By the time Mr. Morgan, grandma, Cousin Mary and Emily, returned from their drive, Milly's room looked as neat as possible. Hannah seemed almost as pleased as Milly; and when the little girl, in an ecstasy of delight kissed her thanks, she said, encouragingly:
"It's a picture to see. If I were you, I'd keep it just so."
To complete her pleasure, grandma and Mrs. Roby came in, on their way to their own chambers, and praised the little girl for her own self-denial in staying to arrange her room rather than to go out for a drive.
Every drawer and shelf were opened for inspection, and received great praise.
The next morning, at the breakfast table, Mr. Morgan, after a roguish glance at Milly, said:
"This afternoon, I propose to take you all to the seashore. We must have dinner at twelve, so that we may have time enough for a ramble on the beach."
"Can we all go in one carriage?" asked mamma.
"I will provide seats enough," Uncle George answered, adding in a mysterious tone, "If there are any persons here who have been housecleaning of late, those persons are especially invited."
"I know who you mean, papa," said Emily, laughing. "You mean Milly."
"I mean any little girl who is trying hard to correct her faults."