He doesn’t want to do that. Isn’t it just providential? This will give us a chance to try the experiment without much expense, and will provide for us for several months.” “We are indeed very fortunate,” replied Jack gravely. “We could hardly take such an offer from anyone else, but Simon is such an old friend that he would feel hurt if we refused. As you say, it will give us a chance to find a place to settle in permanently. In the meantime, we shall be holding the route for him.” They entered the house and dropped down beside the table, still covered with dishes, to finish their talk. “Simon wants an answer as soon as possible; for he hates to think of all his customers being deserted for so long. You’d better write to him tonight.” “I wonder,” said Jack slowly, after a few minutes’ consideration during which his sister scanned his serious, thoughtful face rather anxiously. “I wonder if it would be better for me to go down alone to get the wagon and pick you up on the way back; or, for all of us to ride to Yarmouth on the train, and start the route from there. Which should you like better?” “To go to Yarmouth, of course; but won’t it cost a lot more?” “Some, but—” “I can prepare enough food for us to carry two meals, and there must be some place where we could camp just outside of the city.” “Anxious to get started?” “Yes. I hate goodbyes. I’d like to steal out right away, without anybody knowing it.” “I’m afraid you can’t leave our good neighbors like that. They have known us all our lives; and think how hurt they would feel.” “I suppose so; but they all want us to do something different, and criticize nôtre père for trying to educate us.” “They don’t understand, but they mean well and have been very kind to us.” “I know, and I do appreciate it; but—couldn’t we start soon?” “Day after tomorrow, I should think. I’m afraid one trunk and the box in the store room will be all we can take on our travels. Shall you be able to manage that way?” “I’ll try to; but what shall I do with the furniture?”
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