piled into their car and
started away with grudging thanks for the efforts in their behalf,
Leslie sat on the terrace musingly; and at last quite shyly she said:

"Cloudy, dear, what makes such a difference in people? Why are some so
much harder to make have a good time than others? Why, I feel as if
I'd lived years since day before yesterday, and I don't feel as if
they'd half enjoyed anything. I really wanted to make them happy, for
I felt as if we'd taken so much from them when we took you; but I just
seemed to fail, everything I did."

Julia Cloud smiled.

"I don't know what it is, dear, unless it is that some people have
different ideals and standards from other people, and they can't find
their pleasure the same way. Your Aunt Ellen always wanted to have a
lot of people around, and liked to go to tea-parties and dress a great
deal; and she never cared for reading or study or music. But I think
you're mistaken about their not having had a good time. They
appreciated your trying to do things for them, I know, for Aunt Ellen
said to me that you were a very thoughtful girl. And the children
enjoyed the victrola, especially the funny records. Herbert liked it
that Allison let him drive his car when they went out. They enjoyed
the eating, too, I know, even though Ellen did say she shouldn't care
to have her meals cooked by a servant; she should want to be _sure_
they were clean."

"Did she truly say that, Cloudy?" twinkled Leslie. "Isn't she funny?"
They both broke down and laughed.

"But I'm glad they came, Cloudy. I truly am. It was nice to play with
the children, and nice to have a home to show our relatives, and
nicest of all to have them see you--how beautiful you are at the head
of the house."

"Dear, flattering child!" said Julia Cloud lovingly. "It is so good to
know you feel that way! But now here comes Allison, and we must finish
up our plans for the trip and get ready to close the house for the
summer."

They had a wonderful trip to mountains and lakes and seaside, staying
as long as they pleased wherever they liked, and everywhere making
friends and having good times; but toward the end of their trip the
children began to get restless for the little pink-and-white cottage
and home.

"We really ought to get back and see how the Christian Endeavor
Society is getting along," said Allison one day as they glided through
a little village that reminded them of home. "I don't see any place as
nice as ou