Hilary was quite impressed and wondered if either of her brothers could ever be as much like her father as Philip was like Mr. Van Buskirk. “It doesn’t look much like it now,” she thought, recalling the often grimy hands and boisterous speech of Gordon and Tom. Stealing a glance at Philip, she concluded that he did not look like a “sissy-boy” either, and that the little chaps would change when the time came. She felt as if she were in a dream as she was whirled along to stop before a fine mansion in a picturesque setting of snow-covered shrubbery and trees. The two girls tripped up the steps, Philip following to ring the bell for them. “Sorry not to stop now,” said he, “but Father has a matter for me to look after as soon as possible.” Touching his hat, Philip started back to the car as the smiling Watts opened the door and received the bags from the chauffeur. “Deserted!” cried Cathalina, “but that’s the way with boys.” Then as they entered the warm, beautiful hall, there was Mrs. Van Buskirk hurrying to meet them. “And here’s my other girl!” she said, drawing Hilary also into motherly arms. “Cold?” “No, but hungry,” replied Cathalina. “We slept late and have quite an appetite, at least I have. Do we have to wait?” “No, indeed,” and Mrs. Van Buskirk led the way to the dining room. “Hot chocolate, Mamma?” Cathalina suggested. Hot chocolate there was with other good things duly served, while Mrs. Van Buskirk wondered and was thankful to see her little girl eat with the normal school girl’s appetite. Hilary felt almost lost as she slipped through the big rooms with Cathalina. Etta was unpacking when the girls reached Cathalina’s room. “Where are Hilary’s things?” “In the rose room, Miss Cathalina; I just finished in there.” “Mother’s given you the room across from mine, Hilary,—will you be lonesome? If you are, you can come and sleep with me.” “O, no,” Hilary answered. “I’ve always had to share my room with June or little Mary, so it will be lovely to have a room of my own—though, of course, I’d love to be with you.” Cathalina laughed. “I understand perfectly, Hilary. Come and see how you like it.” “O, what a dear of a room!” Hilary stopped just inside to feast her eyes. “I like this room too, and came very near taking it after it was decorated; but blue is my color, after all, and I stick to my own room.” The rose room was not quite so large as Cathalina’s. Its furniture and woodwork were of some very dark wood, Hilary did not know what. She had an impression of handsome furniture, pale pink to rose color upon white or gray tones, in walls and draperies. Pink and white silk curtains were at the windows. The dainty dressing table was fitted with silver. “Now I’m going to leave you to yourself for a little while, Hilary,—we can clean up and I feel like another nap before lunch. There is paper and everything in the desk there if you want to write home. Do you want Etta to help you with your bath?”