"Why, Doris, I did not mean it that way. I have everything I want, of course. Fortunately, a minister's clothes do not go out of style--and it saves me trouble and worry to let you spend the family fund instead of doing it myself." "Then you shall be treasurer of the gasoline money. It will make you feel like a millionaire, you poor old soul." She ran to her desk and brought out the box of household funds. "Here is my three dollars-- And don't you get reckless and spend it for tires and rugs and things." Laughing gaily, the other girls brought out their hoarded dollars and thrust them into his hands. "I have not felt so affluent for lo, these many years," he declared. "Let's go out for a spin in the motor, shall we? And we'd better run by the garage and fill her up--the tank is nearly empty." CHAPTER VI THE SERPENT Mr. Artman looked up from his mail, frowning gently, and Doris, always quick to note his changing moods even in the midst of directing Treasure about the proper distance from the table for her chair, and admonishing Zee to eat her oatmeal from the side of her spoon, was prompt to voice a query. "Don't frown, father, it isn't ministerial. Has somebody else left you a will?" "No such luck. I was not frowning at the letter--I have a headache." "Oh, father," cried Zee. "It is because the girls make such a racket. Go to bed, won't you, and I myself will stand on guard and keep peace in the family." "Zee's spirit is willing to be quiet, but her voice and her heels give it no support," smiled Rosalie. "It is not the noise. I like to hear the incessant chatter and chase below stairs when I am working. This fellow--" "Fellow, father?" "Minister," he amended quickly. "He is a minister, but he is tired of pastoral work and wants to try his skill in evangelism, and insists on coming here to practise on us during his vacation. But we aren't ready for evangelistic meetings--and personally I should prefer another-- Anyhow--" he frowned gently at the letter again. "Tell him so," advised Doris. "I did. But he says he is coming for a visit anyhow, and he insists it is a direct guidance of Providence." "Direct guidance of his bank-account, probably," said Rosalie. "Don't let him work you, father." He shook his head at her reprovingly. "If it should really prove a guidance-- Anyhow, as he says, he is coming and will be with us a few days to think it over." "Then I can not go to the country to-morrow," said Doris. "Rosalie is no fit person to cook dinner for a visiting minister." "I am sorry, dear." "Yes, of course you are. I can see quite plainly that you do not want him any more than I do. But never mind. The country will remain forever, but--" "Some visiting ministers do, too, if they get a chance," chimed Rosalie. "Rosalie! I dare say he is very nice, and we shall all enjoy him immensely. Shan't we, father?" "I hope so--I think so. He is--I do not know him very well."