Mr. Haven’s dreams were disturbed at early dawn by two half-dressed figures leaning over him, coughing violently, and as soon as he opened his sleepy eyes, the figures asked,—
“Papa, had we not better begin to pack now, and dig our worms for bait?”
“Pack yourselves off to bed, you night-walkers,” said the voice from the high pillow, and the command was enforced by a huge shot in the form of a pillow that sent the laughing children upon their knees. Thence, they started off to the Nursery, when Daisy remembered Papa had said “the little ones were to know nothing yet of the plan lest they should grow restless,” so they wisely concluded to sit and read till it was time to dress for breakfast.
As the children were hurrying from the breakfast-room, Papa said,—
“Artie and Daisy, I did not read you the postscript to my letter, last night, lest you should have been entirely upset by it, so here it is:
“‘Can you not bring down your Aunt’s pet, the little Leonard boy? “The more the merrier,” and Gertrude’s motherly heart, as well as house, has always room for one more.’
“So, children, you may carry this note from me to Mr. Leonard, to see if he is willing Charlie should go with you.”
Mr. Leonard was just coming down the steps of his house, and stopped to read the note, then looking up, much pleased, said,—
“Will you thank your Papa for me, for so kindly offering to take care of my lonely little boy? I shall be very glad to have him enjoy such a treat. His Aunt Julia came on from New Orleans last night, and you will find them both in the front room, in the second story.”