CHAPTER XXXIV
MINERVA SETTLES IT.
AT almost the last moment we all postponed our going down for a day as there were so many last things to do in the way of leaving the place winter-proof.
And it was well for us that we waited, for the very last mail altered the complexion of things considerably. It contained a letter from the Wheelocks telling us that instead of coming home they had decided to stay in Rome for another year.
“I thought I’d write to say,” it ran, “that if you want to rent the house again next summer we’ll be glad to have you do so. Let me know if any repairs are needed.”
I sought out our guests and told them the good news.
“We can have the place next summer and we invite you all to come up again and be with us, or build bungalows, if you want.” Cherry blushed furiously. “We might form an artist colony.”
“Suits me down to the ground,” said Billy.
Hepburn said nothing. Neither did Sibthorp, but Tom and his wife said that they had been thinking seriously of building a little cottage, and now that we were sure to come back he would surely do it.
“I must go and tell Minerva,” said Ethel. “Do you know she is positively blue this morning at the thought of going back. She’ll be glad to know we are coming up next year.”
She went to the kitchen and through the door which she left open we heard what followed.