ts and assuming an air of deep meditation.

"It is ever so much better than Mrs. West's!" he exclaimed presently.
"I am glad the old lady is going. I shall not tell you what it is till
I investigate, but I am sure it will do."

He was so interested in his scheme, whatever it might be, that he
would not wait a moment, but rushed away as soon as the door was
opened.

"Ridiculous boy! What can he be thinking of?" Dora said to herself as
she went upstairs, her curiosity much stronger than her faith.

"Aunt Zelie, can't you come with me over to the bakery?" asked Carl,
bursting in upon her five minutes later.

"If it is a matter of life and death I presume I can," she replied.
"What is going on there?"

"Nothing; I'll tell you about it, only do get your things, or it will
be dark."

As she put on her hat and coat he told her about Dora's trouble, which
she could appreciate far better than he.

"She said she knew they could not find a house that would do," he went
on, "and that reminded me that there is a 'For Rent' sign in the
windows over the bakery. You know if they lived there Mrs. Smith would
be good to them, and perhaps they could get their meals from her. So I
want you to look at the rooms and see what you think. Dora would
listen to you."

Very much amused, Aunt Zelie went with him, agreeing that it might be
practicable.

Mrs. Smith, the wife of the confectioner, was delighted to show her
rooms, and led the way through the store into the entrance hall at the
side, and on upstairs. There were two large, bright rooms opening into
the hall, with a bath-room adjoining. The rent was very reasonable,
and she said she could furnish meals. Aunt Zelie was forced to admit
that her nephew's plan had a good deal to recommend it.

Nothing would do but they must go and tell Dora about it before they
went home.

She was very much surprised to see them, and listened with eyes that
grew bright as the plan was unfolded.

"Didn't I tell you it would be better than staying here?" Carl asked
triumphantly.

"It sounds as if it would be perfect; how did you come to think of
it?" Dora said gratefully.

She could hardly wait till Monday afternoon to go and see for herself.
Mrs. Howard went with her then, and so did Bess and Louise, but they
only sat on the window-sill and built castles while the others made
calculations and discussed carpets and curtains.

"They are such pleasant rooms, so much more so than the one we ha