of you away?"
+
+New Year's day now stepped forward. It was Jim Carter, whose suit of
+cotton batting, decorated with tinsel and cedar, was most becoming.
+Banner in hand he recited:
+
+    "First upon the list,
+    I'd be greatly missed.
+    Pages fresh and new,
+    Resolutions true,
+    Wishes for good cheer
+    In the coming year,
+    Where would these all be,
+    Were it not for me?"
+
+Both children:
+
+    "No matter what the teachers say,
+    We can't give up our New Year's Day."
+
+Next came Elsie, looking exceedingly like a valentine in her gauzy
+dress, her fair hair waving over her shoulders. In her own airy way
+she recited:
+
+    "Surely you know, if you are not quite stupid,
+    That I belong to that gay god Cupid.
+    Send me away and I very much fear
+    You'll find him infesting each day of the year."
+
+Both children:
+
+    "We never could endure to part
+    From you who lie so near our heart."
+
+The next Holiday excited great laughter and applause as he came
+forward. It was Aleck, in powdered wig, velvet coat, knee breeches,
+silk stockings, and shining shoe-buckles. In one hand he carried a
+small hatchet. The occasion was almost too much for him, and he spoke
+his lines with difficulty:
+
+    "My very great importance
+    To see you cannot fail,
+    I point a useful moral
+    And adorn a thrilling tale.
+    And with my honored hatchet
+    I'm sure you'll ever find
+    I make a good impression
+    Upon the youthful mind."
+
+Girl and boy:
+
+    "Indeed, we do not doubt you;
+    We could never do without you."
+
+Washington's Birthday was of course followed by April Fool's Day. This
+part was taken by Fred Ames, in a suit of figured chintz, with cap and
+bells. He recited:
+
+    "Don't think I'm the one to be laid on the shelf;
+    I have a few words now to say for myself.
+    To nonsense each one at some time must give vent;
+    To furnish you with an excuse I am sent.
+    To give you a day without precept or rule,
+    In which you may each be a gay April Fool."
+
+The children:
+
+    "Though not the most important on the list,
+    We know, dear April Fool, you would be missed."
+
+Next came Constance, with a garland of roses on her head, and her
+white dress trimmed with flowers. She recited:
+
+    "When first the flowers begin to show
+      Their happy little faces,
+    And tiny leaves begin to grow,
+      To make us shady places,
+    'Tis then I sing in merry tune--
+    Sweet Summer's coming very soon."
+
+The children:
+
+    "Pretty May-Day must not go,
+    We have always loved her so."
+
+After Constance came Louise, who made a charming Goddess of Liberty,
+dressed in stars and stripes, with a flag in her hand. She said:
+
+    "I come to tell the story
+      Of the birthday of our land,
+    To remind you of her glory,
+      And to help you understand
+    How by good men, brave and true,
+    This great land was won for you."
+
+The children:
+
+    "Dear Fourth, we love your fun and noise,
+    You're ever dear to girls and boys."
+
+Thanksgiving Day was represented by Dora, dressed as a Puritan maiden,
+carrying a basket of apples and a sheaf of wheat. She made a pleasant
+picture as she recited:
+
+    "When wintry days once more appear,
+    I come well laden with good cheer.
+    You can't lose _me_ at any rate,
+    For I'm appointed by the State."
+
+The children:
+
+    "As long as we're living
+    We'll keep dear Thanksgiving."
+
+Last of all came Christmas Day. This was Carl, in white, like New
+Year's, with trimmings of holly and mistletoe. A brave young Holiday
+he looked, as he repeated:
+
+    "Last comes to you the merry day
+    O'er which St. Nicholas holds sway;
+    A day that's sent your hearts to fill
+    With peace and joy and glad goodwill.
+    And down through all the centuries long
+    Echo the angel words and song,
+    And every year again I tell
+    The old sweet story, loved so well."
+
+As he finished, the children said eagerly:
+
+    "Dear Holidays, we love you all;
+    You're good and true and gay,
+    And we hope, as you have said,
+    That all have come to stay.
+    But though we value all the rest,
+    'Tis Christmas Day we love the best."
+
+At this the other Holidays stepped out, and bowing to Christmas, said:
+
+    "We all unite in words of praise,
+    And crown him king of Holidays."
+
+Then New Year's Day placed a crown on his head, May-Day gave him a
+rose, Fourth of July, a flag, Thanksgiving, an apple, Washington's
+Birthday offered his hatchet, and St. Valentine gave him a sugar
+heart; and joining hands the children and the Holidays danced around
+him, singing:
+
+    "We all unite in words of praise,
+    And crown him king of Holidays."
+
+The curtain fell on a tableau: the Holidays, with their flags and
+banners, old Father Time, and the happy children.
+
+The applause was so vehement it had to rise again for a moment, and
+then there was an intermission while some of the actors changed their
+costumes.
+
+When the curtain went up for the last time the cottage was gone, and
+in its place appeared a row of high-backed chairs on which were seated
+five little ladies in the quaintest of short-waisted gowns, each with
+a reticule on her arm, from which she took her needles and began to
+knit. Then Bess, who sat at one end of the line, looked up, and said
+in her own sweet little way:
+
+    "We're learning to knit, you see, because
+    We wish to be nice grandmammas;
+    You would not care, I'm sure, a bit
+    For a grandmamma who couldn't knit."
+
+Dora, who came next, continued:
+
+    "How daintily warm, how soft and sweet,
+    The tiny socks for baby's feet.
+    Nothing you'll find in all the land
+    Fashioned like these by grandma's hand."
+
+Here Elsie took it up:
+
+    "All the older children too can tell
+    How grandma's stockings wear so well,
+    And how she makes, with greatest pains,
+    Comforters, afghans, balls, and reins."
+
+Louise had just made a discovery that surprised her, and with shining
+eyes she recited:
+
+    "There's nothing so good, the children know,
+    As grandmamma's stories of long ago.
+    Empty-handed she could not tell
+    All the dear old stories half so well."
+
+Constance sat at the end of the row, and looking at the others she
+said:
+
+    "When she was a girl like you and me,
+    'Twas then she learned to knit, you see.
+    So like her now we must begin
+    Carefully putting the stitches in."
+
+Then together they recited:
+
+    "Our shining needles we gayly ply,
+    Getting ready for by and by.
+    Aren't you glad to know there'll be
+    Five old ladies as nice as we?"
+
+At the last line they rose, each dropped a profound courtesy and
+marched from the stage. The enthusiastic audience recalled them half a
+dozen times, till Mr. Hazeltine was obliged to announce that the
+entertainment was over.
+
+No one had enjoyed it more than a person who sat in an easy-chair,
+where without any effort she could see all that went on.
+
+Here the children gathered when it was over, exclaiming, "Why, Miss
+Brown, we did not know you were coming! How did you get here, and how
+did you like it?"
+
+It was of no use to try to answer so many questions, so she only
+laughed and said she had enjoyed herself immensely.
+
+Then they must rush off to see how much money had been taken in.
+
+Mr. Caruth, who had been pressed into service as doorkeeper by Cousin
+Helen, was in the hall with Aunt Zelie.
+
+"Here are nine dollars and a half for you, Grandma," he said, putting
+a box into Louise's hands.
+
+"Oh, thank you! Then that will be enough with the basket money. Don't
+you think our entertainment was pretty good, Mr. Caruth?" she asked.
+
+"Delightful! I was just telling Mrs. Howard that it was a star
+performance," he answered.
+
+"I don't know what that is, but Aunt Zelie and Cousin Helen made it
+all up, every bit," Bess said proudly.
+
+The performers were so enchanted with the evening's fun that they
+refused to take off their gay costumes, and declared one and all that
+they meant to see the old year out.
+
+The Father of his Country forgot his dignity, and cut up all sorts of
+antics with April Fool's Day. Even Father Time joined in the fun, and
+Christmas and New Year bestrewed the floor with cotton batting as they
+danced with the old ladies.
+
+But they were tired out before midnight, and when the city bells rang
+in the new year they were all sound asleep and heard not a bit of it.
+
+And this is what came of it:
+
+Of course in the first place the harp was mended and paid for, and its
+owner was able once more to earn something for his family. With her
+burden thus made lighter, Marie worked away cheerfully at her
+embroidery, and Tina went happily to school in the warm dress Mrs.
+Howard gave her. Many were the blessings invoked on the heads of the
+young people who had helped them!
+
+"But after all," said Bess, "it was only fun for us."
+
+In the second place Uncle William was so pleased with the five old
+ladies that a charming idea came into his head. After a consultation
+with Miss Brown, he sent them one Saturday afternoon a note and a big
+bundle. Here is the note:
+
+   MY DEAR LITTLE FRIENDS: I was delighted the other night to find
+   that your small fingers were already learning to be useful, and I
+   take the liberty of giving them some more work to do. I know an
+   old colored woman who, after spending most of her life in taking
+   care of little children, is now paralyzed, and can only lie in
+   bed. Nothing pleases her so much as bright colors, so I want you
+   to make her a gay afghan. She will not mind any uneven stitches
+   if they happen to put in, and will be very proud of it.
+
+   I send the yarn of which to make it. There are to be five
+   stripes, one for each of you.
+
+   Hoping that you will enjoy the work, and at the same time the
+   thought that it is to please a poor old invalid, I am
+   affectionately your friend,
+
+                         WILLIAM S. HAZELTINE.
+
+The bundle when it was unrolled was found to contain some of the
+oddest-looking balls of yarn that ever were seen.
+
+"I think he must have wound them himself," remarked Louise, shaking
+her head over the lumpy, unsymmetrical ball she held.
+
+However, Miss Brown said the shape did not matter, and work was begun,
+with great interest. Dora was the first to make a discovery, perhaps
+because she could knit more rapidly than the others. One of the lumps
+in her ball proved to be caused by something rolled in tissue paper.
+Feeling sure that this was the key to one of Uncle William's
+surprises, they looked on eagerly while she pulled the paper off and
+found a gold thimble with her name on it. Not long after Elsie found a
+tiny pair of scissors. Never had any work been so delightful! It
+usually happened that some one of the gay balls yielded a prize each
+Saturday afternoon. Sometimes only a big sugar plum, but oftener
+something pretty and useful. A tiny book of texts, a dainty
+handkerchief rolled into smallest compass, rings of twisted gold with
+the letters M.K. on bangles attached to them,--these were some of the
+things found in the wonder balls, for that is what they are called in
+Germany, where Mr. Hazeltine first heard of them.
+
+"It is so exactly like him, I thought he must have invented it
+himself," said Dora.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+CLOUDS.
+
+
+The beautiful snow-storm which came two weeks after Christmas seemed
+to be the cause of all the unhappiness, though the real reason for it
+was to be found in quite another quarter.
+
+A deep snow followed by a week of clear cold weather seldom came more
+than once during the winter in this part of the country, and the
+children were wild with delight. Aunt Zelie was obliged to do a little
+of the curbing that Aunt Marcia so often advised, and Bess and Louise
+thought it hard that they were not allowed to hitch their sleds behind
+wagons as Carl and Ikey did.
+
+The boys first got into trouble. They began at once building forts in
+their playground at school, and were soon divided into two opposing
+forces, each with one of the older boys for captain.
+
+For a time things went very well, and Carl and Ikey, though they
+belonged to different sides, could discuss their battles
+good-naturedly. But this did not last. One day the cry of "Not fair"
+arose; someone was hurt and resented it, his friends took it up, and
+all good feeling went to the winds. When the bell called them in there
+were some bad bruises, and, worse still, angry looks and accusations.
+
+On the way home the dispute ran high between Carl and Ikey. The
+first-named in particular was very much excited, and declared he
+wanted nothing more to do with cheats. Ikey retorted warmly, with
+natural indignation, and so they parted.
+
+About the same time discord arose among the girls.
+
+Mr. Hazeltine had had a slide made for the children in the back yard.
+It was built from the top of the stable loft, and was as good a
+substitute for a hill as such an affair could be. Here they had a
+grand time till one day when Elsie insisted it was her turn to slide.
+
+"No, it is Dora's," objected Louise. "Isn't it, Constance?"
+
+But Constance, always devoted to Elsie, was not sure. Bess and Helen
+both agreed with Louise.
+
+"I am sure it is my turn to slide," said Dora, "but if Elsie thinks it
+is hers, I'd rather have her take it."
+
+Bess had very positive ideas of fairness, however, and would not give
+up. "No," she declared, "it is her turn, and we must play fair or it
+isn't any fun."
+
+"But I know it is my turn," said Elsie, equally stubborn; "Connie
+thinks so too."
+
+"Never mind, Bess," pleaded Dora.
+
+"I _shall_ mind; for when Louise and Helen and I all say it is your
+turn, and only Constance thinks it is Elsie's, you have a--a
+majority, and she ought to see it."
+
+"Yes," added Louise, admiring her sister's big word; "I think you
+ought, Elsie."
+
+"And it is _our_ slide," put in Helen very unwisely.
+
+"That doesn't make any difference," Bess hastened to say; but the
+mischief was done.
+
+"Then keep your old slide," Elsie cried angrily. "I wouldn't be so
+selfish. Come, Constance, let's not stay where they don't want us."
+
+"Don't go, Elsie; it is not worth quarrelling about," urged Dora; but
+she wouldn't listen and walked off with an air of offended dignity,
+followed rather reluctantly by Constance. Dora wanted to go after her,
+but Louise held her fast.
+
+"Don't go, Dody; it won't do a bit of good. If she is mad, she can
+just _be_ mad."
+
+They took a few more slides, finding it not half so much fun as
+before. Dora looked very sober, for quarrelling was something she was
+not accustomed to, and after a visit to Carie, who was sick with a
+cold, she went home feeling exceedingly uncomfortable. Perhaps it
+would be all right to-morrow, she thought, but that did not prove to
+be the case.
+
+When they met at school Elsie entirely ignored Bess and Louise, who in
+their turn treated her with a lofty indifference wonderful to behold.
+
+"I am not at all mad at you, Dora," Elsie said to her; "but I am at
+Bess and Louise, for they were impolite. I am not going to speak to
+them till they say they are sorry."
+
+"Oh, dear! I feel as though it were my fault in some way. It will
+spoil our club and everything," sighed Dora.
+
+How long this unhappy state of affairs might have continued had not
+the Big Front Door taken matters in hand, it is impossible to say.
+
+On the afternoon of the quarrel Elsie had a story book with her, which
+in her hasty departure she forgot. She remembered it before she
+reached home, but did not like to go back. The next day she planned a
+very cold note which was to be carried by one of the servants. Mrs.
+Morris, however, saw no reason why her daughter should not do her own
+errand, and all arguments were in vain. Finding that it was of no use
+to plead, after some rebellious tears she decided to go for her book
+herself.
+
+Bess, Louise, and Dora were studying their history lesson together,
+when Joanna came in to say that Elsie was downstairs and wanted the
+book she had left.
+
+"I wonder," said Bess, when it had been found and sent down, "if she
+will come to the club."
+
+After they went back to their lessons Dora's thoughts kept wandering
+off to that miserable quarrel, and she said, as she put on her hat,
+"If Elsie were willing to make up, you would be, wouldn't you?"
+
+"Oh, yes," they both answered readily, Louise adding, "but she doesn't
+want to."
+
+Elsie felt rather uncomfortable as she sat in the library. She hoped
+that none of the children would come in and find her there. She could
+not help remembering the pleasant time she had had in that very room a
+few weeks ago, getting ready for the New Year's eve entertainment, and
+for a moment she was sorry about the quarrel.
+
+When Joanna brought her the book she hurried away, and, opening the
+front door for herself, pulled it to behind her with a bang, when to
+her dismay she found herself held fast. The door had closed on her
+dress. She pulled and twisted, but it was of no use--she was a
+prisoner. She could not reach the bell, and only a dead latch-key
+would open it from the outside. It was late in the afternoon and few
+people were passing; then too she did not like to call for help. The
+poor child felt herself to be in a somewhat ridiculous position, and
+if she dreaded anything it was being made fun of.
+
+Suppose Carl should come in and find her! He was such a tease he would
+tell the other boys, and they would think it a great joke. The wind
+was so cold and penetrating that after a little Elsie forgot her fear
+of being laughed at, and began to long for anybody who would release
+her. All the passers-by seemed to be on the other side of the street.
+Once she called to a colored boy, but he only looked at her stupidly
+and went on.
+
+"Oh, dear! what shall I do!" she cried, sinking down on the cold
+marble step. "I wish I had never thought of my book."
+
+She wondered what Bess and Louise would think if she were found frozen
+to death on their doorstep. Her mother would be sorry she had not
+allowed one of the servants to take her note. There was some comfort
+in this thought. Then--was that really someone coming down the walk at
+the side of the house? She held her breath. Yes, it certainly was. She
+immediately returned to life.
+
+It was Dora on her way home, so busy thinking that she started when
+Elsie called her.
+
+"Why, Elsie Morris," she exclaimed as she caught sight of the forlorn
+figure on the doorstep.
+
+"Oh, Dora, please help me. I am caught and can't get out."
+
+"Have you been here all this time?" Dora asked, running up the steps
+in great surprise. "Shall I ring the bell or go around?" pausing with
+her hand on the knob.
+
+"You'd better ring. I don't want to see the girls."
+
+Dora's hand still rested on the bell, but she hesitated. "Elsie," she
+said, "I just believe this has happened so we can make up. Won't you?
+I know that Bess and Louise will if you will. Think how unhappy we
+are! We can't have any more good times." Dora felt that she had the
+advantage.
+
+"No," said Elsie crossly; "and I wish you would ring that bell; I am
+as cold as I can be. It was my turn, and it was selfish and mean in
+them not to let me have it."
