fellow who brought me up here seems to be your chief cook
and bottle-washer, and he wants to speak to you, I reckon," for Lucas
was waiting to learn where he should put the potatoes and other things.

Mr. Bray knew all about the boarding house project and approved of it.
"Why, I can soon help around myself. And I must do something," he told
them, that evening, "or I shall go crazy. I couldn't endure the rest
cure." But it was complete rest that he had to endure for several days
after his unexpected arrival.

The girls gave up their room to their father, and went upstairs to sleep.
'Phemie had to admit that even _she_ was glad there was at last somebody
else in the house. Especially a man!

"But I never have thought to ask Mr. Pritchett about his being up here
with that Spink man last Saturday night," Lyddy said, sleepily.

"You'd better let it drop," advised 'Phemie. "We don't want to get the
whole Pritchett family down on us."

"What nonsense! Of course I shall ask him," declared her sister.

But as it happened something occurred the following day to quite put this
small matter out of Lyddy's mind. The postman brought the first letter in
answer to their advertisement. Lyddy was about to tear open the envelope
when she halted in amazement. The card printed in the corner included the
number of Trimble Avenue right next to the big tenement house in which the
Brays had lived before coming here to Hillcrest.

"Isn't that strange?" she murmured, and read the card again:

_Commonwealth Chemical Company_
_407 Trimble Avenue_
_Easthampton_

"Right from the very next door!" sparkled 'Phemie. "Don't that beat
all!--as Lucas says."

But Lyddy had now opened the letter and read as follows:

"L. Bray, Hillcrest Farm, Bridleburg P. O.
"Dear Madam:

I have read your advertisement and believe that you offer exactly
what my father and I have been looking for--a quiet, homelike
boarding house in the hills, and not too far away for me to get
easily back and forth. If agreeable, we shall come to Bridleburg
Saturday and would be glad to have you meet the 10:14 train on its
arrival. If both parties are suited we can then discuss terms.

"Respectfully,
"Harris Colesworth."

"Why, what's the matter, Lyd?" demanded her sister, in amazement.

But Lyddy Bray d