So they went about examining the house, while the boys went back to work again.
The double doors opened upon a wide central hallway, from which the stairway in the rear led to the apartments above; on each side was a large, high-ceilinged room, with windows extending to the floor, and a fire-place in the corner.
“We must certainly take this room on the left, with the side entrance from the garden, for the tea-room,” remarked Marjorie. “The lay-out could not be more suitable. Evidently the Scotts used it for their dining-room, for here is a breakfast room and kitchen adjoining. We could fix up the living-room as a sort of rest-room, where people could sit for awhile after having tea.”
When they passed into the kitchen they examined everything with close attention, almost as if they were practiced housekeepers.
“Isn’t it lucky to find a gas stove!” cried Ethel joyfully. “Of course it’s fearfully dirty—”
“But the boys can clean it!” laughed Florence. “Isn’t that what you were thinking?”
“Yes, I guess it was,” admitted the other.
“But don’t you wish they had left us some pots and pans!” sighed Lily, surveying the empty closet in dismay.
“No, because they’d be terribly rusty,” replied Marjorie. “But I tell you what I do wish—that Doris were home to help us. She could give us so many suggestions—and tell us about prices.”
“I can tell you that much!” remarked Florence. “They’re out of sight!”