"If only the tree grew close to the wall," Ted had often said to himself; and now as Cissy sat down below wondering what Ted was going to do, his quick eyes were examining all about to see if a plan that had struck him would be possible.
"Cissy," he cried suddenly, and Cissy started to her feet. "Oh what, Ted?" she cried.
"I see how it could be done. If I had a plank of wood I could fasten it to the tree on one side, and—and—I could find some way if I tried, of fastening it to the wall on the other, and then I could pull the branches down a little—they're nearly down far enough, to make a sort of back to the seat, and oh, Cissy, it would be such a lovely place! We could both sit on it, and see all that passed. I'll tell you what I'm seeing now. There's a man with a wheelbarrow just passing, and such a queer little dog running beside, and farther off there's a boy with a basket, and two girls, and one of them's carrying a baby, and—yes there's a cart and horse coming—awfully fast. I do believe the horse is running away. No, he's pulled it up, and——"
"O Ted," said Cissy, clasping her hands, "how lovely it must be! O Ted, do come down and be kick about making the place for me, for Cissy."
Just then the dinner-bell rang. Ted began his descent, Cissy eagerly awaiting him. She took his hand and trotted along beside him.
"Do zoo think zoo can do it, Ted?" she said.
"I must see about the wood first," said Ted, not without a little importance in his tone; "I think there's some pieces in the coach-house that would do."
At luncheon the big people, of whom there were several, for some uncles and aunts had been staying with the children's father and mother lately, noticed that Ted and Cissy looked very eager about something.
"What have you been doing with yourselves, you little people, this morning?" said one of the aunties kindly.
Cissy was about to answer, but a glance from Ted made her shut tight her little mouth again. There must be some reason for it—perhaps this delightful plan was to be a secret, for her faith in Ted was unbounded.