“You will feel easy when you see the inside of the house. There is plenty of room, plenty;” and papa laughed.
“You had only a small nest when I visited you before,” Mr. Duncan said to mother. “But how very lovely the whole village is! I am so glad to find such a place for Louis. I hope my boys will not worry you to death, Mrs. Endicott, for, somehow, I do not know as I can give up the idea of sending them here, especially as Mr. Endicott is their guardian. I think it will do them both good to be acquainted intimately with such a man.”
It was all settled then.
“I have wished a great many times that we had a sister for Louis’s sake. Oddly enough, my uncle James’s children were all boys, and Louis is very peculiar in some respects. It is asking a great deal of you. I understand that well, and shall appreciate it.”
I knew that I ought to look after Becky and the supper; so I rose and slipped away.
“Two boys,” I said to myself. “I do not believe that I shall like them;” and I shook my head solemnly.
CHAPTER III.
I went out to the kitchen and advised a few moments with our maid of all work, and then began to arrange the supper table. The visitor must sit next to papa, of course, but not on my side of the table. I did not mean to have him any nearer than I could help; for, if he disliked red hair, I would not flirt it under his eyes. Or, suppose I placed him next to Fan! She was so carelessly good natured that he would not be likely to disturb her thoughts.
Mamma took the baby to the nursery, and then came in to give an approving look. I placed the two tall vases of flowers on the table, and it did present a very pretty appearance.