he arbor proper were two long pergolas, likewise built by
Hiram, of birchwood. The arbor had always been a favorite spot with the
girls, when Aunt Roxy had lived in the rambling old white homestead. Now
that it was their abiding place _pro tem._, they spent nearly all their
leisure time out there. There was always a breeze from the south that made
the arbor a port of call, and each one of its vine-framed openings was a
lookout over wide spaces of beauty. Cousin Roxy had once said that she had
made a point of using the arbor as a spot to "rest and invite her soul,"
for years. It had been to her like David's tower, with all its windows
open towards Jerusalem.

"I don't mind Hiram hearing," Kit said; "maybe he can suggest some way
out. Just read that letter over, Dad, very, very carefully, and see if
there isn't some way you can smuggle me out to Delphi, without hurting
Uncle Cassius' feelings."

Mr. Bobbins adjusted his eye-glasses, smiling the little whimsical smile
that Kit loved, and together they read the missive again----

"MY DEAR JERROLD:--

"I trust both you and Elizabeth are enjoying good health, and
that this finds you both facing a more prosperous time than when
I heard last from you.

"It has occurred to both Daphne and myself that we may be able
to relieve you of part of your responsibility and care, at least
for a short time. If the experiment should prove advantageous to
all concerned we might be able to arrange a longer stay. One
suggestion, however, I feel privileged to make. We would prefer
that you would send the boy, as you know this is a college town,
and I am sure it would broaden his views to come west, even for
a short time. I need hardly add that we will do all in our power
to make his stay a pleasant and profitable one.

"Another point to consider is this. I would like to interest him
in a few of my little hobbies, archaeology, geology, etc. I have
delved deeply into the mysteries of the past, and feel I should
pass what I have learned on as a heritage to youth.

"Trusting that you and Elizabeth will be able to coincide with
our views in the matter, I remain,

"Yours faithfully,
CASSIUS C. PEABODY."

"You know, Dad," here Kit slipped her area persuasively around her
father's neck and patted his shoulder, "you've always said yourself that I
was the 'David Copperfield' in the family. Don't you k