"Where is the cottage? Can we look at it?" asked Charles.
"Yes; the family left this morning, and I have the key," Mary answered. "We could take possession to-night if we chose; but I must lay in some provisions first."
"Let's walk up (or down, whichever it is) after dinner and look at it."
"Yes, Charlie, if Edward and Vi are agreed. It is up, on this street, about two blocks from here."
"Directly in front of the ocean? That's all right."
"Or the ocean directly in front of it," Mary returned laughingly.
"All the same; don't be too critical, Miss Keith," said Charlie.
They did not linger long over dinner or dessert, but made haste to the cottage, eager to see what accommodations it afforded.
It was small, the rooms few in number, and mere boxes compared to those Edward and Violet had been accustomed to at Ion and Viamede; and very much more contracted than those of the cottage their mother was occupying, yet all four were quite satisfied to take up their residence in it for a season.
"Four bedrooms," remarked Mary reflectively: "two will do for the lads and two for the lasses. Parlor and dining-room are not very spacious, but will hold us all when necessary; I don't suppose we'll spend much of the daytime within doors. By the way, I think we must add Don Keith to our party—if he'll come."