They came back reporting bare floors everywhere, of boards none too well planed either, but everything scrupulously clean. "Then we may well be content," said their mother. The gentlemen returned and the guests were presently summoned, by the ringing of a bell on top of the house, to the supper table, which they found furnished with abundance of good, wholesome well-cooked food. And they were really able to make a very comfortable meal, despite the presence of deli ware, two-pronged steel forks, and the absence of napkins. "What about the goods, Stuart?" asked Mrs. Keith on their return to the parlor. "I have had them carted directly to the house; that is, I believe the men are at it now." "The house?" "The one Ward spoke of. I have taken it. It was Hobson's choice, my dear, or you should have seen it first." "Can I see it now?" "Why, yes, if you choose; it won't be dark yet for an hour. If you and Aunt Wealthy will put on your bonnets, I'll take you round." "Ada and me, too, father?" cried Zillah eagerly. "And Fan and Don and me?" chorused Cyril. "You couldn't think of going without your eldest son;" said Rupert, looking about for his hat. Mrs. Keith turned an inquiring eye upon her husband. "Is it far?" "No; even Fan can easily walk it. Let them come. You, too, Mildred," taking the babe from her arms. "I'll carry baby." "We'll make quite a procession," laughed the young girl. "Won't the people stare?" "What if they do? who of us cares?" "Not I!" cried Rupert, stepping back from the doorway with a commanding wave of the hand, "Procession will please move forward Mr. Keith and wife taking the lead, Miss Stanhope and Miss Keith next in order, Zilly and Ada following close upon their heels, the three inseparables after them, while Marshal Rupert brings up the rear to see that all are in line." Everybody laughed at this sally while they promptly fell into line as directed, passed out upon the sidewalk and pursued their way through the quiet streets. People did stare to be sure, from open doors and windows, some asking, "Who are they?" others answering "New comers and they've got a big family to support." Some remarked that they were nice looking people; while others shook their heads wisely, or dubiously, and said they "expected they were real stuck up folks;--dressed so dreadful fine." However, the subjects of these charitable comments did not overhear, and therefore were not disturbed by them. "Do you see that yellow frame yonder, wife?" Mr. Keith asked as they turned a corner. "With the gable-end to the street and two doors in it, one above and one below?" "The same." "It looks like a warehouse." "That's what it was originally intended for; but finding it not available for that purpose, the owner offered it for rent." "And is it the one you have rented?" "Yes; a poor place to take you to, my dear but, as I told you, it was Hobson's choice." "Then we'll make the best of it and be thankful."