It was afternoon, and the four little sisters were once more in their favorite place, under the big apple-tree. The first excitement of Grandma’s wonderful news had, in a measure, subsided, but for the first few hours it had really seemed quite impossible to keep still, and at last Grandma, in despair, had gone out to call on a neighbor, declaring that so much talking was more than she could endure. But in spite of her sharp words, Mrs. Winslow had not looked altogether displeased. “I think she is a little happy herself,” Daisy said, as the tall erect figure of the old lady passed out of the gate. “Of course when Papa comes she won’t have to keep us any longer, and that will be a great relief.” “I don’t think we’ve been such a terrible trouble to her,” said Molly, a little indignantly; “we’ve tried to be pretty good.” “Yes, I know,” said Daisy, “but then, you see, Grandma doesn’t care much about children, and we are only steps. If it had been Paul it might be different.” “Oh, I’m so glad we’re not going to be steps any longer,” cried Dulcie, with shining eyes. “Think of having a little home all by ourselves with Papa. I’m so happy I don’t know whether I want to laugh or cry.” “Do you suppose Papa will let you keep house?” inquired Molly. “You’re twelve.” “He might,” admitted Dulcie, with becoming modesty. “I think I could, but I shouldn’t scold the servants as much as Grandma does. I wonder where our home will be.” “I hope it will be in the country,” said Maud. “Maybe I can have rabbits.” “I don’t care where it is,” said Daisy; “I don’t care about anything but seeing Papa. I suppose he didn’t tell us he was coming so soon because he wanted it to be a surprise.” “Of course that was the reason,” agreed Dulcie, confidently. “It would have been a surprise, too, if we hadn’t happened to take in the telegram. I don’t believe Grandma would have told us anything, but then we wouldn’t have had the pleasure of anticipating. I think to anticipate something pleasant is one of the nicest things, if you don’t have to wait too long.” “The telegram was from Chicago,” said Daisy. “Grandma says Papa may get here to-morrow.” “I’m hungry,” announced Maud, somewhat irrelevantly. “I was so excited about Papa’s coming home I couldn’t eat any dinner. I don’t see how I can possibly wait till tea-time.” “I think we are all a little hungry,” said Dulcie. “I know I was too excited to eat much dinner. Grandma doesn’t like to have us eat between meals, but I don’t believe she’d mind our having a little bread and butter to-day.” “Go and ask Bridget for some,” urged Molly. “She generally gives you what you ask for, and she’s called you Miss Dulcie since you were twelve.” “Ask her to put some brown sugar on it,” charged Maud, as Dulcie rose, and walked away in the direction of the house.