+
+"Oh, Elsie, they are not selfish; they are always ready to do what we
+like, but they thought it was my turn. That is why I feel so badly
+about it; for if it had been her own turn I think Bess would have
+given up. Please, _please_ promise to make up."
+
+That Dora cared a great deal was plain, for her eyes were full of
+tears, and those tears did much towards gaining the victory.
+
+"I am not the least bit mad with you, Dora," Elsie hastened to say,
+"but I am with Bess. Please ring the bell."
+
+"In one minute, if you will only promise to make up."
+
+"Dora Warner, I tell you I _can't_," stamping her foot. "I can't say
+it wasn't my turn, for that would be a story."
+
+"That won't make any difference, for you need not say anything about
+it, only that you are willing to make up. You think you were right,
+and Bess thinks she was right, so all you have to do is not to say
+anything about it. _Please_, Elsie."
+
+Dora's logic may not have been altogether convincing, but her
+earnestness was not to be resisted.
+
+"Well," began the prisoner, "I suppose I shall freeze to death if I
+don't, so I will only--"
+
+Dora waited for nothing more, but gave the bell a joyous pull.
+
+Louise, who was on her way upstairs, ran back to see who was at the
+door.
+
+"Why, it is Dora!" she exclaimed, opening it.
+
+It did not take long to explain, and Elsie was glad to sit down by the
+register in the hall and make it up in earnest.
+
+Bess, who heard them talking and ran down, was quite ready to meet her
+more than half way, and no one would have guessed, seeing their
+friendliness, that an hour ago they were not on speaking terms.
+
+Elsie was pitied and petted to her heart's content, while Dora beamed
+on them like a genial little sun which had at last made its way
+through the clouds.
+
+Aunt Zelie heard the whole story that night.
+
+"Wasn't it funny, Elsie's getting caught?" said Louise. "I believe it
+is really a magic door; Dora thinks so too."
+
+"I don't know. It seems to me if the rest of you had been as anxious
+for peace as she was, the door need not have come to your relief. If
+you had each been trying to help," said her aunt.
+
+"I believe I have been forgetting the text," Bess said gravely.
+
+If only the quarrel between Carl and Ikey could have been settled as
+quickly. A week passed and matters did not mend. The walk to and from
+school was now taken alone, and neither made any sign of recognition
+when they met. Ikey was miserable at the sight of Carl's intimacy
+with Jim, and he imagined, too, that Mrs. Howard took her nephew's
+part, and this was hardest of all.
+
+The fact was Aunt Zelie knew little or nothing about it. She had a
+house full of company, and Carie was sick besides.
+
+In spite of appearances to the contrary, Carl was no happier than his
+friend, and quite as keenly missed the daily companionship in lessons
+and play. It had its effect in making him overbearing and
+fault-finding in an unusual degree. The family began to wonder what
+had happened to merry, good-tempered Carl, when one Saturday morning
+matters reached a climax. As he came upstairs from the library where
+he had been copying a composition, his father called to him from the
+hall below. Running into the girls' room, he laid his paper on the
+table there, with strict injunctions to them not to touch it.
+
+Some minutes passed before his return, and Helen, who was apt to be
+attracted by forbidden fruit, could not resist going over to look at
+it. "I only want to see if I can read it," she said in reply to a
+warning word from Bess, who passed through the room on her way to the
+star chamber, where she and Louise were busy.
+
+Helen, left to herself, was seized with a desire to make a capital S
+like Carl's. Finding a pen and some ink, she set to work, forgetting
+everything else till Bess, returning for something, exclaimed, "Why,
+Helen, what are you doing? Here he comes."
+
+Very much startled, she looked around quickly, and the pen fell from
+her unaccustomed fingers upon the composition, scattering ink in every
+direction. At this moment her brother entered the room, and at one
+glance took in Helen's frightened look and the blotted paper.
+
+"Didn't I tell you not to touch that?" he thundered, all the stored-up
+anger of weeks coming to the surface, and, springing forward, he
+caught her by the shoulder, gave her a furious shake, and pushed her
+from him with all his strength. With a frightened scream she fell
+backwards, striking her head against the edge of the half-open door.
+
+"You wicked boy!" cried Bess, greatly shocked; "perhaps you have
+killed her."
+
+But Helen's cries told that it was not so bad as this. Everybody came
+running to see what the matter was, and Joanna picked her up and
+carried her into Aunt Zelie's room, where it was found that a large
+lump on her head and a bruise on her arm were the worst of her
+injuries. Bess told how it happened.
+
+"I can't think what ails Carl lately," said Louise.
+
+"He is a mean, hateful boy," sobbed Helen; "I don't care if I _did_
+spoil his composition."
+
+Feeling that it would be of no use to talk to her then, Aunt Zelie
+left her to the tender ministrations of her sisters and Joanna, and
+went to seek the chief offender.
+
+He was still in the girls' room, standing his ground defiantly.
+
+The moment's fright lest he had hurt Helen badly had passed, and the
+sight of his composition stirred his anger afresh.
+
+"Is it true that you threw your sister down?" His aunt stood before
+him with a look in her dark eyes which it was not pleasant to meet.
+
+Carl glanced down, but answered, "Yes, and here is what _she_ did!"
+holding up the blotted paper.
+
+"Does that excuse your unmanliness, your--you might have killed her,
+you know. I can't talk to you now, Carl; you'd better go to your room.
+I can't tell you how disappointed I am."
+
+He never thought of not following her suggestion; indeed, he was glad
+to get away from those indignant eyes.
+
+"Of course," he muttered to himself, "I am all to blame and nothing is
+said to Helen about spoiling my work. Boys are always found fault
+with, but girls can do anything."
+
+Down in his heart he knew this was not true, but he chose to think it.
+He flung himself into a chair by the window. It was a gloomy, thawing
+day; the snow, as if aghast at the trouble it had caused, was melting
+sadly away. There was nothing in the prospect to make him feel
+cheerful. After awhile he went to work on his composition again, and
+as he wrote he felt more and more like a martyr. When it was finished
+he folded it and put it away, and began to think it must be near
+lunch-time. With the door closed, there in the third story he could
+not hear the bell; however, he would not go down; if they wanted him
+they might send for him. By two o'clock he was feeling deeply injured.
+Nobody cared whether he starved or not. Then he remembered that Uncle
+William was to take them to see Hermann that afternoon. By this time
+they must have gone without him. Carl threw himself on the bed and
+shed some tears of vexation and disappointment. All the while
+something was whispering to him that he deserved to be unhappy. The
+afternoon dragged slowly; he grew very hungry, and at last saying to
+himself that he would go and get some biscuit, and "Tom Sawyer," one
+of his favorite books, he went softly downstairs.
+
+The house was so quiet that the sight of Mr. Smith asleep on a hall
+chair was a positive relief. After visiting the pantry he went to the
+library for his book. The door was half open, and when he reached it
+he suddenly stopped, for there was Aunt Zelie by the table with her
+head bowed on her arms. Evidently she had not heard him, and Carl
+almost held his breath. He thought she was crying; he was not sure,
+but certainly she was unhappy. It came to him in that moment, as it
+never had before, how tender and sweet and helpful she was. She had
+sorrow of her own, he knew, and who was there to comfort her as she
+comforted others? And he had disappointed her--had behaved shamefully.
+As he stood there it seemed to him that he must have been crazy. He
+could not endure the sight of that sorrowful figure, and turning to go
+away, instead; the next minute he was kneeling beside her saying,
+"Aunt Zelie, I am _so_ sorry."
+
+She was startled, for she had not heard him; but she turned and put
+her arms around him for a moment, without speaking.
+
+"Aunt Zelie, I know how contemptible I am; you ought not to have
+anything to do with me," Carl exclaimed in a great burst of
+contrition. She took his hand and held it fast as she answered, "I
+can't throw stones at you, dear, but perhaps I can help you to learn
+the lesson I have had to learn many times."
+
+He never forgot that afternoon. How he sat beside her with his head on
+her shoulder, while she talked to him as she had never talked before.
+How his face glowed with mingled shame and pride as she said that, of
+all the children, he was, if possible, the dearest to her.
+
+"But I have more fear for you than for the others. I long to have you
+grow up a strong, true man--master of yourself in every sense. If you
+do not, I shall feel that in some way it is my fault."
+
+"I will try to be what you want me to be--like Uncle Carl--if I
+can; and nobody in the world could help me as you do."
+
+  [Illustration: "HE TOLD HER ABOUT THE TROUBLE AT SCHOOL."]
+
+"I shall not leave you till you leave me," Aunt Zelie said, smiling
+rather wistfully at the tall boy.
+
+"That will be never, and I will always take care of you," answered
+Carl, laying his cheek against her hand. He told her about the trouble
+at school too, finding it a relief to confess everything and she
+listened gravely.
+
+"For a little misunderstanding like this, a little hateful pride,
+pleasant friendships are given up, and the good times we expected to
+have in the club this winter! Have my Good Neighbors forgotten their
+motto already?"
+
+"I'm afraid so," Carl said, thinking how hard it would be to make
+things right again.
+
+"Have you told Father?" he asked.
+
+"No, he did not come to lunch."
+
+"Then I shall have to tell him," with a sigh.
+
+This was not an easy thing to do. That they were the best of
+companions and friends made it all the harder, for he felt he had
+forfeited the right to this good-fellowship.
+
+Carl told his story with such evident shame and repentance that,
+though he listened with a grave face, Mr. Hazeltine could not find it
+in his heart to be very severe.
+
+"I did not think," he said, "that my only son could be guilty of such
+a cruel and ungentlemanly act."
+
+Carl winced at this.
+
+"You see," his father continued, laying his hand on his shoulder, "I
+always had such a tender feeling for my little sister that it is hard
+for me to understand how you could be so unkind."
+
+It was Carl's private opinion that Aunt Zelie could never have been so
+trying as Helen, but he did not say so. They had a serious talk, and
+for a week after, Carl was seen only at the table, for he and his
+father decided that as he had sinned against the happiness of the
+family, he must forfeit the privileges of the family life for a while.
+
+Everybody was glad when the week was over, Carl most of all.
+
+No one else knew how lonely those evenings were, spent in his room, or
+how he longed to join the group around the library fire.
+
+Helen was deeply impressed by her brother's humble apology, and
+decided that after all she wasn't glad she had spoiled his
+composition, but very sorry she had been so meddlesome.
+
+Carl lost no time in starting out to find Ikey and make friends.
+
+It was on Monday morning, and they met just outside the gate.
+
+"Hello!" said Carl.
+
+"Hello!" replied Ikey.
+
+"Know your Latin?"
+
+"Hope so, I have studied it a lot," and they walked down street
+together as if nothing had happened.
+
+"Where were you going this morning when I met you?" Carl asked when
+his neighbor came in, in the old way, with his books that afternoon.
+
+"I was coming over for you. I was tired of it."
+
+"Were you? Why, I was going for you!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+DORA'S BRIGHT IDEA.
+
+
+One thing troubled Carl. It was that Dora knew all about it. She came
+to lunch that dreadful Saturday to go with the others to see Hermann,
+and of course Helen's bruises and his own absence had to be accounted
+for.
+
+On his way home from school one morning he saw her and her mother
+coming towards him on the other side of the street. When they were
+within speaking distance, Mrs. Warner bowed, but Dora looked in
+another direction as if she wished not to see him.
+
+Carl was hurt and mortified, for he was sure he knew the reason.
+
+"I don't care, it is mean to be so hard on a fellow. Aunt Zelie
+isn't," he said to himself.
+
+He did care, however, and was silent and gloomy at lunch. As he left
+the room on his way upstairs to study he heard Bess say, "Dora had
+such an accident to-day." But he did not wait to hear what it was.
+
+An hour later, having an errand to do up town, he went off alone
+instead of asking Ikey to go with him as usual.
+
+The clear, cold air was making him cheerful in spite of himself, when,
+as he drew near home after a long walk, he saw two familiar figures in
+front of him. His spirits immediately fell, for they were Ikey and
+Dora chatting together most sociably. Carl suddenly felt jealous.
+
+He knew they were great friends, and he never had dreamed of objecting
+till now that he was himself out of favor. He began to walk slowly
+that he might not overtake them, his pride keeping him from turning
+back and going home some other way.
+
+They paused a moment when they reached the corner; then Ikey, with his
+politest bow, left her and crossed the street. Dora stood waiting.
+Carl advanced, trying to look unconscious and indifferent.
+
+Her smile changed to a puzzled look, and then became positive
+astonishment when he was passing without a word.
+
+Always straightforward, she exclaimed, "Why, Carl! Aren't you going to
+speak to me? I am on my way to your house."
+
+"I thought you would not care to speak to me, you didn't this
+morning," he answered somewhat loftily.
+
+"Not speak to you? I don't know what you mean."
+
+"You would not this morning," he persisted.
+
+"Oh, I know now! How absurd! Didn't the girls tell you about my
+glasses getting broken? It must have been when I was going to have
+them mended. You know I am so near-sighted I can't see across the
+street without them."
+
+Carl looked rather foolish. Dora had worn glasses only a short time,
+and he had not noticed their absence.
+
+"You knew I would not do such a thing; how could you be so silly?" She
+was decidedly vexed with him.
+
+"I thought perhaps you really did not care to have anything to do with
+me after--"
+
+"You thought I would stop speaking to you for that!" she exclaimed.
+"Why Bess told me how sorry you were, and at any rate it would have
+been acting as if I never did wrong myself."
+
+"You wouldn't do anything so horrid."
+
+"I _was_ a little surprised at you," Dora, acknowledged, "but it is so
+disagreeable not to be friends with people. I am glad you and Ikey
+have made up; he was telling me about it."
+
+By this time they had reached the gate, and Carl said, "I don't think
+the girls are at home; they were going out with Aunt Zelie, but you
+might come in and wait, if you don't mind talking to me while I look
+over some books for father."
+
+"I don't mind talking to you," she answered, laughing, "but I can't
+stay long. I want 'Water Babies.' Louise said I could have it to
+read."
+
+"Come in, then, and I'll find it for you."
+
+They went up to the star chamber together, and Dora sat down in the
+west window, where a little wintry sunshine still lingered, while Carl
+looked for the book.
+
+"I can't see how you could be such a goose as to think I would not
+speak to you," she said presently.
+
+"I suppose I knew I deserved it." Carl laid "Water Babies" on her lap,
+and, kneeling on the floor with his elbows on the window-sill and his
+chin in his hands, looked thoughtfully out at the bare branches of the
+maples.
+
+"I'll tell you what it is," he said after a minute's silence, "Aunt
+Zelie is a trump."
+
+"I know that, only I'd call her a prettier name," said Dora, smiling.
+
+"You can't know really till you have been very had. She was so good to
+me. It makes a fellow feel awfully when somebody like her cares a lot
+for him and he goes and disappoints her."
+
+"But you won't again, I'm sure."
+
+"You see," Carl went on, "she cares for me particularly because I am
+named for Uncle Carl. Has Bess or Louise ever told you about him?"
+
+Dora shook her head.
+
+"He was Mamma's brother, you know, and he was splendid. I thought
+there was nobody like him when I was a little fellow. He used to be
+here a great deal, and we were glad when he married Aunt Zelie because
+we were so fond of them both. The only thing we did not like about it
+was that Aunt Zelie went away to live, but they came to see us very
+often. Then Uncle Carl died. He was skating with some people, and a
+friend of his went where the ice wouldn't hold, and broke through.
+Nobody knew just what to do, it was so hard to get to him on the
+broken ice, and the man couldn't swim. Uncle Carl saw that he would
+drown before help came, so he went right into the freezing water and
+held up his head till they brought ropes."
+
+"He wasn't drowned, was he?" Dora asked in an awestruck voice.
+
+"No, but he was in the water so long that it made him ill. The other
+man got well. It happened not long before Mamma died. Then, you know,
+Aunt Zelie came back to us."
+
+"You must be glad you are named for him."
+
+"Yes, I am, only I am not good enough. I am afraid I shall never do
+anything brave like that."
+
+"I think, perhaps, little things have to come first," said Dora
+wisely, adding, "He was helping, wasn't he?"
+
+"I had not thought of that," said Carl.
+
+As she walked home an idea came into Dora's head, which interested her
+so much that "Water Babies" lay unopened on her lap for half an hour
+that night. Next day she confided it to Bess and Louise, who highly
+approved.
+
+"Why, Dora, you are very clever. When you are grown up you will be as
+good at thinking of things as Aunt Zelie," said Bess.
+
+"You think of pretty good things yourself, Bess," added Louise.
+
+"And so do you, for you first thought of trying to help the harp man,"
+said Dora merrily.
+
+"The G.N. Club meets to-night, and we'll ask the boys to let us in.
+You come over to dinner," Louise suggested.
+
+"They won't do it," said her sister positively.
+
+"Oh, perhaps they will if we are very polite; we will try."
+
+The weekly meetings of the G.N. Club had begun again with great
+interest. No one enjoyed them more than Aunt Zelie, and nothing was
+allowed to interfere with this engagement with the boys if she could
+help it. However, it happened this evening that some old friends of
+the family who were passing through the city on their way south
+called, and it was impossible to excuse herself, so the boys were left
+to their own devices.
+
+Though the star chamber looked as cheerful as usual and Carl did his
+best as host, it was not quite the same without her.
+
+Jim recalled with wonder that first evening when he hoped she would
+not come. The rehearsals for the harp man's benefit had made them all
+feel very well acquainted with her and one another.
+
+They were beginning work on some screens for the Children's Hospital
+when there came a knock at the door. Ikey opened it and Carie walked
+in.
+
+"I came to bring you a letter," she announced, handing Carl a folded
+paper, and shyly surveying the rest of the company from behind him.
+
+He read it aloud.
+
+   To the G.N.C.:
+
+   We should like to come to your meeting this evening, if you will
+   let us. We have a splendid plan to tell you. Dora thought of it.
