"I was wondering this morning," said Jack, "while we were waiting down there, what Aunt Love would say to it all."
Clover smiled. "I think Chicago and everything connected with it seems as far off to her as the Sandwich Islands;" but as she spoke a novel thought came into her mind, and after Jack had gone she imparted it to Mildred.
"I have had a brilliant idea," she announced.
"That is nothing new," returned her sister. "A quarter, please," holding out her hand.
Clover loftily ignored both the compliment and the request for prompt recompense.
"We can't selfishly keep this comfortable house just for our own two selves the next six months."
"I could, just as easy," returned Mildred nonchalantly, dropping into an armchair. "Aren't you glad now that we have lived a life of resorts for two years, and are not under obligations to anybody? Moreover, that we haven't had time to make any intimate friends anywhere? Why, everybody we know here has either rented his house and fled, or is wondering how servants and expenses are to be managed through the summer."
Clover looked serious. "I feel that we ought to do exactly what Mr. Van Tassel would do if he were alive."
"Yes, that is so," agreed Mildred promptly; "but I don't see how you are going to find that out."
"Why, it is perfectly plain that he would entertain his near relatives."