nd always a lady," he went on; "and
to-morrow morning I believe I'll run over and see if she can't come
right away."

"And may I ask which--er--stratum she--they--will occupy?" smiled
Bertram.

"You may ask, but I'm afraid you won't find out very soon," retorted
William, dryly, "if we take as long to decide that matter as we have the
rest of it."

"Er--Cyril has the most--UNOCCUPIED space," volunteered Bertram,
cheerfully.

"Indeed!" retaliated Cyril. "Suppose you let me speak for myself! Of
course, so far as truck is concerned, I'm not in it with you and Will.
But as for the USE I put my rooms to--! Besides, I already have Pete
there, and would have Dong Ling probably, if he slept here. However,
if you want any of my rooms, don't let my petty wants and wishes
interfere--"

"No, no," interrupted William, in quick conciliation. "We don't want
your rooms, Cyril. Aunt Hannah abhors stairs. Of course I might move, I
suppose. My rooms are one flight less; but if I only didn't have so many
things!"

"Oh, you men!" shrugged Kate, wearily. "Why don't you ask my opinion
sometimes? It seems to me that in this case a woman's wit might be of
some help!"

"All right, go ahead!" nodded William.

Kate leaned forward eagerly--Kate loved to "manage."

"Go easy, now," cautioned Bertram, warily. "You know a strata, even one
as solid as ours, won't stand too much of an earthquake!"

"It isn't an earthquake at all," sniffed Kate. "It's a very sensible
move all around. Here are these two great drawing-rooms, the library,
and the little reception-room across the hall, and not one of them is
ever used but this. Of course the women wouldn't like to sleep down
here, but why don't you, Bertram, take the back drawing-room, the
library, and the little reception-room for yours, and leave the whole of
the second floor for Billy and Aunt Hannah?"

"Good for you, Kate," cried Bertram, appreciatively. "You've hit it
square on the head, and we'll do it. I'll move to-morrow. The light down
here is just as good as it is up-stairs--if you let it in!"

"Thank you, Bertram, and you, too, Kate," breathed William, fervently.
"Now, if you don't mind, I believe I'll go to bed. I am tired!"

CHAPTER X

AUNT HANNAH

As soon as possible after breakfast William went to see Aunt Hannah.

Hannah Stetson was not really William's aunt, though she had been called
Aunt Hannah for years. She was the widow of a distant cousin, and she
lived in a