THE next day the weather completely changed; the wind came from the southwest, the rain poured in torrents. The great cold had gone, but the fierce gale grew fiercer hour by hour. The girls and boys appeared in the breakfast room with blank, disappointed faces.
"What are we to do with ourselves all day?" said Molly.
"I am glad I have my novel," muttered Matilda.
"For my part, I wish the holidays had come to an end," said Cecil. "I am wild to get to work again. What do you say, Kate? Suppose we do a little work this morning. I can help you with your Homer, if you like."
"No, thanks," answered Kate; "I am not in the humor to work."
"Have you a headache?" asked Cecil, looking at her anxiously.
"No, I'm all right; but I don't care to work."
She went to the window and drummed her fingers against one of the panes of glass as she spoke.