"Oh, I am!" responded Dolly. "I shall try to get mother to let me take it up specially next year. And here are the beetles! How wonderfully they are arranged, and what beautiful colours!"
"Yes, see the iridescent wings of this chap," and Uncle Jeff pointed to a fine specimen. "I don't wonder the old Egyptians loved this creature and carved their scarabs in its likeness, do you?"
"No indeed," responded Dolly. "And do you like old Egyptian things, too? So do I. I saw wonders in the Museum."
"I have quite an antique collection, if you're interested."
"If I'm interested! Well, I just guess I AM!"
The other girls enjoyed the exhibition, too, but not so much as Dolly, who was enthusiastic over it all. They had so far seen only the front rooms, but now Uncle Jeff conducted them to the room in the rear extension of the house, and as he unlocked the door he said, "Here are my greatest treasures of all."
The girls went in, and Mr. Forbes rolled up the shades and let in the sunlight.
"My, but it's close and stuffy!" exclaimed Bernice; "mayn't we have a window open, uncle?"
"Yes, indeed; I believe in fresh air, but I keep this room closed so much of the time it does get stale."
Mr. Forbes threw open a window that faced the south, and as there was no wind blowing, the fresh winter air was balmy and pleasant.