Mrs. Mandeville's face was grave.
"Ought I not to question this, Auntie?"
"Perhaps it would be better not, dear, until you are older. I do not understand myself. It is a subject I never seriously considered until you came to us. Now I think I must say good-night, my little lie-awake."
"I always fall asleep soon after I have said 'good-night' to you, Auntie."
"That is right, darling. I do enjoy our little talks; they are very sweet and helpful to me, Carol."
Then, after a long, loving embrace, she left him, a grave, thoughtful, but happy expression on her face.
The following Saturday morning after breakfast the three little girls told Carol, with delight, that they were going to the home farm in the afternoon, and begged him to go with them. Carol promised. He never refused to go anywhere or to do anything when Rosebud asked him. It was different with Percy and Frank. They were always too busy.
Carol knew how great a delight a visit to the farm was to the little girls, where each had a special pet of her own which the farmer's wife kindly took care of for them. Carol had visited the farm once before, and was almost as interested as the little girls in the animals and poultry yard. The schoolroom children had grown out of the interest they once had in visiting the farm.
Saturday being a school holiday, the boys were at home all day. After lunch Percy said:
"I say, Carol, some fellows are coming this afternoon; we are going to have a game at rounders. You can manage that. Will you come?"