"No, of course not, you fortunate little lassie; you have never known anything about the pinchings of poverty--or the pleasures of economy," she added merrily, "for I do assure you there is often real enjoyment in finding how nicely you can contrive to make one dollar do the work of two--or 'auld claes look amaist as weel's the new.' But oh, don't you think it will be fun to keep house, do our own cooking and all?" "Yes," Violet said; "yes, indeed." "And you'll stay, won't you? Don't you think you'd enjoy it?" "Oh, ever so much! but I don't believe I can wait any longer than till to-morrow to see mamma. Besides, I don't know whether she would approve." "Well, if you should spend a day at home and get her consent to come back; how would that do?" Vi thought that plan might answer, if Edward were willing to make one of the party at the cottage. "We must consult the lads at once," said Mary. "Let me help you dress, and we'll go in search of them." Vi sprang up, and with her cousin's assistance made a rapid toilet. They found Edward and Charlie in the summer-house, just across the road, waiting for the call to dinner. Fortunately no one was within hearing, and Mary quickly unfolded her plan. It was heard with delight. "Splendid! Capital! Of course we'll be glad to accept your invitation," they said: Edward, however, putting in the provision, "If mamma sees no objection." "Or grandpa," added Violet. "All the same," said Edward; "mamma never approves of anything that he does not." "Where is the cottage? Can we look at it?" asked Charles. "Yes; the family left this morning, and I have the key," Mary answered. "We could take possession to-night if we chose; but I must lay in some provisions first." "Let's walk up (or down, whichever it is) after dinner and look at it." "Yes, Charlie, if Edward and Vi are agreed. It is up, on this street, about two blocks from here." "Directly in front of the ocean? That's all right." "Or the ocean directly in front of it," Mary returned laughingly. "All the same; don't be too critical, Miss Keith," said Charlie. They did not linger long over dinner or dessert, but made haste to the cottage, eager to see what accommodations it afforded. It was small, the rooms few in number, and mere boxes compared to those Edward and Violet had been accustomed to at Ion and Viamede; and very much more contracted than those of the cottage their mother was occupying, yet all four were quite satisfied to take up their residence in it for a season. "Four bedrooms," remarked Mary reflectively: "two will do for the lads and two for the lasses. Parlor and dining-room are not very spacious, but will hold us all when necessary; I don't suppose we'll spend much of the daytime within doors. By the way, I think we must add Don Keith to our party--if he'll come." The boys said "By all means," and Vi raised no objection. "When do you expect Ella and Amy?" asked Charles, who was well acquainted with both.