+   Send reply by bearer.
+
+                    Yours truly,
+
+                         $1$2.
+
+"Shall we let them come?" he asked.
+
+"Of course," said Jim, and as nobody was actively opposed, Carl
+scribbled, "Come on," on the back of their elegant note.
+
+Within five minutes the girls were established in their midst, quite
+as if they belonged there.
+
+When the screens were duly admired and their offers of help politely
+declined, Bess explained the object of their visit.
+
+"We think it would be nice, now that we haven't secrets any more, and
+because you helped us with the harp man's benefit, for our clubs to be
+friends and meet together sometimes. Dora has thought of a beautiful
+plan. Won't you tell about it yourself, Dora?"
+
+"It is nothing very great," she began modestly. "You know in the days
+of chivalry how all the knights belonged always to some order,--like
+the Knights Templars in 'Ivanhoe,'--and perhaps there are some now; I
+don't know."
+
+"There is the Independent Order of Odd Fellows," suggested Will, and
+Carl added, "Joanna's young man belongs to the Ancient Order of
+something."
+
+"Then I don't see why we shouldn't have one," Dora went on, laughing.
+"My idea was to unite our two clubs in an order, and call it the Order
+of the Big Front Door. We both have the same motto and are trying to
+help, so it would not be anything really new, except that we could
+have a badge to remind us, and have meetings together sometimes. The
+story of the Magic Door put it into my head."
+
+"Good for you, Dora! I'm for it!" cried Ikey.
+
+The funny name took the boys' fancy, and the plan of having joint
+meetings was not altogether objectionable. The story of the Magic Door
+had to be explained to some of them, and while Bess was doing this
+Aunt Zelie came in. She was surprised and delighted to see the
+visitors, and when the new project was told again for her benefit, she
+thought it a very good one.
+
+"I was trying myself to think of some way of keeping our motto in
+mind, and now you must let me furnish the badges. The name, Order of
+the Big Front Door, has given me an idea about them."
+
+"What, Aunt Zelie?" asked Louise. "I am sure it is lovely."
+
+Her aunt only laughed, and would not tell.
+
+"Just as soon as I can get them," she said, "I'll call a meeting of
+the Order."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+SILVER KEYS.
+
+
+"I wonder what they are going to do this afternoon," said little John
+Armstrong.
+
+He sat in his usual place in the bay-window, with his drawing
+materials and his books beside him, but the doings of certain girls
+and boys who constantly passed to and fro interested him more than any
+story book.
+
+John was twelve years old and had never had a friend of his own age.
+That sad disease paralysis laid its hand upon him when he was only a
+baby, so instead of going to school, and running and playing like
+other children, he sat in a wheeled chair and looked on.
+
+He was not exactly unhappy, for he had a quick, bright mind, and a
+love of knowledge which made his lessons a pleasure. Everything that
+love could suggest was lavished upon him by his father and mother, but
+they did not guess how he longed for the companionship of other
+children.
+
+They feared the contrast between himself and them would only make him
+miserable. So in the eighteen months since Dr. Armstrong had been
+preaching in the church on the corner, John had hardly spoken to a
+child. The M.Ks. and the G.Ns. never dreamed how eagerly they were
+watched that winter. Some of them seeing him always at the window fell
+into the way of nodding to him as they passed.
+
+He knew their names from hearing them call each other, and his
+favorites were Louise, Ikey, and Jim.
+
+On this particular Saturday afternoon John felt that something unusual
+was going on. Dora passed with her work-bag, to be met at the
+Hazeltines' gate by Bess and Louise, and they seemed to have something
+very interesting to talk about as they crossed the street together.
+
+A moment later Elsie and Constance went up the Brown house walk. This
+happened every Saturday, but when nearly an hour had gone by Jim
+Carter appeared. His whistle brought Ikey, and then Carl and Aleck,
+and they stood talking almost in front of John's window. How he did
+wish he could hear what they said! Presently they were joined by Will
+and Fred, and finally by Mrs. Howard, who had a package. Each of the
+boys apparently offered to carry this for her, but she declined. Then
+they, too, crossed the street and disappeared within the Brown house.
+
+This was all John saw, except that Louise and Ikey came and sat in the
+window and seemed to be laughing, but that was not unusual.
+
+It was the first meeting of the Order of the Big Front Door, that was
+being held at Miss Brown's this afternoon.
+
+As the M.Ks. were still at work on Aunt Sallie's afghan, their meeting
+was put at half-past two in order to give them an hour and still leave
+time for the other. When this had passed the knitting was put away and
+more chairs brought in, for the Brown house sitting-room was not a
+spacious apartment, and twelve visitors quite filled it.
+
+Much excitement was caused by the box which Aunt Zelie carried, for of
+course it held the long-expected badges.
+
+"It is good of you to meet here," said Miss Brown, giving the G.Ns. a
+cordial welcome.
+
+"It is good of you to let us," replied Mrs. Howard. "You belong to the
+new Order, and must have your badge as well as the rest of us. And now
+the meeting will please be in order, especially the members on the
+window-sill.
+
+"The first business before us is the election of a President. The
+Tellers will please distribute the ballots."
+
+This office was performed by Elsie and Aleck, who also collected and
+counted the votes, and announced the election of Will Archer. In the
+same way Bess was made Secretary and Ikey Treasurer. It was decided
+that the G.Ns. would give up their club once a month for the meeting
+of the Order, when reports from both clubs would be made. When this
+business was finished Aunt Zelie took up her box, saying, "The next
+thing is the distribution of badges; but before I take them out I want
+to say a word."
+
+"Hear! Hear!" murmured Carl.
+
+"No preaching!" begged Aleck.
+
+"_Do_, Mrs. Howard, he needs it," said Dora.
+
+"Yes, I am going to preach a little. I want you to remember that these
+badges are to keep our motto before you. They mean that you promise to
+be helpers, and that is something more than getting up entertainments
+as we did for the harp man. It means being good-tempered and kind at
+home and in school, doing little thoughtful things for people. You
+remember in the story of the Magic Door it was because they forgot
+this that the lock grew rusty and useless, so it seemed to me that the
+most appropriate badge would be this." As she spoke she took from the
+box a tiny silver key. On close inspection it proved to be a pin so
+prettily and ingeniously made that anybody might be pleased to wear
+it. On one side was engraved a part of their motto--"They Helped"--and
+on the other, the letters O.B.F.D.
+
+So great was the enthusiasm that all order went to the winds.
+
+"Aren't they lovely?" "Tiptop!" "Dandy!" "Too pretty for anything!"
+
+And no one was more pleased than Miss Brown.
+
+"I am afraid I can never be half so good to my neighbors as they are
+to me," she said, "but I'll try."
+
+"As if you were not the nicest neighbor we ever had!" cried Louise.
+
+"Let's give Mrs. Howard a vote of thanks," proposed Jim.
+
+Ikey looked at him with envy. Jim always thought of the right thing.
+
+"We ought to thank Dora too, for it was her idea," said Carl as the
+clapping subsided.
+
+"I did not dream of anything so nice," said Dora, patting her little
+key.
+
+"I am glad you are pleased, and I hope they will open some rusty
+locks," said Aunt Zelie.
+
+"And now, if you please, we'll adjourn into the dining-room," said
+Miss Brown. "This is a very special occasion, you know," she added, in
+reply to a grave shake of the head from Mrs. Howard.
+
+They drank success to the new Order in chocolate, and munched crisp
+little sugar cakes which were cleverly twisted into M's and K's. Mary
+had long ago become a friend of the children, and this was her
+contribution to the occasion.
+
+"There is something I should like to suggest," their hostess said as
+Carl passed the peppermints. "I feel an interest in people who, like
+myself, can't get about easily, and I have noticed that little lame
+boy over the way, and I wonder if these silver keys could not open a
+door of pleasure for him."
+
+"Will suggested it long ago, but our Christmas work put it out of our
+thoughts," Mrs. Howard replied.
+
+"Suppose we go now and take him some M.Ks.," Louise said merrily.
+
+"We don't know him," objected Elsie.
+
+"Let Louise and Ikey go, and I will put up some cakes and peppermints
+for him," said Miss Brown.
+
+Ikey, though shy when left to himself, was always willing to follow
+Louise, and they went off together in high spirits, not in the least
+subdued by Aunt Zelie's remark that she hardly thought she would care
+for a visit from two such geese.
+
+John was still at his window waiting for the meeting to be over, and
+laughed at the sight of Louise chasing Ikey around the garden. They
+seemed to be disputing over something that was done up in a napkin. It
+ended by the former getting possession, and then, still laughing, they
+came out of the gate and crossed the street.
+
+John's heart almost stopped beating for a second. Could they be coming
+to see him? He felt both glad and frightened when the maid announced
+that some children wanted to see him, but he told her gravely to ask
+them up. Louise's friendliness was irresistible, and when she came
+straight to his side holding out her hand and saying, "How do you do,
+John? We have been having a meeting at Miss Brown's, and she has sent
+you some sugar cakes. Ikey and I have brought them," John forgot his
+shyness and felt that she was an old acquaintance. He could not think
+of much to say, but he smiled cordially at them.
+
+When the cakes were undone it was of course necessary to explain the
+meaning of so many M's and K's, and this led to an account of the
+other club, and the Order of the Big Front Door. It was like finding
+the missing pages of a fascinating story.
+
+"And that is what you were doing this afternoon?" asked John, admiring
+the little keys. "I did so wonder what was going on when I saw the
+boys go in."
+
+"I didn't know you were watching us," said Ikey.
+
+John's face flushed as he replied, "I hope you do not mind. I often
+do."
+
+Mind! Of course they did not!
+
+The visit was a decided success. When Mrs. Armstrong came hurrying in,
+feeling that she had left John a long time alone, she found him with
+very bright eyes, eating sugar cakes.
+
+This was only the beginning; it soon became an established thing for
+one or two of the Order to spend an afternoon each week with the lame
+boy; and at such times the pleasure was by no means all on one side.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+A PRISONER.
+
+
+"I believe I'll go to see little John this afternoon," said Louise.
+
+"You can take him the last 'St. Nicholas' if you do. I'd rather have
+you go there than to Dora's or Elsie's, for then I shall not wish so
+much that I could go with you," answered Bess, who was to spend the
+afternoon at the dentist's.
+
+Louise found the magazine and then walked as far an the Armstrongs'
+gate with her sister and Joanna.
+
+"Good-by," she said; "I hope Dr. Atmore won't hurt you."
+
+Several hours later Bess entered the room where Mrs. Howard was taking
+off her wraps, and asked, "Do you know where Louise is, Aunt Zelie?"
+
+"Why, no, I have only just come in; can't you find her?"
+
+"No, Auntie, and I have looked everywhere."
+
+"Surely she must be in the house; it is nearly dark. Did you have your
+tooth attended to?"
+
+Bess forgot everything else in the interest of relating her
+afternoon's experience, but when the story was finished she began
+again to wonder what had become of Louise.
+
+"I think Carl has just come in--I hear his whistle; perhaps she is
+with him," said Aunt Zelie. But upon inquiry he had not seen her since
+lunch.
+
+"And you have looked everywhere? In the star chamber, and the library,
+and--"
+
+"Yes, and I have asked Sukey and James, and they have not seen her,"
+Bess replied.
+
+"It is a little strange, for she knows I do not like to have her out
+late. She was going to John's, wasn't she?"
+
+"I know she went there, for she walked as far as the gate with me.
+Perhaps some of the boys are there and will bring her home," said
+Bess.
+
+"We will wait a quarter of an hour, and if she does not come I'll send
+over to the Armstrongs'," said Mrs. Howard.
+
+The minutes slipped away, but no Louise; and Joanna, who was sent in
+search of her, returned with the news that she had left there about
+four o'clock.
+
+"Oh, dear! She must be lost!" Bess exclaimed.
+
+"Louise get lost! Nonsense! She could find her way anywhere," said
+Carl.
+
+"I hardly think she can be lost, but I am worried about her. Joanna,
+you'd better go to Mrs. Warner's, and, Carl, suppose you run over to
+Miss Brown's, she may be there," and Aunt Zelie walked to the window
+and looked out into the darkness. "It is beginning to snow," she said.
+
+Neither Miss Brown nor the Warners had seen Louise, nor had she been
+heard of at the Morrises', and they were trying to think what to do
+next when Mr. Hazeltine came in.
+
+"Father, she must be lost, don't you think so?" asked Bess, when
+matters were explained to him.
+
+"I don't know what to think," he answered. "Louise is not the kind of
+a child to get lost easily."
+
+"So I say," added Carl.
+
+"Then somebody has stolen her like Charlie Ross, and I'll never see
+her again."
+
+"It is too soon to despair, dearie," said Aunt Zelie, as Bess looked
+ready to cry.
+
+"Suppose we have some dinner, and then if we hear nothing in the
+meantime, I'll go to the Armstrongs' and try to find a clue to start
+with," said Mr. Hazeltine.
+
+It was not a cheerful meal, in spite of Aunt Zelie's effort to hide
+her anxiety and talk of other things. It seemed as if Louise's bright
+face must appear each minute; but dinner was over and no word of her.
+
+The snow was falling fast when Carl and his father started out. Little
+John could tell them nothing more than that Louise had been there for
+an hour, and then said she must go, as there was something she wanted
+to do. He watched her out of the gate and thought she went home.
+
+"It is a great puzzle," said Carl when they were on the street again.
+
+"It is indeed," his father replied, looking up and down irresolutely.
+
+"Are you worried? What do you think can have happened to her?"
+
+"I don't know, my son; yes, I am very much worried. I wish William was
+not away from home. I think, perhaps, the best thing I can do is to
+see Roberts." Roberts was a detective, and Carl began to feel that the
+situation was serious.
+
+There was nothing for Aunt Zelie and Bess to do that long evening but
+wait and try to be patient. Mr. Hazeltine promised to telephone the
+moment he discovered the least clue to her whereabouts.
+
+And where was Louise?
+
+While she and John were playing checkers she overheard Mr. Armstrong
+talking to his wife about a book which he evidently was very anxious
+to have, and which he seemed unable to find either at the library or
+the bookstores.
+
+At the first mention of the title Louise was sure she had seen it on
+their own library table at home, and remembered hearing her father and
+uncle discuss it. "I know father will lend it to him," she thought,
+and was about to say so to Mr. Armstrong, when she recollected that
+Uncle William had borrowed it.
+
+"I am sure he has finished it," she thought, "and at any rate he has
+gone to Chicago. I'll go home and ask Aunt Zelie to let me get it."
+Eager to do this kindness, she ran off as soon as the game was
+finished.
+
+But everybody was out. James was at work in the cellar; Mandy so
+occupied with her pantry shelves that she did not know when Louise
+passed through the kitchen; Sukey had taken Helen and Carie for a
+walk, and Aunt Zelie was at a lecture. What should she do?
+
+She went up to the star chamber, hoping to find Carl and coax him to
+go with her, but he was not there. She wanted very much to get that
+book for Mr. Armstrong. He wished to make use of it in a lecture he
+expected to give on Monday night, so it was important that he should
+have it as soon as possible. She knew the way to Uncle William's
+perfectly, but she and Bess never went so far by themselves.
+
+"I can go all the way on the cars," she said to herself. "Nothing
+could happen to me, and I can't ask Aunt Zelie when she isn't here."
+Trying to satisfy her conscience in this way, she found her
+pocket-book and started out. It happened that she saw nobody she knew
+as she waited on the corner for the car, feeling very independent.
+
+The afternoon was cold and cloudy, and the ride seemed longer than
+usual.
+
+"I wish I had asked Dora to come with me," she thought; "I shall have
+to hurry to get hack before dark."
+
+"I want to go to the library just a minute, Bruce," she said to the
+man who opened the door.
+
+He looked somewhat surprised to see her alone, but made no comment,
+only replying, "I am afraid it is rather cold there; we are having the
+furnace cleaned to-day."
+
+"I only want to get a book. I'm not going to stay. And you needn't
+wait, Bruce. I can let myself out," she said.
+
+The library was at the end of the hall, almost opposite the front
+door, but somewhat cut off from the rest of the house, as it
+communicated with no other room.
+
+As Louise entered she pushed the door to behind her. Yes, there was
+the volume she wanted on the table. Taking it up and turning to go,
+her eyes fell on the corner where Uncle William kept his story
+books--books intended for his young guests, which he very much enjoyed
+reading himself sometimes, and to which he was constantly adding. As
+there seemed to be some new ones, Louise sat down to examine them, and
+before she knew it became absorbed. When at length she looked up it
+was beginning to grow dark.
+
+"Dear me! what will Aunt Zelie say? I must hurry," she exclaimed, and
+running to the door she stopped in bewilderment, for there wasn't any
+knob, and yet it was securely latched. She was very much puzzled. For
+a few minutes it seemed rather funny to be fastened up in Uncle
+William's library, but when all her attempts to open the door failed
+it did not seem so much like a joke. She tried pounding on it, but any
+noise such small hands might make could not be heard twenty feet away.
+Louise soon realized this; the servants she knew were on the other
+side of the house and might not come near the library till the next
+day. She thought of the windows, and tried them one after another,
+standing on tiptoe on the sill, but she could not move the fastenings.
+The one that faced the street was too far back for any possibility of
+attracting the attention of passers-by.
+
+"What shall I do? They won't know what has become of me," she said.
+She wondered if Bruce would not come to turn on the light in the hall,
+only to be disappointed again, for when she peeped through the keyhole
+it was already burning. Again and again she tried to move the latch
+with a pen-knife, and then with a paper-cutter, but without success.
+
+Then she sat down to think. There was nothing to do but wait. She was
+a brave little person, but as she saw how dark it was growing and
+thought of home with all its light and cheer she could not keep the
+tears out of her eyes.
