But a change was coming, and an unwelcome one.
"Chester," said his father one evening, "I am going away for a week or ten days."
"Take me with you, papa!"
"No, I cannot. I am called to Chicago on business, and you will be much better off here at the beach."
"Jed will stay with me?"
"Yes, and I have sent for your Aunt Maria to come and look after you while I am gone."
"But I don't like Aunt Maria," objected the little boy. "She's always scolding me. She doesn't like boys."
"Perhaps not," said Mr. Holbrook with a smile. "If Maria had married it might have been different, but I believe few maiden ladies are fond of children."
"Then why do you have her come here, papa? Jed can take care of me."