boys and the little ones----"

"Well, well, your mother and I will talk it over," he repeated, as he
took up his hat and set out again for the hay-field.

The summer evening soon slipped away, and Ruth knew better than to worry
her mother by asking foolish questions; but when supper was over, and
her head lay at rest upon the pillow, her brain was busy, and it was a
long time before sleep overtook her. Delightful visions of sea-side
places such as she had read of in her favourite books, of picnics and
boating, of rambles in search of shells, rare stones and long sea-weeds,
filled her mind; and as she heard the monotonous sounds of her parents'
voices talking in low tones in the room beneath her, and knew that they
were discussing the important question Was she to go or stay? her
impatience almost got the better of her, and she longed to run
downstairs and take part in the conversation.

Presently the voices ceased, there were footsteps on the stairs, the
light of a candle showed through the chink of her door, the footsteps
receded and a door was shut, and Ruth knew that the decision was made
and her mother had gone to bed. And as she could not know the result of
the conversation that night, she very wisely closed her eyes and went to
sleep.

Early the next morning she was awakened by the sun shining in at her
window. She rose at once, dressed quickly, and was soon downstairs, but
not before her mother, who was busily preparing the breakfast. There was
so much to be done before the meal was ready, so much chatter over it,
and so many last words to the boys and their father before they set out
for the hay-field, that Ruth could not find an opportunity to ask her
mother the question that was burning upon her lips, until all trace of
the meal was removed and the children had gone to play in the orchard.

Then she went upstairs to help her make the beds, and there was time for
a quiet chat.

Mrs. Arnold began by inquiring, "What did your cousin say in her letter
yesterday?"

"She asked if I could spend my holidays with them at the sea-side,"
replied Ruth, blushing with joy at the very thought.

"And you would like to go?"

"Oh yes, indeed I should, very, very much; that is--of course--if you
could spare me," she added hesitatingly.

"I suppose then that you do not know what your aunt has suggested. She
writes to know if we will spare you, not only for the holidays, but for
a whole twelvemonth, to be a companion t