+
+How foolish she had been, and naughty, too! What right had she to the
+book? She ought to have asked her father's permission before she
+thought of going for it. This was all quite clear now.
+
+The room was cold, and outside the wind whistled about the house. The
+snow had begun to fall so thickly that when she went to the window she
+could not see the street. It was some comfort to turn on the electric
+light, but it did not keep her from being cold and tired and hungry.
+The clock said a quarter past six; in a few minutes more they would be
+eating dinner at home. Somebody _must_ come; she couldn't stay there
+all night.
+
+She went to the door again and called "Bruce! Bruce!" till she was
+tired. Slowly the hands of the clock moved on: seven; half-past;
+eight. Her excited imagination began to bring to her mind all the
+stories of burglars she had ever heard. Suppose some one should come
+to rob the house, knowing the family were away! She was afraid to take
+her eyes off the door, and much as she longed for release she almost
+dreaded to see it open. She sat on the floor, pulling a great
+bear-skin rug over her, and by and by she fell asleep with her head on
+a chair. Then she dreamed that she was out in a sleigh in a furious
+snow-storm. Carl was with her and Bruce was driving, and they were
+chased by wolves. (This was probably suggested by the story she had
+been reading, which was one of Russian adventure.) The wolves gained
+upon them, though they seemed to be going like the wind; she felt
+their hot breath on her face as they climbed over the back of the
+sleigh. Just as she was being dragged out she thought Carl cried,
+"There goes Louise!" Then she opened her eyes to find herself on the
+library floor, with Mr. Caruth and Bruce standing over her, and Dan,
+the big mastiff, trying to lick her face. The clock on the mantel said
+half-past ten.
+
+About half an hour earlier Mr. Caruth, going home on a street-car, met
+an acquaintance who remarked that he had just seen Mr. Hazeltine, who
+was much worried over the disappearance of his little girl. His
+informer did not know which of the children it was, or any
+particulars, and after riding another block Mr. Caruth rang the bell
+and got off, intending to go hack to the Hazeltines and learn the
+truth of the matter.
+
+On his way to take the down-town car he passed Mr. William Hazeltine's
+house. He noticed that only a dim light burned in the hall, and
+recalled the fact that they were out of town, but happening to glance
+in the direction of the library he was surprised to see it brilliantly
+illuminated. Hesitating for a moment, he turned and went up the steps.
+"I'll take occasion to ask Bruce if he knows anything about one of the
+children getting lost," he said to himself.
+
+After some minutes the door was opened by the sleepy-looking man, who
+was not disposed to be quite amiable. In reply to Mr. Caruth's
+question he said he knew nothing about it.
+
+"Well, see here, Bruce, what does that light in the library mean? Mr.
+and Mrs. Hazeltine are both away, aren't they?"
+
+The man looked at him in surprise, and said there wasn't any light in
+the library.
+
+"Just come out here, then, and tell me what you call this," and Mr.
+Caruth led the way to the corner of the house.
+
+"I haven't been near the library since morning, sir," the astonished
+man exclaimed.
+
+"How about the other servants?"
+
+"They are all away but the cook, and she went to bed an hour ago.
+There was a man here attending to some locks, but he left about noon."
+
+"It can't be burglars, for they wouldn't leave the blinds open. We
+must look into this," said Mr. Caruth, as they entered the house.
+
+The dog had followed Bruce to the door, and under his protection they
+entered the library.
+
+A more unexpected sight could hardly have met their gaze--Louise fast
+asleep on the floor, with the bear-skin partly covering her!
+
+Dan's cold nose aroused her, and she started up with wide-open,
+bewildered eyes.
+
+"Don't be frightened, it is only Dan," said Mr. Caruth, lifting her
+into a chair. "Get wide awake and then tell us why you are spending
+the night here. I am afraid from what I hear that they are worried
+about you at home."
+
+"I'm awake now and I must go. You will take me, won't you?" said
+Louise, rising and pushing back her hair, and looking about for her
+hat. "I did not mean to stay here," she added, "but I couldn't get
+out--there isn't any knob on the door."
+
+Bruce, who had been standing open-mouthed, turned at this to examine
+the door, and sure enough there was a knob on the outside, but not on
+the inside. He could not explain why it had been left so; he only knew
+that the man who came to make some change in the door-knobs had said
+that something was wrong and he could not finish the work till the
+next day.
+
+A long ring at the hell startled Mrs. Howard, and aroused Bess from a
+troubled doze on the sofa. They ran into the hall just as Joanna, who
+was on the watch, opened the door with a scream of delight.
+
+"Louise! Louise! Where have you been? Where did you find her, Mr.
+Caruth?" Bess laughed and cried at the same time, and Aunt Zelie was
+almost as bad. Louise was hugged and kissed and asked the same
+questions over and over again, because it was impossible to take in
+anything more than the glad fact that she was found.
+
+In the midst of it Carl rushed in, exclaiming, "We can't find a trace
+of her, and Roberts says--"
+
+"The next time you want a detective you'd better employ me," remarked
+Mr. Caruth calmly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+SOMETHING ELSE HAPPENS.
+
+
+Louise's adventure resulted in a cold that came near being pneumonia,
+and kept her housed for more than a week. As she paid so dearly for
+her thoughtlessness, no one had the heart to scold her; indeed, she
+received an unusual amount of petting.
+
+Mr. Hazeltine did suggest that the next time she wished to help one of
+her neighbors it might be as well to count the cost, and her meek
+"Yes, Father," showed that she saw her mistake.
+
+"I wonder what will happen next," said Carl one day, a week later,
+speaking from the depths of the wardrobe, where he was rummaging.
+
+"Nothing, I hope," remarked Bess, who sat in the window with Louise,
+supervising a new mansion for the Carletons.
+
+"Not even something nice?" asked her brother.
+
+"Nothing really nice has happened since Aunt Zelie gave us our silver
+keys," said Louise. "There is the postman; I am going to see if he has
+anything for us," and putting aside her papers she ran downstairs.
+
+She and the postman were great friends, and always had some merry
+words to exchange when they met.
+
+"I treat you vell to-day," said the cheery Dutchman; "I bring you two
+letter."
+
+"Thank you, but they aren't for me. They are for my aunt. You must
+bring me one for myself."
+
+"Dot is too bad, I vill haf one for you next time." He trotted off,
+and Louise carried the letters in and laid them on the library table,
+as Aunt Zelie was not at home, and then went back to her drawing. Just
+before dark Mrs. Howard came in, bringing Cousin Helen with her to
+spend the night. The children were delighted at this, for it meant a
+merry evening if nobody came to call. The one provoking thing about
+Cousin Helen was that she had so many friends.
+
+Bess was charmed to discover that it was beginning to rain.
+
+"Now we can sit around the fire after dinner and tell stories," she
+said, putting away her papers in an old checker-board.
+
+Their cousin, like their aunt, was generally willing to do what the
+children wished, so they made a sociable group in the library after
+dinner.
+
+"Let's play something first," suggested Miss Hazeltine, taking
+possession of the sleepy-hollow chair.
+
+"'I Have a Thought,'" Aunt Zelie proposed; "little Helen likes that."
+
+"I have a thought that rhymes with deep," announced Carl.
+
+"Is it what Cousin Helen will do if she sits in that chair?" asked
+Bess.
+
+"Thank you, miss, I am not such a sleepy-head as you think," said her
+cousin, with pretended indignation.
+
+It was not till some one had a thought rhyming with "better" that
+Louise was reminded of the letters the postman left.
+
+"There are two, Auntie," she said, bringing them; "one is from
+Father."
+
+"Yes, just a note to say he will be at home to-morrow at three. I
+don't know this writing," opening the other.
+
+"Why, it is from Miss Lyons, Aunt Mary's companion!" she exclaimed,
+looking at the signature.
+
+"You are frowning, Aunt Zelie," remarked Carl.
+
+"Don't keep us in suspense, Zelie. Is there anything wrong?" asked her
+cousin.
+
+"Nothing really serious. Aunt Mary fell and broke her ankle, and will
+have to stay in bed for several weeks; but the trouble is Miss Lyons's
+brother is very ill and she has to go to him."
+
+"So that is it? And she wants some one to take her place for a while,
+I suppose. I'd go in a minute if Father and Mother were not away."
+
+"Of course you could not go, Helen. I am the one. Frank will be at
+home, and Sukey is here to take care of the children. I wish I had had
+this sooner; I must telegraph to Miss Lyons that I will take the nine
+o'clock train to-morrow."
+
+While she was speaking the children were silent from astonishment, but
+a wail arose presently.
+
+"Why can't Aunt Mary take care of herself?"
+
+"What shall we do without you?"
+
+"Don't go, _please_ don't go!"
+
+"Children, I must; think of poor Miss Lyons."
+
+"If you put on such long faces when she is only going sixty miles away
+for a few weeks, what would you do if she should go away to live?"
+asked Cousin Helen.
+
+"But she never will do that, for she has promised," said Carl
+confidently.
+
+Bess's face suddenly brightened. "It will be helping, to let her go,
+won't it?"
+
+"I suppose so," sighed Louise, "but it is such a dreadful thing."
+
+"Oh, no, not dreadful at all!" and Aunt Zelie laughed at the doleful
+faces. "You can help, all of you, by being cheerful. And think what
+nice letters you can write me!"
+
+"What will the club do?" Carl demanded.
+
+"Conduct itself with propriety, to be sure; and now I must pack my
+trunk."
+
+"Think of your wishing that something would happen!" said Bess
+reproachfully to her brother as they went upstairs.
+
+It was very forlorn next morning to say good-by, knowing that when
+they came from school Aunt Zelie would not be there; but they
+remembered their promise and tried to be cheerful. How the rest of the
+day passed Bess told in a letter written that evening:
+
+   DEAR AUNT ZELIE: You have been gone ten hours. Carl counted it
+   up, and we miss you very much. Father has come home, so that is
+   one comfort. He is reading the paper now. It was lonely at lunch
+   with only us, but Nannie came over with a note from Miss Brown
+   asking us to come and take five o'clock tea, Carie and all. We
+   had a good time. Miss Brown told stories and showed us some funny
+   old things that belonged to her aunt. There was some jewelry that
+   Louise and I would like to have to play Queen Mary in. Carl liked
+   an old "Pilgrim's Progress" that was printed more than a hundred
+   years ago, but Ikey said he would rather have a new one.
+
+   Carie was good as could be, and we had tea out of the little
+   cups. We are grateful to Miss Brown. I think she was being a good
+   neighbor, don't you? Father says it is bedtime, so good-night,
+   dear Aunt Zelie.
+
+                    From your loving nieces,
+
+                         BESS and LOUISE.
+
+Several days later she received one from Carl:
+
+   DEAR AUNT ZELIE: I have not written before because there was
+   nothing of interest to tell you. We are getting on very well,
+   though I think Joanna is too bossy, and mammy is nearly as bad.
+   But we have been pretty good on the whole. Cousin Helen was not
+   going to let Aleck stay Friday night, for fear he would cut up,
+   but Father said, "Nonsense!" so he came. We had a better time at
+   the club than we expected. The boys were dreadfully sorry you
+   were not there. Our screens are coming on finely, though Ikey
+   pasted a dragon on upside-down. Will read the last chapter of
+   "The Talisman" aloud while we worked. Then Father came up and was
+   as jolly as could be. He advised us to read the "Life of
+   Washington" next, and we decided to begin it next week. Father is
+   coming up again if he can. The O.B.F.D. will meet next week, so
+   we can't have the club; I forgot. Some of us will write you about
+   it. I hope Miss Lyons's brother will soon be well and Aunt Mary
+   too. Good-by,
+
+                    Your devoted nephew,
+
+                         WILLIAM CARLETON HAZELTINE.
+
+A week or two later Aunt Zelie received two long letters in the same
+envelope, from her nieces:
+
+   DEAR AUNTIE: We have so much to tell you that we are going to
+   divide it between us. Aunt Marcia has just been here and has
+   asked Father to let Helen go with her to Florida. Isn't that
+   lovely? Uncle William said he wished he could take us all, but I
+   don't believe Aunt Marcia does. Louise and I wish we could go.
+   Aleck wants Helen to bring him an alligator. Another thing we
+   have to tell you is that Louise went to hear Patti sing, with Mr.
+   Caruth. He was going to take Cousin Helen, but she was sick, so
+   he came and asked Louise if she would go instead. Aunt Marcia
+   said it was a great compliment to such a little girl, and that
+   she must wear her white silk dress. I couldn't help wanting to
+   go, because we always go together, and she was sorry too. Mr.
+   Caruth brought her some flowers just as if she was a young lady,
+   and I heard him tell Father she was a beautiful child. She had a
+   lovely time, but she was sleepy next day. Now Louise is going to
+   tell you about the meeting of the Order.
+
+                    Your devoted niece,
+
+                         ELIZABETH HAZELTINE.
+
+   DARLING AUNT ZELIE: Bess says I must tell you about the O.B.F.D.
+   It met yesterday afternoon. We trimmed the star chamber with our
+   flags, and Carl cut some big letters out of gilt
+   paper,--O.B.F.D.'s I mean,--and put them on the wall. Everybody
+   came, and we had a nice time. Carl made a speech of welcome; and
+   Jim played on the banjo, and then we had reports. We each wrote
+   on a piece of paper how we were trying to help, and Will read
+   them. We didn't put our names, because Bess said it would seem as
+   if we were proud of ourselves. Connie said some poetry and Aleck
+   sang a funny song. Ikey and Will both had to pay fines. We are
+   each going to pay ten cents a month and give the money to the
+   Children's Hospital. When we thought it was all over Jim got up
+   and said he had a present for us, and what do you think it was?
+   Our motto painted in colors. Father says it is illuminated, and
+   little John did it. Jim had it framed. We hung it on the wall,
+   and we think perhaps we will ask John to belong to the Order. I
+   liked Patti very much, but I wished Bess could go.
+
+                    With a great many kisses and lots of love,
+
+                         LOUISE HAZELTINE.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+AUNT SUKEY'S STORY.
+
+
+"It is a whole month since Aunt Zelie went away, and nearly a week
+since we had a letter. I wonder if Miss Lyons's brother is not well
+yet;" Bess sighed, for time was beginning to drag.
+
+"Suppose Miss Lyons couldn't go back at all, would your aunt have to
+stay?" asked Dora, who had come in to spend the afternoon.
+
+"Dear, no! Aunt Mary would have to get another companion; Aunt Zelie
+belongs to us," answered Carl, who sat on the floor showing Carie
+pictures.
+
+There was one supposed to represent the drowning of Pharaoh and his
+host which interested her deeply, and her brother made it even more
+thrilling by singing in an explosive manner one of Sukey's songs:
+
+    "Oh! didn't old Pharaoh get drowned--
+    Oh! _didn't_ old Pharaoh got drowned--
+    Oh! DIDN'T old Pharaoh get drowned in the Red sea?"
+
+"Is Carl here?" asked Louise, looking in; "here's Ikey."
+
+"What are you boys going to do this afternoon? Don't you want to play
+something?" asked Bess.
+
+"No, thanks, we have something else on hand," was the unsatisfactory
+reply.
+
+"What?" said Louise.
+
+"Never mind; little girls mustn't ask questions," responded Carl
+paternally, as he and Ikey left the room. A moment later he returned
+to call through the half-opened door, "I know something I'm not going
+to tell."
+
+"Never mind, I can get it out of Ikey," responded Louise.
+
+"Unfortunately he doesn't know it," came from the third-story stairs.
+
+"Perhaps Mandy will let us make some candy; let's ask her, and not
+tell the boys," Louise suggested.
+
+So while Joanna carried Carie off for a walk the others went down to
+the kitchen.
+
+It was a large, bright room, and it was Mandy's pride to keep it
+shining. Aunt Sukey sat by one of the windows with the mending basket
+beside her, and the presiding genius stood at the spotless table
+rolling out croquettes.
+
+"Mandy, we are so lonely without Auntie! mayn't we make some candy to
+amuse us?" Louise put on her most coaxing expression.
+
+"The kitchen ain't the place for young ladies to get their dresses
+dirty in, and their fingers burned," said Sukey severely.
+
+"But we aren't young ladies, mammy, and we will be careful," urged
+Bess.
+
+"I don't think anyone _could_ get dirty in this kitchen," Dora added
+in honest admiration.
+
+This compliment pleased Mandy, and furthermore it was her kitchen, so
+she said good-naturedly, "You can make all the candy you want, so long
+as you get through before dinner-time."
+
+With this permission the sugar and molasses were soon simmering in a
+saucepan, sending forth a pleasant fragrance.
+
+When it was well begun Bess sat down by Sukey, saying, "Now tell us a
+story, mammy."
+
+"Oh, go 'long, I tole you all my stories long ago! You all's getting
+too big for stories. Looks like it was just yesterday that Miss Zelie
+was askin', 'Mammy, tell me a story,' same as you."
+
+"Was Auntie pretty when she was a little girl?" asked Bess.
+
+"There never was a child as good-looking from first to last. Louise
+favors her, and it looks like I forget sometimes that it ain't Miss
+Zelie; but pretty is as pretty does, that's the truth, and she was
+pretty in manners as well as face."
+
+"Go on and tell us about her," begged Louise, for though they had
+heard it all many times there was nothing they liked so well to listen
+to. Nor was there anything Sukey liked so well to tell, so as she
+sorted and turned and rolled the stockings in a leisurely way, she
+began.
+
+The sunshine came in at the window and rested on Louise's bright head
+and Dora's dark one, as they sat together in the same chair. Bess's
+seat was an upturned earthen jar, and the same sunlight fell on her
+small folded hands and on the brown wrinkled ones at work with the
+stockings.
