Polly brightened up at once, for she remembered the sofa that Anne had praised as having made a fine bed, and then there were the gorgeous bronzed shades that darkened the windows! Polly stood at the head of the sofa watching eagerly for the effect of the decorating on the city visitors. Barbara stared at first in utter unbelief that her room could be so barren of comfort, then she turned and frowned darkly as the truth impressed her. "Why! There's nothing here--only an old bed, and a painted set of drawers such as our servants would fling out of the room!" Then she caught a twisted reflection of her face in the green mirror. It was too much! She threw herself upon the sofa and laughed hysterically. Eleanor wondered at her sister's discordant mirth but when she looked in the direction Barbara's eyes were turned, she saw the cause. "Verily, Anne, 'pride goeth before a fall'--Poor Bob!" said Eleanor, cynically. Anne could not hide a smile at the words but tried to smooth matters out by going to the window and speaking of the view. "I've had landscape enough for one day, Anne, and could recover somewhat, if I had an opportunity, without having a family party about," retorted Barbara, meaningly. Instantly, Mrs. Brewster turned and beckoned Polly to follow her from the room. The moment the door closed upon the hostess and her daughter, Barbara anticipated her friend's reproach. "Anne, where were your brains when you recommended this awful place to father?" "I had nothing to do with recommending it, Bob. Your father already knew of it and merely asked me to write Polly--my little pupil of a few years ago." "But why didn't you tell _me_ what to expect?" demanded the angry girl. "Simply because I was asked not to mention any particulars that might prejudice you; and besides, you never asked me anything!" retorted Anne, feeling impatient with Barbara. "What's more, Bob, I can't see any justice in making the poor Brewsters suffer for what your own father did! But I'm glad he sent us here--it is great!" declared Eleanor. "Naturally, you find your level in a common country home and family!" said Barbara in an unpleasant voice. "Words never killed any one, Bob, so keep it up if it makes you feel better. I'm used to your complaints," laughed Eleanor. "And allow me to add, Bob, that the Brewsters are _not_ common farmers. Mrs. Brewster had a better education and has more sense than any woman--other than my mother--that I know; and Mr. Brewster is a fine man respected by every one that knows him. Even the government admires his intelligence and worth, and employs him in cases where they need expert agricultural advice and reports!" Anne spoke with frankness and warmth. "The government employs all sorts of men in its need, but that doesn't say the man is a gentleman, nor does it make his wife a lady. _Our_ mother is a lady and goes in the very best society in Chicago!" said Barbara.