she had always liked society, and lately
had had very little of it, for no matter how good and lovable sisters
may be, they are sometimes a little tiresome when they are sole
companions.

As to Barbara, she trembled as she thought of Mrs. Cliff's offer:
trembled with joy, which she could not repress; and trembled with fear
that her sister might not accept it. But it was of no use for her to say
anything,--and she said nothing. Eleanor always decided such questions
as these.

After a day's consideration Miss Thorpedyke came to a conclusion, and
she sent Miss Barbara with a message to Mrs. Cliff to the effect that as
the winters were always lonely, and as it would be very pleasant for
them all to be together, she would, if Mrs. Cliff thought it would be an
advantage to her, come with her sister and live in some portion of the
new building which Mrs. Cliff did not intend to be otherwise occupied,
and that they would pay whatever board Mrs. Cliff thought reasonable and
proper; but in order to do this, it would be necessary for them to rent
their present home. They would offer this house fully
furnished,--reserving the privilege of removing the most valuable
heirlooms which it now contained, and, as soon as such an arrangement
could be made, they would be willing to come to Mrs. Cliff and remain
with her during the winter.

When Miss Barbara had heard this decision her heart had fallen! She knew
that it would be almost impossible to find a tenant who would take that
house, especially for winter occupancy, and that even if a tenant could
be found, the rent would be very little. And she knew, moreover, that
having come to a decision Eleanor could not be moved from it.

She found Mr. Burke and Willy with Mrs. Cliff, but as he knew all about
the project and had taken great interest in it, she did not hesitate to
tell her message before him. Mrs. Cliff was very much disappointed.

"That ends the matter!" said she. "Your house cannot be rented for the
winter!"

"I don't know about that!" exclaimed Mr. Burke. "By George! I'll take
the house myself! I want a house,--I want just such a house; I want it
furnished,--except I don't want to be responsible for old heirlooms, and
I'm willing to pay a fair and reasonable rent for it; and I'm sure,
although I never had the pleasure of being in it, it ought to bring rent
enough to pay the board of any two ladies any winter, wherever they
might be!"

"But, Mr. Burke," Miss Barbara sa