+
+"Well, you know how Miss Zelie's ma died when she wasn't as big as
+little Carie, and the last thing she said to me was, 'Sukey, you mind
+my baby.' Miss Elizabeth always set great store by me, and I 'lowed
+that freedom or nothin' could take me from old Master's family. It was
+powerful lonesome in this big house in those days. Your grandpa took
+your grandma's death mighty hard, and he had to travel a good deal for
+his health, so Miss Zelie didn't have any one to look after her but
+Mr. William and me. Mr. Frank, your pa, was away at college. Then Mr.
+William got married. Miss Marcia is a good woman and kind-hearted, but
+she ain't any gift at managin' children, and that's the truth. Miss
+Zelie was a smart, lively child with a temper of her own, and if I do
+say it she would have had a hard time if it had not been for her old
+mammy. When she was ten years old Mr. Frank--he had been home from
+college a year--come to me and says, 'Sukey, I'm goin' to be married.'
+
+"I didn't know whether to be glad or sorry, but I wished him good
+luck, an' he went back up North for his wife."
+
+"That was Mamma, you know," Louise explained to Dora.
+
+"I remember how Miss Zelie come to me, and says she, 'Mammy, do you
+think she will love me?'
+
+"About that time Miss Marcia took it into her head to go to Europe.
+She said something about taking Miss Zelie along, but I up an' tole
+her that where my child went I went too, an' she 'lowed she didn't
+want me.
+
+"It was the prettiest kind of a day when they came home, and we was
+out on the porch watchin' for them. They drove up presently with your
+grandpa, and Miss Elinor she came up the walk ahead of Mr. Frank,
+smiling as sweet us could be, an' she says, 'So this is my little
+sister.' I knew that minute they'd be friends.
+
+"Your ma was dreadful fond of children, and she made a great pet of
+Miss Zelie, and she was as happy as a bird."
+
+"Isn't it interesting to think of Aunt Zelie being a little girl?"
+said Bess; "but go on, Sukey, and tell about when Carl was born."
+
+"Well, it did seem like she was just too happy when the baby came. He
+was a fine child, and Miss Elinor said Miss Zelie might name him.
+Well, she and your grandpa would sit and argue about that name, and
+after I don't know how long they settled on William Carleton. That was
+the name of Miss Elinor's only brother, and William was old Master's
+name too. Mr. Carl used to come down right often, and he and Miss
+Zelie was great friends, though he was eight years older. Well,
+when--"
+
+Just at this moment the kitchen door opened; the children had their
+backs to it, but Sukey sat facing it, and her story came to a sudden
+stop. Bess, turning to look, was clasped from behind. Could it
+possibly be? Yes, it certainly was Aunt Zelie herself.
+
+"You darling! When did you come?" asked Louise, holding her fast.
+
+"This very minute. I wrote to Frank that I would be home to-morrow,
+and then found that I could get off to-day."
+
+"And is Miss Lyons's brother well?" inquired Bess.
+
+"Almost, and she sent her thanks to you for letting me take her
+place."
+
+"She is welcome, now you are at home again," laughed Louise, with
+another hug.
+
+The candy was almost forgotten in the delight at Aunt Zelie's return,
+and would have been spoiled if Mandy had not taken it in hand.
+
+When the traveller went to change her dress Louise had a little
+triumph over Carl which pleased her exceedingly.
+
+Going up to the star chamber, she called, "Well, I have found out your
+secret, Mr. Carl. It is that Auntie is coming home to-morrow."
+
+"Who told you?" he demanded.
+
+"Never mind, I told you I'd find out," and she ran away without
+giving him a chance to ask any more questions.
+
+An hour later, when the boys came downstairs, there was Aunt Zelie
+looking as if she had never, never been away, and the girls quite
+consumed with delight at their surprise.
+
+"Louise, that was mean!" Carl cried. "How long have you been here, I'd
+like to know?" with one of his bearlike hugs.
+
+"I did not _mean_ to be mean, really, and you and Ikey can have all
+the candy you want," said Louise generously.
+
+Mrs. Howard had certainly no reason to doubt her popularity. The news
+of her arrival spread, and the next day in the afternoon she held an
+impromptu reception.
+
+One after another the boys and girls dropped in, till the whole eleven
+were there. The first to arrive was Jim, with a great bunch of roses,
+at which extravagance Aunt Zelie shook her head, though she could not
+help appreciating their beauty and Jim's thoughtfulness.
+
+Ikey wished that he could do magnificent things like that,--he
+sometimes dreamed of it,--but alas! he was in a chronically penniless
+state. He had nothing for her but a message from his mother, but when
+he screwed up sufficient courage to deliver it it seemed to please her
+as much as the roses. The message was: "Thank Mrs. Howard for being so
+good to my boy. Some day I hope to see her and tell her how I love
+her for it." Ikey's heart fairly glowed when Aunt Zelie said that it
+was only a pleasure to be good to such a nice boy.
+
+Last of all came Cousin Helen and Aleck, who stayed and spent a merry
+evening.
+
+"It is so nice to have Aunt Zelie back, I am almost glad she went,"
+Bess was heard to say.
+
+And that lady herself thought that such a welcome quite made up for
+the four rather lonely weeks in the country with her invalid aunt.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+THE ORDER OF THE BIG FRONT DOOR.
+
+
+On the afternoon of the meeting at Miss Brown's, when the silver keys
+were distributed, Jim had walked home with Aunt Zelie and said as they
+reached the gate, "Thank you very much for the pin, Mrs. Howard; I
+mean to remember the motto and be a helper if I can."
+
+"I am sure you do, and you are more than welcome," she replied,
+thinking, as she looked into the bright, handsome face, "He wants to
+please me now, but perhaps it will grow into a higher motive."
+
+Jim was quite in earnest when he said this. Three months in the Good
+Neighbors Club had somewhat changed his point of view. He might still
+be inconsiderate and thoughtless, but he no longer defended himself by
+saying that every fellow must look out for himself.
+
+The friendship of little John Armstrong was doing much for him. A
+strong liking had sprung up between the two, rather to the surprise of
+everybody. From the first John showed a decided preference for Jim,
+who was so big and strong and capable, everything he himself was not;
+and in the same way the helpless weakness of the invalid made its
+appeal to the boy who in all his life had never been ill.
+
+Certainly Miss Brown was right when she said that the silver keys
+could open a door of pleasure to the lame boy.
+
+The children could not guess the happiness their companionship gave
+him. He listened with eager interest to all they told him of their
+life at home and at school, and when they were gone he lived it over
+again in imagination. He cherished a secret desire to belong to the
+Order, but would not have mentioned it for the world, for how could he
+help? He wrote the motto in his note-book, and then for weeks spent
+all his spare time copying it on parchment in letters taken from an
+old English missal, one of his father's treasures, drawing and
+coloring them with greatest care. When it was done it was really
+beautiful, and Jim, who was in the secret, had it nicely framed and
+presented it, as we know, at the next meeting of the Order.
+
+But John wanted to be a real helper. He thought about it a great deal,
+but everything was done for him; there seemed to be no chance.
+
+One day he noticed a lot of magazines which his father had been
+looking over, and left lying on the floor when he was suddenly called
+away. They belonged on the lower shelves of the bookcase, and it
+occurred to him that he might replace them. He rolled his chair over
+to that side of the room, and with a good deal of effort put them
+back in order on the shelves. Then when Dr. Armstrong thanked his wife
+that evening for putting them away, and she answered that she had not
+even seen them, John had the great delight of surprising them. It sent
+him to bed with a happy heart. However, next day he began to doubt
+whether so small a thing would count, and when Jim dropped in in the
+afternoon he asked his opinion. "Of course, you see, I can't do much
+of anything, but I'd like to help a little," he said.
+
+"Count?" said Jim, the despiser of trifles; "of course it does;
+everything counts."
+
+He told the boys and Aunt Zelie about it at the next meeting of the
+G.N. Club. "I can't help feeling sorry for the little fellow; I never
+thought before how hard it would be not to be able to do things like
+other people, but just sit still and be waited on; so I told him I
+thought it would count. Don't you think so?" Jim looked at Aunt Zelie
+appealingly, half afraid the boys would laugh at his soft-heartedness.
+
+"I certainly do," she answered, and Will said, "There are a great many
+things he could do, I am sure. Did he ever show you his scrap-books?
+They are beautifully done. He could make some smaller ones for the
+hospital."
+
+"Why couldn't we make him a member of the Order? He would be so
+pleased," said Jim.
+
+"He couldn't come, could he?" asked Ikey, not meaning to object.
+
+"Why couldn't he?" said Carl; "some of us could carry him over as
+easily as not."
+
+"I say let's talk it over with the girls and have him here next
+Friday," said Will.
+
+The girls entered into it willingly. "Of course he ought to belong,
+for he made us that beautiful motto," said Elsie.
+
+"And we must get up something interesting for him," said Louise, who
+with Jim was on the entertainment committee.
+
+Aunt Zelie consulted Mrs. Armstrong and found she was not willing to
+let John go out at night, so the time of the meeting was changed to
+Friday afternoon. Nothing was said to John himself till that morning,
+when Carl stopped in on his way to school to invite him.
+
+"Could I go? Do you think I could go, Mother?" he asked eagerly, and
+from then until lunch time he lived in delightful anticipation.
+
+After that the minutes dragged till three, when the boys came for him,
+and the journey from the parsonage to the star chamber was easily
+accomplished. This apartment presented a festive appearance, decorated
+with flags and bunting which had done service in one of Aunt Marcia's
+numerous charitable entertainments.
+
+"You see, John," Louise explained as soon as his chair had been placed
+in a corner from which he could see everything, "Aunt Zelie said we
+ought to have colors for our Order, and I thought, and so did Bess
+and Dora, that red, white, and blue would be nicest, because they are
+the colors of our country. Carl says it is silly, for we are not doing
+anything for our country, but I'm sure we would if we could."
+
+As Louise chattered away John looked around him. His motto hung in the
+place of honor over the mantel. In front of this was a low platform
+which dated back to Uncle William's time, and had often done duty for
+tableaux and such things; on it were two chairs and a table for the
+President and Secretary. Chairs for the audience were arranged in rows
+facing this. It was a most exciting moment to John when Will took the
+chair and called the meeting to order in a business-like way. Bess
+read the minutes of the last meeting, and Ikey gave the Treasurer's
+report. Then came reports from the two clubs, given respectively by
+Elsie and Aleck. The M.Ks. were still at work on the afghan for old
+Aunt Sallie, which was nearly done, and Miss Brown was reading aloud
+to them "A New England Girlhood."
+
+The G.Ns. had finished one of their screens and were at work on
+another while they listened to "The Life of Washington."
+
+"Next in order is the election of new members," said Will, and John
+started and flushed and then felt ashamed that he could be so silly as
+to think he was meant.
+
+Jim rose and said, "Mr. President, I nominate John Armstrong."
+
+This was seconded by Ikey, and the President continued: "John
+Armstrong is nominated; all in favor will please say 'aye.'"
+
+The "ayes" were overwhelming, and accompanied by such a clapping of
+hands that the President forgot to ask for the "noes."
+
+When it was quiet again John found voice to say timidly, "I'm afraid I
+won't amount to much, but I am very much obliged and I'll try."
+
+When Louise pinned a little silver key with a tiny bow of red, white,
+and blue ribbon on his coat no Knight of the Garter was ever prouder
+of his decoration.
+
+The President announced that he had been told of a little girl who had
+to lie on her back for a year on account of some spinal trouble, and
+who had almost nothing to amuse her, so if anyone had scrap-books or
+toys and would send them to her it would be helping.
+
+John's eyes grew bright; here was something for him to do.
+
+After this the meeting adjourned, the table and chairs were removed
+from the platform, a white curtain drawn, the room darkened, and the
+audience, such as did not take part, were treated to shadow pictures.
+
+John, who had never seen any before, laughed till he cried at "Lord
+Ullin's Daughter" and "The Ballad of the Oysterman." This last was
+performed with particularly fine effect by Carl and Louise, and
+everybody knows how funny it is when well done.
+
+John was carried home again very tired, but with a radiant face, eager
+to show his silver key. As the spring days grew warm and pleasant his
+wheeled chair was often seen on the sidewalk, or in the Hazeltines'
+garden, where he liked to watch the games of tennis and croquet,
+drawing clever little caricatures of the players meanwhile. Somebody
+was always ready to wheel him about, and in the pleasure of young
+companionship he grew stronger, and his face lost much of its pathetic
+look.
+
+About this time old Mr. Ford, whose eyes were growing dim, discovered
+that when the print of his paper was particularly fine a pair of
+strong young eyes were ready to lend their service. Sweet-tempered
+Ikey had always been willing enough to help when it occurred to him,
+but his thoughts were likely to be anywhere else than at home, so that
+the broadest hints were lost on him. Now, with the little key to
+remind him, he was oftener on the lookout for opportunities, and as
+the months passed his grandfather was heard to say: "Isaac is a fine
+boy, only a little mischievous," and Mrs. Ford added: "Yes, he is
+really growing like his father."
+
+The letters that found their way across the sea were not homesick in
+these days, and Ikey's mother ceased to worry about him.
+
+In ways like these the silver keys did their work. Their owners did
+not forthwith turn into models of helpfulness and unselfishness; such
+things need time to grow, and this is exactly what they began to do.
+Only little sprouts, hardly to be noticed at first, they gave promise
+of being sturdy plants some day.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+WORK AND PLAY.
+
+
+Miss Brown sat in her accustomed place by the window, where the sun
+was pouring in in a springlike way, though it was only February. Her
+sitting-room wore a festive air; the curtains looked crisp and white
+as if they were just hung, the old mahogany shone with more than its
+ordinary lustre, and on a table at her side stood a bowl filled with
+white carnations. She looked about her with happy eyes, for she had
+been away a month and had discovered that there was no place like
+home, after all.
+
+From the pleasant room she turned to the window, and her glance went
+across the sunny street and rested on the Big Front Door.
+
+It opened presently, as she rather expected, and Bess and Louise came
+out with their work-bags, and stood talking to Aunt Zelie, who
+followed them.
+
+"Dear, dear, how those children are growing! It seems only yesterday
+that they broke my window and came to confess."
+
+As she watched them Miss Brown thought, as she had so often before,
+what a happy home that was, and how much of its brightness found its
+way over to her!
+
+"Come for us early this afternoon, Carl, for we want to go out to
+Uncle William's," said Bess to her brother, who had joined them and
+was carefully marking his aunt's height on the wall.
+
+"You are not expecting me to grow any more, I suppose," said that
+lady, laughing.
+
+"I simply wish to prove to you that I am two inches taller, so you
+can't lord it over me any longer, madam."
+
+"I was under the impression that the lording came from quite a
+different quarter."
+
+"That is a base slander; you know I am your humble slave, so take it
+back," and Carl gave her a hug that compelled her to cry for mercy.
+
+"If you must embrace me, let it not be in public; what will the
+neighbors think?" she said, as he released her.
+
+"They may think that I am very fond of you, and where is the harm?"
+following her into the hall and closing the door.
+
+Over at Miss Brown's a few minutes later five work-bags were being
+opened, their owners all talking at once as they took out their
+thimbles and needles.
+
+Though nearly two years and a half had passed since the day when the
+M.Ks. took their first lesson in knitting, the club still flourished,
+and after a month's holiday they were eager to begin the meetings
+again.
+
+"We did hardly any work while you were gone, we were so afraid of
+making some mistake," said Louise, bringing her chair to Miss Brown's
+side.
+
+"Uncle William's dreams ought to be sweet when he takes his nap under
+this; I believe Dora's stripe is the prettiest of all," and Bess held
+up her friend's work admiringly.
+
+"Dora's stripes are always prettiest," said Elsie; "I wish I could do
+half so well."
+
+"Aren't they absurd, Miss Brown, when it is only because daisies look
+particularly well on tan color?" said Dora, laughing.
+
+"I think the skilful fingers have something to do with it, but I am
+proud of all the work."
+
+"We have improved a little since we made the afghan for Aunt Sallie,
+haven't we?" remarked Constance.
+
+"You have, indeed, but you were such dear little girls then, and now
+you are growing distressingly tall; I do not half like it." Miss Brown
+shook her head disapprovingly as she looked around the circle.
+
+"I think it will be very nice to be grown up," said Elsie, who was
+already beginning to consider herself a young lady at fourteen.
+
+"I'd much rather stay a little girl. I don't like growing up. Next
+year Carl is going away to school, and all our good times will be
+over," and Bess sighed as though the weight of years already rested on
+her shoulders.
+
+"Well, we _are_ only little girls yet, so what is the use of
+worrying?" said Louise, who, though she was tallest of all, was more
+of a child than any of the others.
+
+Dora was perhaps more changed than any of her friends. She was growing
+very sweet and womanly, and her manners were as simple and frank as
+ever. Her mother's feeble health brought her more care than fell to
+the share of most girls of her age, and this made her seem older than
+she really was.
+
+This afternoon she seemed somewhat preoccupied and silent. When
+appealed to she answered as brightly as usual, but a thoughtful,
+anxious look came to her face when she turned to her work.
+
+Miss Brown noticed it and wondered what was troubling her.
+
+"Girls," exclaimed Bess, "suppose we give Uncle William a party when
+we finish the slumber robe--just our set, you know."
+
+This suggestion met with enthusiastic approval, and was discussed with
+great glee till Louise announced the arrival of the boys.
+
+On pleasant Saturdays they often dropped in about five o'clock, and
+when work was put up went with the girls for a walk, a custom which
+Aunt Zelie encouraged, for she liked to have her boys and girls
+together.
+
+Carl came across the street, followed by Will and Aleck; Ikey, who was
+waiting at his gate, joined them; and a moment later Jim came hurrying
+round the corner.
+
+"Let's show them the slumber robe," proposed Louise. So they were
+called in while Bess and Elsie spread their work over a chair.
