who are to stop here during that
convention that's coming, and they'd be glad, I know, to speak to us
young folks. It's perfect weather, and all day these young things who
are shut up all the week could roam about the park, or read, or rest
in the picture-gallery or library, and--eat."

The Sun Maid laughed.

"Do you really stop to think about the eating? How many do you imagine
would have to be fed? And I assure you, my young dreamer, that, though
it doesn't sound especially well, the feeding of her guests is one of
the most important duties of every hostess. But I'll take that part
off your hands. You attend to the spiritual and moral entertainment
and I'll order the table part. Yet your plan calls for many sleeping
accommodations. How about that?"

"I thought, Grandmother, maybe you'd let me open the 'Barrack' again.
That would do for the boys, and there's surely room enough in this
great house for all the girls who'd care to stay."

A shadow passed over the Sun Maid's face, but it--_passed_. In a
moment she looked up brightly and answered as, a few hours later, she
was to be most thankful she had done:

"Very well. After the war was over and I closed it I felt as if I
could never reopen the place. Though Gaspar and my boys never saw it,
somehow it seemed always theirs. I suppose because it had been built
for the benefit of those who had fought and suffered with them. Now I
see that this was morbid; and I am glad I have never torn the building
down, as I have sometimes thought I would. You may have it for your
friends and should set about airing and preparing it at once. Also, if
you are to give so many invitations, you would better start upon
them."

"Couldn't I just put an advertisement in the papers? That's so easy
and short."

"And--rude!"

"Rude?"

"Yes. There would be no compliment in a newspaper invitation. Would
you fancy one for yourself?"

"No, indeed, I should not. That rule of yours, to 'put yourself in his
place,' is a pretty good one, after all, isn't it?"

"Yes. Now order the carriage and I'll go with you on your rounds and
make a list as we do so of how many will need to be provided for. We
shall have a busy week before us."

"But a happy one, Grandmother. Your face is shining already, even more
than usual. I believe in your heart of hearts you love girls better
than anything else in this world."

"Maybe. Except--boys."

"And flowers, and animals. How they will enjoy the conservato