"Why, because he's very nice and kind to us children, and tells us the loveliest stories about the brownies in Scotland and about Bruce and Wallace and the black Douglass and Robin Hood and his merry men, and--oh, I can't tell you what all!" "Oh, that must be ever so nice!" cried Lulu, now as much pleased and interested in the news of the expected arrival as Rosie could desire. CHAPTER X. IN WHICH THE CHILDREN HAVE SOME FUN. In the uppermost story of the house at Ion was a large play-room furnished with a great variety of toys and games--indeed almost everything that could be thought of for the amusement of the young folks, from Walter up to Max. But the greatest delight of the last named was in the deft handling of the tools in an adjoining apartment, called the boys' work-room. There he found abundance of material to work upon, holly scroll and fret saws, and a well-stocked tool chest. Edward had given him a few lessons at the start, and now he had become so expert as to be turning out some really beautiful pieces of carving, which he intended to give to his friends at Christmas. Lulu, too, was learning scroll-sawing, and thought it far preferable to any sort of needle-work; sometimes more enjoyable than playing with her dolls. They were there together one afternoon, both very busy and chatting and laughing as they worked. "Max," said Lulu, "I'm determined to learn to do scroll-sawing and carving just as well as ever I can, and make lovely things! Maybe I can contrive new patterns or designs, or whatever they call 'em, and after a while make ever so much money, enough to pay for my clothes and everything, so that papa won't have to spend any of his money on me." "Why, Lu!" exclaimed her brother, "do you think papa grudges the money he spends on you, or any of us?" "No, I know he doesn't," she returned vehemently, "but can't you understand that I'd like him to have more to spend on himself?" "Oh," said Max. "Well, that's right, I'm sure, and very thoughtful for a little girl like you. I do think you're splendid in some ways, Lu." "And whether you make money by it or not, it will be a good thing to learn to do this work well. Papa says, 'knowledge is power,' and the more things we know how to do, the more independent and useful we will be." Just then the door opened, and Zoe, in riding hat and habit, put in her head. "Max, I'm going to ride into the village," she said, "and Edward can't go with me, as he intended. Will you?" "Yes, Aunt Zoe, of course, if you want me," answered the boy promptly, stopping his saw and springing to his feet, for he was much gratified by the invitation. "I'll get ready as fast as I can; 'twon't take over five minutes." "Thank you. I'll wait for you in the parlor," said Zoe, "Lulu, would you like to go, too?" "No, thank you, I had a ride this morning, and now I want to finish this." Max had left the room, and Zoe, drawing nearer to Lulu, exclaimed at the beauty of her work.