At the Refectory the guests were treated to cakes and lemonade and were waited upon by the Little Citizens who had been taught to wait on each other properly, or when visitors were present to attend to their needs first.
Everyone was talking about the success of the circus, and but few remembered the Side Shows that had given Uncle Ben so much trouble to arrange. It was the unusual talents shown by the young performers that caused most of the comments.
“Now you can see why I had you come to Happy Hills,” said Uncle Ben, as he heard the city friends exchanging their views.
“Yes, but what further good can we do than hope for the future of each of these children?” asked one of the men.
“Now that you have heard and seen for yourselves, instead of being told by others of the budding genuises to be found in our Little Citizens, I have a plan to propose. It is something that will need immediate decision if Richards is to go ahead with the scheme and have things ready for September occupancy.
“This is the plan I wish to lay before you all today:
“We expect a number of new arrivals at camp next week, and no one knows what talent may be hidden in the heart of each one of those Little Citizens. We have already found valuable material to work upon here, and it must be educated and taken care of—we must not permit it to die for lack of nourishment—mental and moral, you know.
“I have discussed this plan with Miss Selina, Miss Martin, and Mr. Richards, and they agree with me that it is not only feasible, but necessary, if we are to keep up the ambition and education of these talented children.
“Mr. Richards has agreed to hunt up a large house in New York at a moderate rental—one that we can remodel to suit ourselves, thereby being able to have a long lease at a reduced rent. We have even thought of the name of such a home. How do you like ‘Blue Bird Home for Little Wonders’ or just the ‘Blue Bird and Bobolink Home,’ or perhaps some of you would prefer the name of ‘Little Citizens’ Home’?”
“Mr. Talmage, I think the name is the last consideration to worry over. Let us first decide whether there is to be a home,” called out one of the gentlemen visitors.