“Not as Caddy views the matter,” rejoined Mrs. Ellis.  “She is so fond of house-cleaning, that I positively think she regards the cleanly state of the premises as rather a disadvantage than otherwise.”  They were all, however, very well pleased with the place; and on their way home they settled which should be the best bedroom, and where the children should sleep.  They also calculated how much carpet and oilcloth would be necessary, and what style of furniture should be put in the parlour.

“I think the letter said plain, neat furniture, and not too expensive, did it not?” asked Mrs. Ellis.

“I think those were the very words,” replied Caddy; “and, oh, mother, isn’t it nice to have the buying of so many pretty things?  I do so love to shop!”

“Particularly with some one else’s money,” rejoined her mother, with a smile.

“Yes, or one’s own either, when one has it,” continued Caddy; “I like to spend money under any circumstances.”

Thus in conversation relative to the house and its fixtures, they beguiled the time until they reached their home.  On arriving there, Mrs. Ellis found Robberts awaiting her return with a very anxious countenance.  He informed her that Mrs. Thomas wished to see her immediately; that Charlie had been giving that estimable lady a world of trouble; and that her presence was necessary to set things to rights.

“What has he been doing?” asked Mrs. Ellis.

“Oh, lots of things!  He and aunt Rachel don’t get on together at all; and last night he came nigh having the house burned down over our heads.”

“Why, Robberts, you don’t tell me so!  What a trial boys are,” sighed Mrs. Ellis.

“He got on first rate for a week or two; but since that he has been raising Satan.  He and aunt Rachel had a regular brush yesterday, and he has actually lamed the old woman to that extent she won’t be able to work for a week to come.”

“Dear, dear, what am I to do?” said the perplexed Mrs. Ellis; “I can’t go up there immediately, I am too tired.  Say to Mrs. Thomas I will come up this evening.  I wonder,” concluded she, “what has come over the boy.”  “Mother, you know how cross aunt Rachel is; I expect she has been ill-treating him.  He is so good-natured, that he never would behave improperly to an old person unless goaded to it by some very harsh usage.”

“That’s the way—­go on, Esther, find some excuse for your angel,” said Caddy, ironically.  “Of course that lamb could not do anything wrong, and, according to your judgment, he never does; but, I tell you, he is as bad as any other boy—­boys are boys.  I expect he has been tracking over the floor after aunt Rachel has scrubbed it, or has been doing something equally provoking; he has been in mischief, depend upon it.”