The offer was accepted with thanks and the messenger brought back word that Mrs. Rood would be at the house by six o'clock in the morning.
"But," suggested Aunt Wealthy in dismay, "she'll want hot water, soap, cloths, scrubbing brushes!"
"I'll lend a big iron kettle to heat the water," said the landlady; "a fire can be made in that kitchen fireplace, you know, or out doors, with the brush wood."
"And brushes and soap can be had at the stores, I presume," suggested Mr. Keith.
"Yes; and if they ain't open in time, I'll lend mine for her to start on."
"Thank you very much," said Mrs. Keith. "But, Stuart, we may as well unpack our own; I can tell you just which box to open."
"What a woman you are for doing things systematically, Marcia," he said, admiringly. "Yours is the best plan, I think. Can we be up in season to be on hand there at half-past five, think you?"
"We can try," she answered brightly, "Mrs. Prior, where is your market?"
"We haven't got to that yet, ma'am," replied the landlady, laughing and shaking her head.