"In the south of France or in Italy, dear. Aunt Helen and I have made our plans for that. I must be in some mild climate, you know."
"Then are we to stay at home with Aunt Sarah?"
"No."
"Where then? Where?" clamored the twins. "Oh, mother, are you going to take us with you?"
She put an arm around each. "No, darlings, not this time, but some day I hope to. My four girlies are going to school." She turned to Mrs. Roberts. "I have had very satisfactory letters from Mrs. Morrison and if, after we have visited the place, it seems as attractive as it promises, we shall send the girls there."
"Oh, mother, where is it? I don't want to go to boarding-school," said Jack rebelliously. "It will be horrid."
"This one will not be, I hope. It is near Boston and it is not a big school; there are only twelve boarders admitted and there are pretty grounds and I should think it must be a very homelike place from the description. Charlotte Loring will be one of your schoolmates during the week, though she goes home from Friday till Monday, and I am sure you will meet other very nice little girls. If you are not happy there after one year's trial, you shall not stay, and we will make some other arrangement."
"How long shall you be away, mother?" asked Jean wistfully.
"Until May or June, I think."
"That's very long," sighed Jean.