"Well, women are often lectured by newspaper writers and others on the paramount duty of making themselves acquainted with the culinary art, as well as everything else pertaining to housewifery, in order that they may be fully capable of directing the labors of their servants, and I see no reason why the rule shouldn't hold good for men," remarked Ella. "There, sir, you're cornered, Donald!" laughed Charlie. "Now that we are all here together, suppose we make such arrangements as are necessary to constitute ourselves a tolerably orderly household," said Mary. "I understood that you were commanding officer, and the rest of us had nothing to do but obey orders," said Donald. "Quite a mistake. This is not an army, but a democracy, in which the majority rules. All important questions, therefore--" "Such as the bill of fare for dinner," suggested Charlie. "Excuse the hint, ma'am." "Are to be put to vote," Mary went on, not deigning to notice the interruption. "Mr. Keith, I propose that you, as the eldest of the party, take the chair." "Which?" he asked with serious air. "That large, easy one, which each of us is politely leaving for somebody else." Donald promptly took possession. "Is the meeting ready for business?" he asked. "Ready!" responded Charles and Edward. "Somebody make a motion, then." "I move that Miss Mary Keith be elected housekeeper extraordinary and cook plenipotentiary," said Ella. "I second the motion," said Edward. "You have all heard the motion, and to save useless repetition I put it to vote. All in favor--" A simultaneous "Aye!" from all present, Mary excepted. "Who are to be my assistants?" she asked. "All of us, I suppose," said Charles. "No, not Amy: she's the invalid, and must be taken care of by the heartiest and strongest, which is probably your humble servant, ladies and gentlemen." "Doubtful that!" said Edward, with a downward glance at his own stout limbs. "I think we should all help in that and with the housework," remarked Vi modestly. "Cousin Mary, I can make beds, sweep and dust very nicely, mamma says. It was her wish that I should learn, and I did." "So can I," said Ella, "and we'll undertake that part of the work together, if you like, Miss--" "Call me Violet or Vi." "Yes," said Charlie. "I move that everybody be called by the Christian name--or some abbreviation thereof--as a saving of trouble, and showing a friendly disposition toward each other." "Agreed," said Donald, "but let it be understood that there's no objection to the prefix of cousin." "At what hours shall we take our meals?" asked Mary. "Make a motion," said Donald. "Breakfast at eight, dinner at one, tea at six; will these hours suit all? If not, let us have objections." "Speak now, or forever hold your peace," said Charlie. "They suit me well enough if the rule be not too rigidly enforced, so as to interfere with pleasuring." "I didn't mean they should do that," said Mary; "they are only to be a general guide."