, since Aunt Selina joined our ranks and proffered
Happy Hills for next summer's use, it gives us an entirely new incentive
for work. We had rather expected to take matters easy this winter, for
school does not leave much time for other work. But we have afternoons
and Saturdays."

"And Wednesdays, too, Mrs. Talmage! We all get out at two o'clock
Wednesdays, you know," added Norma.

"If I could skip music that day, I could have a long afternoon with
you," said May, hopefully.

"Well, if anyone who has studies at home for Wednesdays, could arrange
to attend to them at another time, we could have every Wednesday
afternoon for a regular meeting, too," admitted Mrs. Talmage.

Miss Selina was so interested in the children that she smiled when they
did, and puckered her brow into a frown when they did. Mrs. Catlin
amused herself watching the old lady and almost rocked off the steps in
her enjoyment.

"One thing we must discuss to-day is a suitable nest for winter. We
cannot occupy the one in the cherry tree much longer, for it is growing
windy and cool. Then, too, there must be some home-work planned for each
one to report at our meetings," said Mrs. Talmage.

"Won't there be any benefits or bazaars?" asked Ruth, who had visions
of fun in the school-house assembly room.

"We will have to earn money in some manner to help the poor children,
but that will have to be discussed later," replied Mrs. Talmage.

After an hour's discussion, Mrs. Catlin left with the parting
injunction, "Call upon me for anything--I will be on hand."

Late in the afternoon Mr. Talmage returned with his brother who was the
editor of a prominent magazine in New York. The Blue Birds had gone, and
Ruth welcomed her uncle whose visits were always a source of pleasure to
Ned and herself.

He sat down on the steps beside her and listened to her story of the
wonderful work Ned's printing press had done that summer, and of the
work required of it for the coming summer. Uncle Ben smiled as he
listened.

"Ned will be walking in my footsteps soon, won't he?" said Uncle Ben, as
Ruth concluded.

Before Ruth could reply her mother came out to welcome the visitor and
tell him of Aunt Selina's presence.

"Aunt Selina! You don't say so! Why, I haven't seen her since my
graduation from college," remarked Uncle Ben, in pleased surprise.

"She is in her room dressing for dinner," said Mrs. Talmage. "You will
find a great change working in her. Why, just t