“Indeed, it is a fine offer,” said several little girls.
“I think we will have to get the opinion of the grown-ups about the whole plan,” ventured Betty.
“Mrs. Talmage and Miss Selina are on the porch now—let’s run over and ask them what they have thought of,” suggested Edith.
As the others were of the same mind the Nest was deserted. Upon reaching the veranda, the Blue Birds were pleased to see that Mrs. Catlin was sitting there with the other ladies. As Mrs. Catlin was a powerful ally, she was always welcome when planning was to be done.
While the group on the piazza was deeply concerned talking over winter work and next summer’s plans, Ned came out of the house and went down the woodland path toward the Starrs’ home.
Meredith Starr and his chum, Jinks, were under an old apple-tree in the garden orchard, and Ned joined them.
“Aunt Selina’s at the house, and what do you think?”
Meredith and Jinks shook their heads and Ned continued solemnly, “She’s given Happy Hills to the Blue Birds for their poor children next summer.”
“She has! My goodness, but they will have more than they can look after if they ever accepted such a place,” cried Jinks.
“Oh, they accepted it, all right! They’re just crazy about it. But the grown-ups will have to help it along. I suppose they’ll have to have so much printing done that we’ll be out of it after this winter,” complained Ned.