"Aunt Zélie, can't you come with me over to the bakery?" asked Carl, bursting in upon her five minutes later.
"If it is a matter of life and death I presume I can," she replied. "What is going on there?"
"Nothing; I'll tell you about it, only do get your things, or it will be dark."
As she put on her hat and coat he told her about Dora's trouble, which she could appreciate far better than he.
"She said she knew they could not find a house that would do," he went on, "and that reminded me that there is a 'For Rent' sign in the windows over the bakery. You know if they lived there Mrs. Smith would be good to them, and perhaps they could get their meals from her. So I want you to look at the rooms and see what you think. Dora would listen to you."
Very much amused, Aunt Zélie went with him, agreeing that it might be practicable.
Mrs. Smith, the wife of the confectioner, was delighted to show her rooms, and led the way through the store into the entrance hall at the side, and on upstairs. There were two large, bright rooms opening into the hall, with a bath-room adjoining. The rent was very reasonable, and she said she could furnish meals. Aunt Zélie was forced to admit that her nephew's plan had a good deal to recommend it.
Nothing would do but they must go and tell Dora about it before they went home.
She was very much surprised to see them, and listened with eyes that grew bright as the plan was unfolded.
"Didn't I tell you it would be better than staying here?" Carl asked triumphantly.