"I'm going to be mamma's housekeeper," said Nellie, feeling at least a head taller with the importance of all this responsibility.
"Oh!" said Carrie, looking at her with admiration, and quite as much impressed as she was expected to be.
"You can come with me, and see me, if you want to," said Nellie.
"And can I help her, mamma?" asked Carrie.
"Yes, if Nellie is willing, and can find any thing for you to do," answered Mrs. Ransom.
Thoroughly interested now in her new undertaking, Nellie had for the time quite forgotten lessons, "Bible subjects," and other tasks, till Carrie said,—
"What are you going to do, Nellie, when you have finished keeping house?"
"I think it will take me a good while to do all the housekeeping," replied Nellie. "When that is finished, I will see. Oh! I'll go down to the beach with you, Carrie, if mamma says we may."
Carrie looked very much pleased.