+
+The boys went through the ordeal fairly well, being amiably desirous
+of pleasing the proud needlewomen.
+
+Will brought down their scorn upon his head by saying it was pretty,
+as if it were not "lovely," and Aleck insulted Dora by examining her
+daisies with a critical air and then asking what sort of flowers they
+were.
+
+For this stupidity Carl promised to punish him.
+
+"Aren't you coming with us, Dora?" asked Bess when they reached the
+street, seeing that she turned toward home.
+
+"I am sorry, but I can't this afternoon," she said.
+
+They united in coaxing her, but she would not listen, and with a
+cheerful good-by walked briskly away.
+
+"Mayn't I carry your parcel for you?" asked a voice at her side.
+
+"Why, Carl, I thought you had gone with the others! It isn't dark. I
+do not need anyone."
+
+"Please, ma'm, I'd like to walk with you if you don't mind."
+
+Dora couldn't help smiling, though she said severely, "I don't believe
+you. It is because you think I am lonely by myself. I am much obliged
+to you, but I wish you would run after the others."
+
+Carl coolly took possession of the work-bag. "You will have to make
+the best of it, for I am going home with you."
+
+They walked on in silence for a minute; then he asked meekly, "Are you
+mad?"
+
+"You know I am not."
+
+"Then you might tell what is the matter. You don't know how much good,
+honest confession does one."
+
+"Yes, I do, but I have nothing to confess. I am worried about
+something, but you cannot help me, and it is not worth speaking of, at
+any rate."
+
+"Come home, then, and tell Aunt Zelie; she is pretty good at helping."
+
+"I ought to know that; still I don't know what even she could do. It
+is not much, after all; I am just rather low in my mind, as Mrs. West
+says." Dora smiled with an attempt at cheerfulness not altogether
+successful.
+
+"Don't fib; brace up and make a clean breast of it, and if you need
+advice I am full of it."
+
+"Dear me, you are such a goose! I shall not have any peace till I tell
+you. Well, then, the beginning of it is that Mrs. West is going to
+Florida to live."
+
+"I am sorry, but it seems to me matters might be worse," Carl answered
+gravely.
+
+"Of course you don't understand it. It means that we must find another
+boarding place, _where_ I am sure I do not know. We can't afford any
+that are near here, and Mamma does so hate to board, she is not a bit
+happy. I would give anything if we could have a little house all to
+ourselves."
+
+"There is one thing certain, you shall not go away from this
+neighborhood. Don't worry about it, it will come out all right."
+
+Dora felt a little comforted by Carl's sympathy, though she knew he
+could not help her.
+
+"Are you sure you could not find a small house that would do?" he
+asked.
+
+"Yes, I know that is quite out of the question. Even a small house
+would cost too much, and then it would be too lonely for Mamma, when I
+am at school. You see it was foolish in me to tell you, for it only
+bothers you for nothing."
+
+"Just wait a minute, I have an idea," said Carl, putting his hands in
+his pockets and assuming an air of deep meditation.
+
+"It is ever so much better than Mrs. West's!" he exclaimed presently.
+"I am glad the old lady is going. I shall not tell you what it is till
+I investigate, but I am sure it will do."
+
+He was so interested in his scheme, whatever it might be, that he
+would not wait a moment, but rushed away as soon as the door was
+opened.
+
+"Ridiculous boy! What can he be thinking of?" Dora said to herself as
+she went upstairs, her curiosity much stronger than her faith.
+
+"Aunt Zelie, can't you come with me over to the bakery?" asked Carl,
+bursting in upon her five minutes later.
+
+"If it is a matter of life and death I presume I can," she replied.
+"What is going on there?"
+
+"Nothing; I'll tell you about it, only do get your things, or it will
+be dark."
+
+As she put on her hat and coat he told her about Dora's trouble, which
+she could appreciate far better than he.
+
+"She said she knew they could not find a house that would do," he went
+on, "and that reminded me that there is a 'For Rent' sign in the
+windows over the bakery. You know if they lived there Mrs. Smith would
+be good to them, and perhaps they could get their meals from her. So I
+want you to look at the rooms and see what you think. Dora would
+listen to you."
+
+Very much amused, Aunt Zelie went with him, agreeing that it might be
+practicable.
+
+Mrs. Smith, the wife of the confectioner, was delighted to show her
+rooms, and led the way through the store into the entrance hall at the
+side, and on upstairs. There were two large, bright rooms opening into
+the hall, with a bath-room adjoining. The rent was very reasonable,
+and she said she could furnish meals. Aunt Zelie was forced to admit
+that her nephew's plan had a good deal to recommend it.
+
+Nothing would do but they must go and tell Dora about it before they
+went home.
+
+She was very much surprised to see them, and listened with eyes that
+grew bright as the plan was unfolded.
+
+"Didn't I tell you it would be better than staying here?" Carl asked
+triumphantly.
+
+"It sounds as if it would be perfect; how did you come to think of
+it?" Dora said gratefully.
+
+She could hardly wait till Monday afternoon to go and see for herself.
+Mrs. Howard went with her then, and so did Bess and Louise, but they
+only sat on the window-sill and built castles while the others made
+calculations and discussed carpets and curtains.
+
+"They are such pleasant rooms, so much more so than the one we have
+now," Dora said. "I think, and the doctor said so too, that sunshine
+is the best thing for Mamma. I believe I have thought of everything,
+and it won't cost much more than boarding at Mrs. West's. If it were
+only on the other side of the street I could see the Big Front Door."
+
+Aunt Zelie offered to take charge of the cleaning and getting ready,
+so that her lessons need not be interrupted, and nothing remained but
+to gain her mother's consent to the plan.
+
+Mrs. Warner made no objection to it when she heard that Mr. Hazeltine
+and Mrs. Howard thought it wise, but she did not show the interest
+Dora hoped for.
+
+Once it was decided upon, things seemed almost to arrange themselves.
+All her young friends took an interest in Dora's moving, and Elsie,
+who doubted the propriety of living over a store,--for as yet "flats"
+had not been heard of in this part of the country,--nevertheless
+confided to Bess that she was going to make her a beautiful
+pincushion. This suggested an idea to Bess.
+
+"Don't you think it would nice for each of us to give Dora something
+for her housekeeping?" she asked at the dinner table that evening.
+
+Uncle William and Aunt Marcia were there, and the Warners had just
+been spoken of. "A good suggestion," said the first-named; "suppose we
+do."
+
+"I don't approve of this move at all," Mrs. Hazeltine announced; "Mrs.
+Warner must have lost her mind to consent."
+
+"It is a great deal nicer than you imagine, Aunt Marcia," urged Bess.
+
+"Dora doesn't care about being fashionable, and you can have more fun
+if you don't," observed Louise.
+
+"You seem to care for nothing but fun," said her aunt, with dignity.
+
+"At any rate we all admire Dora's energy and good sense, and would
+like to do something to help her," said Mr. Frank Hazeltine.
+
+So they put their heads together and made their plans.
+
+It was arranged that Mrs. Warner should come to her new quarters on
+Saturday morning, and Dora lingered long on Friday afternoon putting a
+few last touches here and there, arranging her little sideboard with
+some pretty glass and china, relics of her mother's early
+housekeeping, till everything was in dainty order.
+
+"I do hope Mamma will think it pleasant," she said to Louise, who was
+helping.
+
+"She will, I'm sure," Louise answered, looking around the room, which
+was indeed very attractive with the afternoon sunshine streaming in
+through the windows draped in their pretty muslin curtains.
+
+"Everything is so sweet and cosey I almost envy you," she added,
+dusting the top of the clock with a tiny feather duster.
+
+"Louise Hazeltine, how could you envy anybody?" Dora exclaimed. "There
+are two things I ought to have, and mean to sometime," she went on,
+"and they are some plants and a canary."
+
+Louise looked out of the window to hide a smile.
+
+One more peep had to be taken at the other room, where two snowy beds
+looked restful and inviting; then she locked the doors, leaving the
+key with Mrs. Smith that the fires might be made in the morning.
+
+"I hope you will like it, Mamma," were her last words that night and
+her first thought next morning.
+
+Mr. Hazeltine sent his carriage for Mrs. Warner, and short as the
+drive was it seemed tiresomely long to Dora.
+
+"I am glad it is pleasant so that the sunshine will be in your
+windows; it is always there by eleven o'clock," she said.
+
+Mrs. Smith was at the door to welcome them, with her small son Tommy
+to carry up any bundles.
+
+"I declare," she remarked to her husband, "it doesn't look right for a
+woman that has a daughter like Miss Dora to be so terrible
+down-hearted."
+
+In her eagerness to see how her mother was pleased, Dora hardly
+noticed anything herself when she opened the door.
+
+A more hopelessly gloomy person than Mrs. Warner could not have failed
+to be impressed with the sweet, cheerful comfort which pervaded the
+room. The sunshine from the south windows lay in two great patches on
+the quiet carpet, and glistened in a corner of something that did not
+look quite familiar; the fire burned briskly, doing its best to add to
+the cheeriness.
+
+"My dear daughter, how could you do all this?" she asked, her face
+brightening.
+
+"Do you like it? I am so glad!" Then Dora began to look about in some
+bewilderment; something had certainly happened to the room since
+yesterday. In the corner by the fireplace was the dearest mahogany
+desk, and on it a card which read, "For a brave little girl, from
+Uncle William." Glancing up, her eyes rested on the sweet face of a
+Madonna, which she guessed at once came from Aunt Zelie.
+
+"How good they are to me!'" she exclaimed, feeling almost like
+crying; but just then the canary in the window burst into a song, thus
+calling attention to himself and to the pot of ivy from Miss Brown.
+
+It was a morning of surprises. While her mother sat in her easy-chair,
+with a more cheerful face than she had worn for years, Dora went about
+finding every now and then something new. There were hyacinths from
+Helen and Carie, Elsie's pincushion on the bureau, a table cover from
+Constance, and on the sideboard a cunning teapot, with this touching
+verse tied on the handle:
+
+    "Whene'er a cup of tea you drink,
+    Of me I hope you'll kindly think.
+    To make the memory more complete,
+    Be sure to take it very sweet."
+
+This effusion did not need Carl's initials to tell her where it came
+from. The last thing to be discovered was a beautiful chair to match
+the desk, from Carl's father.
+
+Late in the afternoon a happy face looked in on Aunt Zelie, and a
+merry voice exclaimed, "It is going to be a success; and to-day has
+been better than Christmas!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+UNCLE WILLIAM IS SURPRISED.
+
+
+Dora's housekeeping seemed to thrive from the first. Her mother grew
+more cheerful and a little stronger, and she herself was rosy and
+happy. It was so pleasant to come home every day after school and find
+Fanny, their small maid, who came each morning and stayed till after
+lunch, setting their own little table. And then, what a pleasure to
+study at her beautiful desk!
+
+"It is lovely, if it is over a confectionery, isn't it, Mamma?" she
+would say.
+
+It was her great pleasure to keep this small domain in the daintiest
+order, and Saturday morning was sure to find her busy with her duster.
+On this particular morning, as she was shaking it out of the window,
+she saw Bess and Louise coming in.
+
+"If you aren't busy, Dora, we want to talk to you about something."
+began the last-named person before she was fairly in the room.
+
+"I am just through, and delighted to see you," she said hospitably.
+
+"It is about the afghan," Bess explained. "We can finish it easily
+this afternoon, and the twentieth is Uncle William's birthday; don't
+you think it would be best to give it to him then?"
+
+"We asked the boys about the party and they are in favor of it, and
+Aunt Zelie says we can have it. Now what kind of a party shall it be?
+We want suggestions," said Louise, folding her hands in her lap, and
+leaning back as if she had only to ask.
+
+"Why not have a surprise party?--ask him to dinner as if it were
+nothing special, you know."
+
+"The very thing!" they both exclaimed.
+
+"Why didn't we think of surprising the dear old duck, who is always
+surprising us?" Louise added.
+
+Bess shook her head at her sister. "That is not a becoming way in
+which to speak of your uncle. But that is a good idea, Dora; you are a
+very bright girl."
+
+"Thank you, I am glad I am satisfactory. Do you need any more
+suggestions?"
+
+"It must be a real party; we must trim the house and have Carl present
+the slumber robe; and do you think we could have a cake with candles?
+Forty-eight would be a good many."
+
+"Four dozen," said Dora, as Louise paused for breath. "Why don't you
+leave the decorations to the boys? We have done our share in making
+the afghan."
+
+"Another brilliant idea. We will," said Bess.
+
+They discussed it again over their work that afternoon, and Constance
+and Elsie gave their entire approval to the plan.
+
+A party at the Hazeltines' was always welcome, and the combination of
+circumstances made this particularly pleasant to anticipate.
+
+Their fingers flew as they talked, and by five o'clock the last stitch
+was taken, and the work of nearly six months finished.
+
+After surveying it fondly on all sides and trying its effect on Miss
+Brown's sofa, it was reluctantly wrapped in a sheet and put away till
+the all-important day.
+
+It was hard to do justice to lessons the next week, with such
+interesting preparations to be made. Aunt Zelie had shaken her head
+over parties during the school term, but gave in to the plan that this
+was a very special occasion. They couldn't help the fact that Uncle
+William's birthday came in March.
+
+Everything was ready in good time, Mr. Hazeltine was invited to
+dinner, and a hint was given to his wife.
+
+At seven o'clock on Thursday evening most of the party had assembled,
+and the Hazeltine house was pervaded by an air of expectancy.
+
+In the place of honor in the long drawing-room sat Miss Brown, who
+could not resist the united urging of Aunt Zelie and the girls.
+
+"We arranged this corner just for you," said Bess, coming to greet her
+as soon as she was seated. "We knew you would look like a picture in
+it."
+
+Miss Brown laughed and said that would be a new sensation, as she had
+never before been a picture.
+
+"Oh, yes, you have been, but perhaps you didn't know it!" said Louise.
+"This time you are to know it, and every one is to admire you, for you
+are part of our decorations; I am glad you wore that lovely shawl."
+
+She made a picture, truly, with her bright eyes and snowy hair against
+the crimson velvet of the chair, a delicate white lace shawl over her
+dark dress, and a copper lamp with a deep rose-colored shade throwing
+a soft radiance about her.
+
+"And here is somebody to keep you company," said Bess, bringing Aunt
+Zelie to sit beside her.
+
+Mrs. Howard's eyes followed lovingly her two pretty nieces as they
+danced away to join the group around the afghan.
+
+"I wonder," said Miss Brown, watching them, "what difference it would
+have made in me if I had had such a home when I was a child."
+
+"It is a beautiful and helpful thing to have a happy childhood to look
+back upon," answered their aunt. "When I meet discontented, cynical
+people I feel sure that no sweet true child-life lies behind them. I
+want my boys and girls to be able to say that their happiest times
+have been at home. Here comes our housekeeper."
+
+There was certainly a housewifely air about Dora's plump little figure
+in her simple white dress as she came to speak to Miss Brown and get
+Aunt Zelie to pin on her flowers.
+
+"Everybody is here but Ikey and Jim," announced Louise, whose blue
+ribbons were fluttering from one end of the house to the other.
+
+"Here they are!" called Carl from the window, "and someone else; it
+must be Uncle William!"
+
+Great excitement prevailed till the door opened and it proved to be
+Mr. Caruth.
+
+"I had forgotten you were invited, but I am very glad to see you,"
+Louise said, advancing to meet him.
+
+"Then I should not have been missed if I had not come?" he said,
+shaking hands with Mrs. Howard.
+
+"Oh, I had only forgotten for a minute, because I have so much on my
+mind!" she explained, laughing. "Why, Jim, what lovely flowers! Ikey,
+where is your buttonhole bouquet that I took so much trouble to make?"
+
+Ikey stared blankly at his undecorated coat. "Oh! I forgot it. I put
+it in the refrigerator; I'll go and get it."
+
+"In the _refrigerator_?" repeated the girls with one voice. "Just like
+a boy!"
+
+"Well, why not? That is where you put things to keep;" and Ikey
+departed to find his posies, while Jim divided his roses between
+Louise and Aunt Zelie.
+
+In three minutes Ikey came flying back quite breathless, announcing
+that Uncle William was at the gate.
+
+The festive air which reigned inside found its way out through various
+cracks and crevices, causing Mr. Hazeltine to remark that the house
+looked unusually brilliant.
+
+The truth did not dawn upon him till he stood in the parlor floor
+before a semicircle of bright faces, all very full of the fun of the
+occasion.
+
+Across the top of the large mirror he saw "Welcome," in letters of
+evergreen, and a chorus of "Many happy returns!" greeted him.
+
+"Bless me! what does this mean? Is it possible that it is my
+birthday?" he exclaimed.
+
+"Yes, and it's a _s'prise_ party; aren't you _s'prised_?" demanded
+Carie, unable to keep quiet any longer.
+
+"Surprised? I should say so! I shall have to have forty-eight kisses
+from somebody."
+
+Carie immediately volunteered her share, and altogether it is probable
+that he really received more than he was entitled to.
+
+He made his way to Miss Brown's corner after a while, and when the
+excitement subsided a little Carl stepped forward and said in an
+extremely lawyer-like manner: "I have the honor to be chosen spokesman
+this evening, to welcome you and wish you many happy returns of the
+day in the name of the members of the Order of the Big Front Door, who
+in testimony of their affection for you tender you this reception. I
+am also requested to present to you, in behalf of the Merry Knitters,
+this slumber robe, the work of their own fair fingers, which they
+offer as a slight token of their appreciation of all your kindness to
+them. May your dreams be sweet!"
+
+Aleck and Ikey advanced and threw the slumber robe over a chair before
+the astonished Uncle William.
