"Yes, mother, we've thought of everything--and then some," said Shirley, stooping down to kiss the thin cheek; "but we are sure you are going to like this when you see it. It isn't a palace, of course. You don't expect plate-glass windows, you know." "Well, hardly," said Mrs. Hollister dryly, struggling with herself to be cheerful. She could see that her children were making a brave effort to make a jolly occasion out of their necessity, and she was never one to hang back; so, as she could do nothing else, she assented. "You are sure," she began, looking at Shirley with troubled eyes. "There are so many things to think of, and you are so young." "Trust me, mudder dearie," said Shirley joyously, remembering the fireplace and the electric lights. "It really isn't so bad; and there's a beautiful hill for Doris to run down, and a place to hang a hammock for you right under a big tree where a bird has built its nest." "Oh-h!" echoed the wondering Doris. "And could I see de birdie?" "Yes, darling, you can watch him every day, and see him fly through the blue sky." "It's all right, mother," said George in a businesslike tone. "You'll think it's great after you get used to it. Carol and I are crazy over it." "But will it be where you can get to your work, both of you? I shouldn't like you to take long, lonely walks, you know," said the troubled mother. "Right on the trolley line, mother dear; and the difference in rent will more than pay our fare." "Besides, I'm thinking of buying a bicycle from one of the fellows. He says he'll sell it for five dollars, and I can pay fifty cents a month. Then I could go in on my bike in good weather, and save that much." This from George. "Oh, gee!" said Harley breathlessly. "Then I could ride it sometimes, too." "Sure!" said George generously. "Now," said Shirley with her commanding manner that the children called "brigadier-general," "now, mother dear, you're going to put all your worries out of your head right this minute, and go to sleep. Your business is to get strong enough to be moved out there. When you get there, you'll get well so quick you won't know yourself; but you've got to rest from now on every minute, or you won't be able to go when the time comes; and then what will happen? Will you promise?" Amid the laughing and pleading of her children the mother promised, half smilingly, half tearfully, and succumbed to being prepared for the night. Then they all tiptoed away to the dining-room for a council of war. It was still two weeks before they had to vacate the little brick house, plenty of time to get comfortably settled before they took their mother out there.