made to feel quite at
home in the cheery library until dinner was announced. The travelers
were too tired to dress for dinner, so they were soon seated about the
table and the conversation naturally turned to Blue Bird talk.

Ruth went to bed soon after dinner, for the day had been tiresome, and
Aunt Selina also felt the need of rest. She admitted that she enjoyed
the trip very much, but her old bones felt the strain of the long day.

CHAPTER III

THE BLUE BIRDS' INSPIRATION

School was to re-open on Thursday, and the Blue Birds had but one day
more of vacation in which to meet and plan for the Winter Nest. Of
course, they could meet after school, or Saturdays, but it seemed more
like a meeting to be able to have the whole day for planning.

By nine o'clock on Wednesday, therefore, they gathered in their Nest
while Mrs. Talmage entertained Aunt Selina on the veranda with past
doings of the children.

Mr. Talmage had to go to the city, and he said that Uncle Ben might come
back with him for a few days' visit. Uncle Ben was his only brother, the
one who had given Ned the printing outfit for a Christmas gift.

Ruth told the Blue Birds all about Happy Hills and Aunt Selina's plan
for the city children.

"Now, how shall we manage to find the children that will need the
country next summer?" asked Ruth.

"Did your aunt say who would look after so many children?" asked Norma.

"No, that is one of the things we shall have to talk over. We only got
as far as deciding that the farm was great!" said Ruth.

"Indeed, it is a fine offer," said several little girls.

"I think we will have to get the opinion of the grown-ups about the
whole plan," ventured Betty.

"Mrs. Talmage and Miss Selina are on the porch now--let's run over and
ask them what they have thought of," suggested Edith.

As the others were of the same mind the Nest was deserted. Upon reaching
the veranda, the Blue Birds were pleased to see that Mrs. Catlin was
sitting there with the other ladies. As Mrs. Catlin was a powerful ally,
she was always welcome when planning was to be done.

While the group on the piazza was deeply concerned talking over winter
work and next summer's plans, Ned came out of the house and went down
the woodland path toward the Starrs' home.

Meredith Starr and his chum, Jinks, were under an old apple-tree in the
garden orchard, and Ned joined them.

"Aunt Selina's at the house, and what do you think?"

Meredith and