+
+For it moment it quite took his breath away. He was touched and
+gratified that the girls should have done so much work for him, and
+found it necessary to clear his throat vigorously before he replied to
+Carl's graceful effort.
+
+"I am sure I can truthfully say that only once before in my life have
+I been so completely surprised. I thank you all most heartily for
+remembering an old fellow like me, and I particularly thank the M.Ks.
+for their beautiful gift. I shall prize it as one of my greatest
+treasures. I also thank Miss Brown for coming to my party; I consider
+it a great honor. As I had not the same opportunity as my nephew for
+preparing a speech I shall not say any more except to thank you all
+again."
+
+He sat down amid great applause.
+
+The slumber robe became for a while the centre of attraction. It was
+as great a surprise to Aunt Marcia as to her husband, and she admired
+it extremely, praising the young needlewomen warmly.
+
+"Mr. Caruth and I feel envious, and want to know what you have done
+that so much work should be bestowed on you?" said Mr. Frank
+Hazeltine, joining the group around it.
+
+"You see, Father, he is a sort of public benefactor; he gets up wonder
+balls and takes us to the circus, so he has to be publicly rewarded,"
+Louise explained gayly.
+
+"I am sure I was Santa Claus once," said Mr. Caruth.
+
+Supper was announced presently, and what a birthday supper it was!
+Mandy and Sukey had done their best for Mr. William, and their best
+was not to be sniffed at. Aunt Zelie contributed menu cards, each with
+a flower and a quotation on it.
+
+Dora thought hers the prettiest of all. On it were a thistle and a
+wild rose, and the lines were:
+
+    "Duty, like a strict preceptor,
+      Sometimes frowns or seems to frown.
+    Choose her thistle for thy sceptre,
+      While youth's roses are thy crown."
+
+"It was written by a poet for his own little daughter Dora," said Mrs.
+Howard.
+
+Aleck had:
+
+    "The heights by great men reached and kept
+      Were not attained by sudden flight,
+    But they while their companions slept
+      Were toiling upward in the night."
+
+"Cousin Zelie thinks I am lazy," he said, laughing.
+
+"Mine is better than Dora's, and I know where it came from, and she
+has not an idea," said Carl. His lines were:
+
+    "My good blade carves the casques of men,
+      My tough lance thrusteth sure,
+    My strength is as the strength of ten
+      Because my heart is pure."
+
+"I don't care, for I can find out, and that is half the fun," Dora
+replied, comparing hers with Louise's, which had lilies of the valley
+on it, and these lines:
+
+    "I pray the prayer of Plato old--
+      God make thee beautiful within,
+    And may thine eyes the good behold
+      In everything save sin."
+
+Uncle William put his card away before anybody had seen it, and
+refused to show it, in spite of much coaxing.
+
+"It is too complimentary; modesty forbids," Carl suggested.
+
+"Why didn't you and Miss Helen favor us with something original, Mrs.
+Howard?" asked Mr. Caruth.
+
+"He is making fun of the Harp Man's Benefit," said Miss Hazeltine.
+
+"I am afraid we exhausted our genius on that occasion," her cousin
+answered, laughing.
+
+"Uncle William, there is one thing you must tell us," said Bess, "and
+that is, _when_ you were more surprised than to-night?"
+
+"Oh, that was long ago!" he replied. "It was Aunt Marcia who surprised
+me." All eyes turned to Mrs. Hazeltine.
+
+"Aunt Marcia, how did you do it?"
+
+"I am sure I can't tell you. I think I am the one most apt to be
+surprised."
+
+"You'll have to tell," said Carl, turning to his uncle.
+
+"Well, if you must know, it was when she said '_Yes._'"
+
+Everybody laughed, and his wife said majestically: "My dear, you are
+very absurd." But she did not appear seriously displeased.
+
+"I don't understand," remarked Helen; "what did she say yes _to_?" and
+this of course brought down the house.
+
+After supper was over they danced and played games till, all too soon,
+the evening was over.
+
+"Good times never last quite long enough," Louise said, as her uncle
+was arranging for the farewell Virginia reel.
+
+"I thought they lasted the year around," remarked Mr. Caruth, who
+stood beside her.
+
+"I mean special ones," she answered gayly, as she went off with him to
+take her place, leaving Ikey rather crestfallen.
+
+The others had quickly paired off: Carl and Dora, Aleck and Bess, Jim
+and Elsie, Will and Constance. Elsie called "Tucker" aggravatingly as
+she passed.
+
+"Anyway, I didn't want to dance with her," he said to himself.
+
+Miss Hazeltine was playing for them, and Aunt Marcia sat with Miss
+Brown looking on; Aunt Zelie stood in the doorway.
+
+She smiled at Ikey when he looked in her direction, saying: "Do you
+want a partner?"
+
+His gloom turned to rapture. "Oh! Mrs. Howard, will you?"
+
+"I'll try," she answered, as they took their places, his heart beating
+quickly with pride and delight. And never was a dance performed with
+more reverent devotion.
+
+"Why, Aunt Zelie, that is not fair!" called Carl, as he and Dora
+danced down the middle and back again.
+
+"I didn't know you danced, Mrs. Howard," said Jim, upon whom Ikey cast
+a triumphant glance.
+
+When it was over she was besieged with partners for another, but she
+refused, declaring it was too late.
+
+So ended Uncle William's surprise party.
+
+When the door had closed on the last guest and Bess at the piano was
+playing a snatch of a waltz, Carl pounced upon his aunt and carried
+her off before she knew it.
+
+"Ikey shall not get ahead of _me_," he said, as after sailing twice
+around the room he dropped her breathless on the sofa.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+JIM.
+
+
+For various reasons, after a flourishing existence of two winters, the
+G.N. Club was given up, or perhaps it should be said was merged in the
+Order of the Big Front Door, which still held monthly meetings, and
+whose members wore their silver keys and tried in different ways to
+carry out their motto.
+
+There was hardly time in the press of school work for the weekly
+meetings, and, besides, out of the little club had grown what was
+known as the Boys' Civic League, an organization among schoolboys, in
+which, under the direction of one of their professors, they studied
+the history of their own town and pledged themselves to do all they
+could for its welfare. So, as Mrs. Howard wished it, the Good
+Neighbors gave up their club and joined the League.
+
+They still considered themselves her boys, however, and a week seldom
+passed in which some of them did not spend an hour with her. They owed
+more than they knew to her companionship, for in varying degrees her
+love for what was pure and true had left its impress on their
+characters. Her interest in them had grown with their years, and she
+looked forward with regret to the next winter, when most of them would
+go away to school. She would miss their boyish devotion, and she
+dreaded the temptations which they must so surely meet. Each one must
+fight his own battle, she knew, and she had not much fear for quiet,
+painstaking Will, or even for Carl, with all his faults; Ikey was
+still a good deal of a child, conscientious and open-hearted; but
+Aleck, with his brightness and indolence, and Jim, with his handsome
+face, engaging ways, and money, gave her most concern.
+
+Three years had brought about some changes. Little John's place was
+vacant. A sudden sharp illness, and the frail life went out, leaving a
+sweet and gentle memory, for John had helped in ways he did not dream
+of. Every one of those merry girls and boys was more thoughtful and
+tender for the association with him. Seeing the pleasure their
+companionship gave him, they learned the value of simple friendliness.
+Fred Ames had gone to Chicago to live, and this reduced the members of
+the Order to ten, not counting, of course, the "Honoraries," as Miss
+Brown and Aunt Zelie were called.
+
+"I can't imagine what ails Jim," Carl remarked at the lunch table one
+day, a week or two after Uncle William's birthday; "he wasn't at
+school and when I stopped there on my way home the man said he
+believed he had a headache and could not see anyone. That is not in
+the least like Jim."
+
+"I see nothing so strange in that. A headache can be a very serious
+thing while it lasts," said his father.
+
+"But if you had seen the man. He looked as if he were making it up."
+
+"Much study has affected your imagination, Carl," laughed Cousin
+Helen.
+
+"And what is the matter with you, then, Cousin Helen? Who sent Aunt
+Zelie a postal card with nothing on it but the address?" inquired
+Louise.
+
+This caused a laugh, for Miss Hazeltine was just now the target for
+all the teasing her young relatives could contrive.
+
+Always somewhat famous for her absent mindedness, now that she was
+soon to be married they chose to lay anything of the kind to the fact
+of her being so deeply in love.
+
+"Let me tell you the latest joke," cried Aleck. "Last Sunday, when Mr.
+Arthur was here, they went to service at St. John's. The usher wanted
+to take them up front, but Sister Helen, being very modest, stopped at
+a seat half-way and asked politely, 'Can't we _occupew this py_?'"
+
+"Aleck, you are too bad! I only half said it," exclaimed the victim,
+while the others shouted.
+
+Bess and Louise were in the seventh heaven of delight at the prospect
+of being bridesmaids, and took a rapturous interest in all the
+preparations, their only regret being that Mr. Caruth was not to be
+the groom. Everybody was so occupied with other things that afternoon
+that Carl's remark about Jim was forgotten till he came in at
+dinner-time, looking very much excited.
+
+"You won't think I am crazy now. The Carters have gone to smash, and
+it is reported that Mr. Carter tried to kill himself."
+
+"Carl! How dreadful! Are you sure?" Aunt Zelie dropped her book in her
+astonishment.
+
+"I am not altogether surprised," said Mr. Hazeltine, coming in. "He
+was known as one of the most reckless speculators in the country. His
+wealth was gained in that way, and now it has gone as it came."
+
+"Think of poor Jim," said Carl.
+
+"Poor boy! And yet it may not be the worst thing for him," added Mrs.
+Howard.
+
+"What shall I do?" asked Carl. "I am awfully sorry for him, but I am
+afraid he won't want to see me, and I shouldn't know what to say,
+anyway. I wonder if he will have to give up college and everything.
+Poor Jim!"
+
+Poor Jim, indeed! There could not have been found a more wretchedly
+miserable boy than he. The loss of their money he hardly thought
+of,--did not realize,--but the horrid notoriety of it all made him
+sick.
+
+With burning face he read the sensational newspaper reports, and
+thought how the boys at school were talking about him--perhaps pitying
+him. He did not want their pity; he would rather have them
+indifferent. He wished he might never see any of them again.
+
+Toward his father he felt a certain resentment. It was not true that
+Mr. Carter had tried to kill himself, but mind and body had given way
+under the long strain, and he was ill with brain fever.
+
+Mrs. Carter was altogether unnerved by the suddenness of the calamity,
+so that she was not allowed in her husband's room. If it had not been
+for her Jim would have run away, but he was very fond of his mother.
+He was the chief object of her interest and affection since his
+sisters had married and left home. She laughingly declared that Jim
+could make her do anything, and certainly he brought about many
+improvements. She received good-naturedly his hints that Mrs. Howard
+did this, or that at the Hazeltines' things were done so. He could not
+desert her now that she had no one else to depend on.
+
+Two dreadful days passed slowly, a number of his friends called to
+inquire, and left kind messages, for he would not see them. He spent
+his time strolling aimlessly through the handsome house, occasionally
+going in to see his mother. He was very gentle to her, though he found
+her lamentations hard to bear.
+
+Late in the afternoon of the second day he sat in his room, trying to
+read. He was quite worn out with anxiety and loss of sleep, and was
+half-dozing, when his attention was attracted by a gleam of sunshine
+reflected in something on the table beside him. It was the little
+silver key. The words of the motto stared him in the face: "They
+Helped." How much it recalled to him--such pleasant companionships,
+and some real effort to be kind and useful! Was he going to fail now?
+Perhaps this was his great opportunity. If _he_ did not help, who
+would?
+
+He stood up before the mirror, stretching himself to his full
+height,--a tall, broad-shouldered young fellow.
+
+"Many a boy younger than I takes care of himself, and so can I, and of
+my mother too," and wide awake now he sat down to think.
+
+On the table lay a note from Mrs. Howard, which he had only half read.
+He took it up now, and the warm affection it expressed, and the
+confidence that he would bear his trouble bravely, stirred his
+manliness--he would not disappoint her. "I have been a coward," he
+said, and with the same prompt decision which had surprised his
+companions on that Halloween so long ago he turned his back on his
+pride and useless regrets and became a man. When his father's brother
+arrived that night Jim met him, saw to his comfort, explained all he
+knew about the trouble, and asked such intelligent questions, with
+such an evident determination to help himself, that his uncle was
+greatly pleased.
+
+There were weeks of anxious nursing while Mr. Carter hung between life
+and death, and his son, strong and gentle, made himself most useful in
+the sick-room. When at last the once sturdy, ambitious man struggled
+back to life he was only the wreck of what he had been.
+
+Jim returned to school when his father was out of danger, as his uncle
+thought he ought to finish the term. He was very much subdued, but his
+companions appreciated his manliness, and gave him a warm welcome.
+
+"He has lots of pluck," said Carl warmly; "he was as anxious to go to
+college as any of us, but he doesn't say a word about it now--says he
+is going to work this summer."
+
+"I wish you would tell him how pleased I am with him," said Aunt
+Zelie. "I see so little of him lately, he seems almost shy."
+
+The big house was sold, and when Mr. Carter could be moved he was
+taken to their new home, a little place that belonged to his wife.
+When everything was settled it was found that they would have a small
+income, enough to support two people in some degree of comfort. Then
+Jim's uncle, to everybody's surprise, offered to send him to college.
+
+"I don't believe in it very much, but you are such a likely boy you
+may make something out of it, so if you want to go I'll foot the
+bills."
+
+Jim brought the news one Friday night to a meeting of the O.B.F.D. It
+was early, and only Carl and his aunt were in the room.
+
+"I shall work very hard, for I mean to pay Uncle James back some day,"
+he said.
+
+"That is right; I am sure you will, and I am glad for you and proud of
+you, for you deserve it," Aunt Zelie said earnestly.
+
+"Are you really?" he asked humbly, but looking in his pleasure quite
+like his old self.
+
+"Why, of course we are _all_ proud of you, boy," said Carl.
+
+And Jim thought he had never been so happy before. He had discovered
+that there are some things better even than money.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+A DISAPPOINTMENT.
+
+
+Dora thought one of the pleasantest things about housekeeping was
+being able to give a tea-party now and then. They were of necessity
+very small affairs, if for no other reason than because Mrs. Warner
+could not stand much excitement.
+
+Mrs. Smith was delighted to do anything for Miss Dora, and finding out
+in some way when her birthday came, herself proposed a celebration.
+
+Mrs. Warner entered into the idea with unusual interest, so Dora
+consented to invite Bess, Louise, Carl, Aleck, and Ikey.
+
+If it had been an order for a grand reception, Mrs. Smith could not
+have filled it with more pleasure. She sent up a delicious little
+supper, and as the crowning glory, and a present from herself, an
+immense birthday cake in pink icing, with fifteen candles on it.
+
+It is needless to say they had a merry time. The hostess did the
+honors with a great deal of grace, looking very pretty in a charming
+gown brought to her from New York by Aunt Marcia. Mrs. Hazeltine was
+in the habit of bringing home pretty things to her nieces, and as she
+said she considered Dora one of them it was not possible to refuse
+her gifts.
+
+"Suppose we tell what we mean to be when we are grown up," suggested
+Bess, when the feast was over and they had drawn their chairs together
+in a cosey group.
+
+"Dear me! I don't know," said Dora.
+
+"Well, what you would like to be, then?"
+
+"I think perhaps I shall be some kind of a teacher, but--I know you
+will laugh--I believe I'd like to keep a store and live back of it, as
+Mrs. Smith does."
+
+"A confectionery, Dora?" asked Louise, as they all laughed at this
+lofty ambition. "I'll promise you my custom."
+
+"Ikey, you are next; what are you going to do?" inquired Bess.
+
+"Well, after Carl and I go to college I am going to study medicine. By
+that time Father will have left the navy, I hope, and we will all live
+here together, and I'll practise."
+
+"Perhaps there will be an office for you back of Dora's store," said
+Carl.
+
+"I'd like to write books," said Bess. "Beautiful stories that
+everybody will want to read. Then I'll make lots of money and build
+hospitals and do ever so much good."
+
+"The hospitals will be for Ikey to practise in, I suppose, my great
+and good cousin," remarked Aleck, with a profound bow.
+
+"I mean to be a judge," announced Carl, who was next. "Now, Aleck."
+
+"I am going to try for West Point next year. Father has given his
+consent, and--well, I'll be a general."
+
+"I don't see how you can unless there is a war," said Ikey.
+
+"Perhaps there'll be one then, and if I am wounded I can go to Bess's
+hospital and have you practise on me."
+
+"Louise, you are the last; what noble ambition have you?"
+
+"I think I'll illustrate Bess's books and help Dora keep store," she
+said, laughing.
+
+A knock at the door interrupted just then, and Uncle William's cheery
+face appeared. "It is so late I must not stop," he said; "but I ran
+away from a political meeting to wish my little girl many happy
+returns."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"There is to be another wedding in the family," said Mrs. Howard,
+entering the library one day with some hyacinths in her hand.
+
+"Do you mean it really? I did not know there was anybody to get
+married but Cousin Helen," Bess exclaimed.
+
+Carl looked up from a weighty volume he was consulting. "That is easy
+to guess; it is Joanna, of course."
+
+"Is it Jo, Auntie?"
+
+"Yes, she confided it to me a few minutes ago. It will be in June, and
+Patrick Loughlin is the happy man."
+
+"I should think she would rather live with us, but there is no
+accounting for taste," said Bess, as she went to find Louise and tell
+the news.
+
+"I can't imagine what ails Ikey; he is as cross as a bear," remarked
+Carl, closing his book with a bang.
+
+"Perhaps he is worrying over examinations," Aunt Zelie suggested.
+
+Her nephew laughed. "That would not be like Ikey; and then he has done
+finely this term, so that there will not be a bit of trouble about his
+passing."
