"A dozen of us, without counting the babies," murmured Fan, with a little sigh. But she tried on the dainty white muslin sun-bonnet her mother handed her, took Don's offered arm, and went with the rest.
As they passed from room to room Mildred's eyes shone with pleasure.
The plan of the house was the joint work of herself and husband, embodying their ideas in regard to comfort and convenience. Rupert had been left in charge of the work during their absence, and had acquitted himself of the trust to their entire satisfaction.
Both returned him warm thanks, Mildred saying again and again, "I am delighted, Ru; you have not forgotten or neglected the least of our wishes."
"I am very glad it pleases you, Milly," he said, with a gratified look. "It has been a labor of love to attend to it for you."
"It is quite done except the work of the papers and painterers, is it not?" queried Aunt Wealthy.
"Yes," said the doctor; "and we will set the painters at work to-morrow; the paperers as soon as our boxes of goods arrive."