reat horror of the whole
operation; and, besides, Mr. Spenser thinks it will be more thoroughly
done, if everything is packed away, and we are all out of the house. It
will be very pleasant to be away from the heat of town, and with plenty
of sea breezes to freshen up the children. Celia, I think, is looking
rather delicate."

"A little sea wind, and a few rambles on the shore, will soon bring back
her rosy cheeks," replied Miss Watson, shaking hands with Mrs. Spenser,
as she took her leave. "I hope you will all be very much the better for
the change."

For the rest of the next week--the last but one before the holidays
began--Binswood Villa was a scene of endless bustle and confusion. The
children enjoyed it all immensely, and rejoiced secretly at the little
interruptions to the usual routine of their daily lessons, which were
now taken in "pic-nic fashion," as Celia declared. For after the
dining-room was cleared of its furniture, the schoolroom was obliged to
be used for luncheon and dinner. And at last, joy of joys, the
schoolroom itself had to be partially given up, and the weather being
very warm and dry, the last few days' school was held in the arbour in
the garden. The children enjoyed the remove greatly; but Frank declared
that it was a sore trial to Miss Watson, for she had earwigs up her
sleeve and snails on her gown!

"I am too fond of a garden, Frank, to mind even these mishaps," said
Miss Watson, laughing; "and as they have not yet fallen to my share, I
won't fear them beforehand. I think all the garden inhabitants recognise
_you_ for their lawful prey, for I can see a little money-spinner spider
making a tour of your collar now!"

Then there was all the packing to be done. Mamma very wisely got over
her share of the business during the quiet hours when the young folks
were at school, and, therefore, managed to get everything stowed away in
tolerable order. And she found out the wisdom of her plan soon enough,
for the confusion and trouble that reigned during the three days'
holiday before they left, nearly drove poor Nurse out of her senses. But
at last even all these worries were happily got over, and Celia's
treasures safely put away, Frank's bat and ball and cricket-shoes hunted
up, and Florry's missing wooden spade found behind the clock-case.

Mrs. Spenser and the Nurse had the worst part of the business even now,
in arranging and packing all the frocks and pinafores, socks and jackets
in smal