'Well, I'll see,' and there was a little of the elder sister in Molly's tone. 'I'll tell you to-morrow morning. Oh, it will be jolly in the country, won't it? And nurse's home that she tells us about is like our story-books: it's full of calves, and lambs, and horses, and ducks, and chickens, and haymaking, and pigs!'
'And ponds, and apple orchards, and we shall have cream, and honey, and strawberries every day!' continued Betty.
The little girls' voices were raised in their excitement, and they did not notice a door at the end of the room slowly open.
'What a row! Are you telling stories?'
It was Douglas, who slept in a little room off the nursery, and who had been roused by the sound of talking.
'Hush! nurse will hear. Come and sit on my bed,' said Molly, 'and then you will hear all about it.'
'Oh, Molly, it was to be our secret!'
'Douglas won't tell. Besides, nurse is sure to tell us; she knew we were awake and listening.'
Betty gave a little sigh, then joined eagerly in giving her brother the delightful information.
He listened, rumpling up his fair curls, and blinking his blue eyes, which were already heavy with sleep.