+
+"I sincerely hope that there is not another of my boys in trouble,"
+she said anxiously.
+
+"Oh! it can't be any thing really, only I never knew him to be
+snappish. I thought I'd mention it, for you might get it out of him if
+you happen to see him."
+
+About the middle of the afternoon Mrs. Howard closed the front door
+behind her and came out into the pleasant spring air. As she reached
+the gate she caught sight of a light-brown head in one of the
+third-story windows across the street, and acting on a sudden impulse
+she made a signal.
+
+The window went up promptly, and going over she called: "Can't you
+come with me out to Neffler's? I'd like some company. Never mind, of
+course, if you are busy."
+
+"Thank you, I am not busy; I'll come," and in two minutes Ikey was
+beside her.
+
+It was easy to see he was not quite himself. Usually he would have
+been bubbling over with gayety at the honor of being chosen a
+companion for a long walk to the florist's, but now the conversation
+was all on one side.
+
+Mrs. Howard did her best to be entertaining, and took no notice of his
+evident preoccupation until she had given her orders and they turned
+toward home; then she said: "I have been waiting in the hope that you
+would tell me what is troubling you, but now I shall have to ask; Carl
+and I are both wondering what has happened."
+
+Ikey looked very much surprised, being under the delusion that he was
+concealing his feelings perfectly.
+
+"I am not in any trouble," he began, "though I am bothered about
+something, and I oughtn't to be; that is what makes it so bad."
+
+His companion looked sympathetic and waited for further revelations.
+
+"You see," Ikey went on, "I wrote to Papa about going to school with
+Carl next winter and to Yale the year after, and he was willing and so
+was Grandfather; it seemed all settled. I knew they would be back in
+June, certainly Mamma and Alice, so we could spend the summer
+together. Then I thought, of course, they would be settled somewhere
+where I could go for my holidays, but now all my plans are spoiled:
+Papa has to go to the Pacific coast."
+
+If his father had been sent to Siberia, Ikey's tone could not have
+been more tragic. Mrs. Howard could hardly help smiling.
+
+"I don't quite understand yet," she said. "Does that mean that you
+will still be separated from your father and mother? or--"
+
+"That is what makes me feel so mean," he burst out. "Of course I want
+to be with them, and yet I can't bear to go to California, and that is
+what I must do. Give up going with Carl, and go to some horrid old
+university out there. They seem to think I shall like it. Mamma is
+pleased because she used to live in San Francisco, and Grandfather
+thinks he will go out too. There is no help for it."
+
+"Then you will have to make the best of it, will you not? It is
+perfectly natural to feel as you do, after setting your heart on the
+other plan, and I am sure it does not mean any lack of affection for
+your father and mother."
+
+"I am glad you think it doesn't," he said, in a relieved tone, for he
+had been torturing himself with the thought that he was a most
+unnatural son.
+
+"I hate to think of going so far away and never seeing any of you
+again, when you have been so good to me." His voice faltered.
+
+"I should feel very badly if you could leave us without caring, after
+all our good times together. Carl will be dreadfully disappointed,
+but as for not meeting again, California is not so far away as that,
+and it is not likely your father will be there for the rest of his
+life." She spoke with great cheerfulness, not daring to be too
+sympathetic.
+
+"I'll try not to hate it so," Ikey said, bracing up a little.
+
+Mrs. Howard insisted on taking him home to dinner, and when Carl came
+in he found him holding a skein of wool for Bess while Louise read
+aloud, and if not quite his usual gay self he was at least more
+cheerful than he had been for days.
+
+The storm which arose when his friends heard of the change in his
+plans was most comforting. Carl declared he didn't half care about
+going to college himself if Ikey couldn't go, and Bess remarked
+sorrowfully that everything would be different next winter, with
+Cousin Helen married and the boys all away.
+
+"Why, Ikey and Cousin Helen are going to the same place!" exclaimed
+Louise, "and we are going to see her, so we'll see him too." Here was
+a gleam of brightness, and Carl added, "And of course when you get to
+be a doctor you will come back to practise in Bess's hospital."
+
+When letters came from his mother and father, telling more fully their
+plans, and overflowing with the pleasure of being all together again,
+Ikey would not have been his warm-hearted self if he had not been
+glad. Dear as were the friendships which he had made in the three
+years spent at his grandfather's, family ties were stronger.
+
+Old Mr. Ford said he did not know what he should do without his
+grandson, and talked seriously of accepting his son's invitation to
+try a winter in California.
+
+It was finally arranged that Ikey should meet his parents in New York
+sometime about the middle of July, and as that was more than two
+months distant, and the present full of interesting events, as Louise
+expressed it, he put aside his disappointment and was as merry as
+ever.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+AUNT ZELIE.
+
+
+The interesting events were, first, the school commencements, and, the
+week after, Cousin Helen's wedding.
+
+This last, which was a grand affair, took place at her country home.
+The ceremony was performed on the lawn, under the big forest trees,
+and Bess and Louise made two charming and happy bridesmaids, quite
+worthy of such a lovely bride.
+
+The ten were all invited, for Miss Hazeltine took a deep interest in
+the Order of the Big Front Door, and said she meant to start something
+of the kind in her new home. There never was such a beautiful wedding,
+these young people thought, and they were not alone in their opinion.
+
+The sweet summer day, the blue sky, the trees and grass, and the gay
+company, all made a lasting impression on the guests.
+
+The bride would have no formality, but moved about among her friends
+as if it were simply a garden party.
+
+"Do you know what this reminds me of?" Bess asked Louise, as they sat
+on the grass with the other girls, waiting for the boys to bring them
+some ices.
+
+"No, what?"
+
+"Why, Lucie Carleton's wedding, to be sure; you haven't forgotten
+that?" They both laughed at the recollection.
+
+"Of course I haven't. What fun it was, and how long it is since we
+have played 'the Carletons'!"
+
+"What is the joke?" inquired Jim, coming back with his hands full.
+
+"Oh, just something this wedding reminds us of," Bess replied.
+
+"I'm reminded that there is not much more fun for me," said Ikey, in a
+momentary fit of despondency.
+
+"What a long face!" laughed Dora. "Remember this is a cheerful
+occasion. The next thing you will be married yourself to some
+California girl."
+
+"He is coming back to see us before then, aren't you, Ikey?" said
+Louise.
+
+"In six years he is coming back to stay," added Carl.
+
+"I wonder where we shall all be six years from now," said Constance,
+placidly eating her ice.
+
+"Dear me, I shall be twenty; think of it!" From Bess's tone one might
+have inferred that this meant extreme old age.
+
+"I expect to be married before that," remarked Elsie confidently.
+
+"Is it possible? I wonder to whom," Aleck exclaimed with an air of
+great surprise.
+
+"I am sure I don't know, for I have never seen anybody I'd marry if he
+begged me forever," she retorted scornfully.
+
+"Be quiet, you two geese, and don't spoil this lovely day by
+quarrelling," admonished Dora.
+
+"To change the subject, isn't Aunt Zelie a daisy?" said Carl, pointing
+across the lawn where she stood, looking wonderfully fair and sweet in
+her soft white dress, with a touch of sunlight on her hair.
+
+"There is nobody in the world like her," said Dora.
+
+"I should think not!" echoed Jim.
+
+"She is the dearest, loveliest, most beautiful, and
+everything-else-you-can-think-of person that ever lived," Louise
+declared with emphasis.
+
+"You haven't left much for the rest of us to say," remarked Will, "but
+I am sure we all agree."
+
+There must have been some attraction about the ten pairs of eyes, for
+just then she turned, and seeing them smiled and threw a kiss in their
+direction.
+
+The sad thing about this wedding was the parting which followed. Mr.
+Arthur found himself very unpopular when at last it dawned upon her
+young relatives what it meant to tell Cousin Helen good-by with the
+certainty that, though she promised to come back often to visit, she
+would never live among them, their merry playfellow, again.
+
+Aleck discovered that he was extremely fond of this sister, and felt
+what he considered an unmanly tightness about his throat when she
+kissed him. The bridesmaids were decidedly tearful, and only the
+thought of the other wedding in prospect restored their cheerfulness.
+This last-mentioned affair took place two days later at the Cathedral.
+The whole family attended, and Joanna, in blue with a white veil and
+wreath, with Nannie for bridesmaid, in a dress the counterpart of her
+own, made a blooming and happy bride. After a wedding breakfast at the
+Hazeltines' the couple departed, with many good wishes for their
+happiness, to have their pictures taken.
+
+Aunt Zelie sat alone in the wide hall that afternoon. The door was
+open, and outside the sunshine sifted through the vines as the wind
+kept them swinging softly to and fro; it was very still, and the
+ticking of the tall clock had a mournful sound.
+
+No doubt it was the reaction after the excitement of the last few
+weeks that made her feel so weary and sad. Unhappy thoughts seemed
+determined to take possession of her mind--regrets for the past and
+fears for the future; she could not throw off the depression.
+
+She thought of Carl's going, and how she would miss him. Would he
+become weaned from the old happy home life? Had she done all she might
+have done to help him to good, true manhood?
+
+She asked herself these questions sadly; in her present mood it seemed
+to her she had failed of what she most wished to accomplish.
+
+These dreary thoughts so engrossed her that Jim's voice, asking, "May
+I come in?" caused her to start.
+
+"Certainly," she answered, "I am glad to see you, though I warn you I
+am not in a very good humor."
+
+He did not appear alarmed. "I met Carl and he said I'd probably find
+you here. I want to tell you something."
+
+"I am ready to listen," she said encouragingly, but Jim seemed to find
+it hard to begin, and looked at the floor in a hesitating way quite
+unusual.
+
+Aunt Zelie watched him, thinking that something had come into that
+handsome young face of late which spoke hopefully for the future.
+
+She was very much surprised at his words.
+
+"Mrs. Howard, I have decided not to go to college." They were resolute
+eyes that looked up at her.
+
+"But I thought your uncle wished you to go--that it was all settled.
+Are you sure you are doing wisely?"
+
+His face flushed.
+
+"I beg your pardon, dear," she said before he could reply. "I know you
+have a good reason. I am surprised, that is all."
+
+"It is on Mother's account, chiefly; she needs me now that Father is
+so feeble. Then you know she is used to having things, and though she
+thinks she could get along, I should feel mean to have her scrimp and
+pinch at home when I am having a good time at college. I went to see
+Mr. Barrows to-day, and he thinks he can give me a situation. They say
+it is a good place for a fellow to get a start in, so I am going to be
+a business man."
+
+He spoke earnestly and cheerfully, but she guessed the struggle it had
+cost. He was used to "having things" himself.
+
+She laid her hand on his. "You are learning to be brave and unselfish,
+to help in the truest sense, and these are far more valuable lessons
+than any you could learn out of books. I honor you for your decision."
+Aunt Zelie spoke with shining eyes.
+
+"If I have learned anything it is you who have taught me," Jim said
+gently.
+
+"If I have really been a help to you I am very glad and thankful, but
+I am sure most of the credit belongs to the boy who was so ready to be
+helped."
+
+When he left, after half an hour's talk, her sympathy and interest had
+already made his sacrifice seem a little easier, but he did not guess
+how he had on his part cheered and comforted this kind friend.
+
+Jim had been gone only a few minutes when Aunt Zelie's corner was
+again invaded. This time it was Ikey who looked in, and seeing her
+alone came and took possession of a stool at her feet.
+
+"I am going a week from next Thursday," he announced.
+
+"I don't enjoy all these changes in the least," she said, patting the
+curly head; "I can't think what I shall do without my boys."
+
+"You have been so awfully good to me, only I never could say so like
+Jim. I don't want to go away and have you think I don't care, for I
+do, and I hope you won't forget me." Ikey got through this speech with
+difficulty.
+
+Aunt Zelie couldn't help laughing at him. "You are a dear boy, and
+there is not the slightest danger that we will ever forget you," she
+said, and then she told him about the talk she had just had with Jim.
+
+"He is splendid, isn't he? and I used to wonder why Carl liked him."
+
+"Yes, he has changed a good deal since we first knew him, but I am
+proud of all my boys, and believe I can trust them wherever they go."
+
+It was almost dark in the hall when she found herself taken possession
+of by two strong arms, and Carl's voice inquired what she was doing
+all alone.
+
+"Feeling ashamed of myself."
+
+"Very unnecessary, I am sure."
+
+"No, I was worrying a little over you boys for one thing; then I had a
+visit from Jim."
+
+"He is tiptop, but I don't know what I am going to do without old
+Ikey."
+
+"Then tell him so, for he is afraid we will forget him."
+
+"Ikey is a great goose; but indeed, Aunt Zelie, you need not be afraid
+for us! I don't mean to be self-confident,--I know I shall often do
+wrong,--but it means a lot to a fellow when he has somebody like you
+to care for him."
+
+"Why, how dark it is! Who is here? I can't see," exclaimed Bess,
+coming in, followed by her father and Louise.
+
+"Carl making love to Aunt Zelie," said the latter, dropping down on
+the other side of her aunt, and taking possession of all that was
+left.
+
+Bess surveyed them discontentedly. "There is not a scrap of a place
+for me."
+
+"You will have to put up with your old father," said Mr. Hazeltine.
+
+"You are better than nobody," she said saucily.
+
+"I forgot to tell you," began Louise suddenly, "that Mr. Caruth is
+going to Japan."
+
+"Is that so?" her father said in surprise, while Carl and Bess both
+exclaimed. "Did you know anything of it, Zelie?"
+
+"It is rather a sudden decision, I fancy. Some friends have been
+urging him to go. He was here this afternoon and said good-by," she
+replied.
+
+"I met him just as he was leaving," said Louise, "and he asked me to
+say good-by to everybody for him."
+
+"If everybody goes, what are we to do?" asked Bess disconsolately.
+
+"Suppose we go, too! What do you say, Zelie, to sending Carie and
+Helen to comfort Aunt Annie in her loneliness while the rest of us go
+off for a holiday? We can see Ikey on his way and drop Carl at school
+later on."
+
+"You are an angel to think of such a thing!" cried Louise, and Mr.
+Hazeltine was so nearly suffocated by his ecstatic daughters that he
+almost regretted his proposal.
+
+Aunt Zelie wouldn't have dared to object if she had wished to, so she
+and her brother made their plans while the girls and Carl ran over to
+tell Ikey the good news.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+THE BIG FRONT DOOR IS LEFT ALONE.
+
+
+"If Dora could only go!" Bess said, as she and Louise flew around in a
+delightful bustle of preparation.
+
+As this was quite out of the question, Dora was content to stay at
+home. She promised Helen that she would go over and pet Mr. Smith, the
+cat, occasionally, that he might not feel her absence too deeply, and
+Aunt Zelie told her to help herself to all the flowers she wanted.
+Uncle William sent her half a dozen new books, and the girls and Carl
+promised to write often.
+
+The boys felt themselves to be most important members of society as
+the time for leaving drew near, for they were petted and feasted and
+made much of generally.
+
+Aunt Marcia gave them an elegant dinner; Elsie had a fete in their
+honor; but best of all was the farewell tea-party at Miss Brown's the
+evening before they left, to which only the ten were invited.
+
+It would be impossible to tell of all the fun they had, and how Mary
+actually came so near laughing at some of the nonsense that she had
+to beat a hasty retreat to the kitchen to save her dignity.
+
+They drank the health of the departing members in lemonade, and then
+Ikey proposed "the Lady of the Brown House, who has been altogether
+jolly, though we did begin by breaking her window."
+
+This was received with great applause, and Aleck said, "You must make
+a speech, Miss Brown."
+
+"I am afraid I shall not be equal to the occasion," she answered; "but
+I must say that I have always been glad of that broken window. I owe
+to it some of my happiest hours, and I thank you all for you kindness
+to your invalid neighbor."
+
+"Three cheers for Miss Brown!" cried Aleck.
+
+"I think she will be just as much complimented if we make less noise,"
+suggested Bess. "I am sure she knows that we all love her, and if we
+have given her any happiness it is only a piece of the pleasure she
+has given us come back to her."
+
+"Hurrah for Bess!" cried the irrepressible one.
+
+Next Will proposed the Big Front Door.
+
+Great enthusiasm prevailed as Carl rose to respond. They all expected
+one of his spread-eagle efforts, but instead he said: "I thank you all
+in the name of the Big Front Door and the people who live behind it.
+We have had good times there and hope to have more in the future, but
+besides this it has helped us to do right sometimes, and though our
+Order may seem rather childish now, let us not forget our motto, and
+keep our silver keys to remind us to be helpers wherever we go."
+
+He sat down with a flushed face, rather abashed at his own
+earnestness.
+
+"Good for you!" said Jim cordially, and the others responded, "We
+will! We will!"
+
+In the midst of the festivities Louise was discovered in tears. "I did
+not mean to," she said, "but it seems as if everything was coming to
+an end."
+
+"It is only the end of a chapter, and we will begin another
+presently," Dora suggested brightly.
+
+In two minutes Louise was laughing through her tears, and the party
+came to an end as cheerfully as it had begun.
+
+Dora waved a good-by to the travellers as they passed early the next
+morning. In the afternoon she went over to the deserted house, where
+only Sukey was left in charge, petted Mr. Smith, and cut some roses;
+then she went out and sat on the carriage block and recalled the day
+three years before when she had stopped there to rest, and had
+wondered who lived in that pleasant house.
+
+There was the same big, hospitable door, but it would not open to-day
+to let out two merry little maidens.
+
+From her window Miss Brown nodded and beckoned, so she ran across and
+paid her a visit.
+
+"Come often and cheer me up, for I shall miss my neighbors
+dreadfully," that lady said as she was leaving.
+
+"I will," answered Dora, adding merrily, "but you still have the Big
+Front Door."
+
+THE END.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Story of the Big Front Door, by
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