"Yes, go and make yourselves neat for the supper table."
They came back reporting bare floors everywhere, of boards none too well planed either, but everything scrupulously clean.
"Then we may well be content," said their mother. The gentlemen returned and the guests were presently summoned, by the ringing of a bell on top of the house, to the supper table, which they found furnished with abundance of good, wholesome well-cooked food.
And they were really able to make a very comfortable meal, despite the presence of deli ware, two-pronged steel forks, and the absence of napkins.
"What about the goods, Stuart?" asked Mrs. Keith on their return to the parlor.
"I have had them carted directly to the house; that is, I believe the men are at it now."
"The house?"
"The one Ward spoke of. I have taken it. It was Hobson's choice, my dear, or you should have seen it first."
"Can I see it now?"
"Why, yes, if you choose; it won't be dark yet for an hour. If you and Aunt Wealthy will put on your bonnets, I'll take you round."