CHAPTER XXV.

There was a full breakfast table the next morning, for the young visitors determined to fall into the ways of the family as much as possible, so decided to be “early birds” along with the rest.

During the meal, Mr. McDonald suggested the various ways they might pass the day enjoyably; but when he had exhausted the resources of pleasure that occurred to his mind, Dexie smilingly said,

“You are very kind, Mr. McDonald, to place so many pleasures within our reach, but it would not be right to spend the whole day in that way.”

“What way would you prefer to pass the day?” said Lizzie, with a smile.

“Well, first, I should like to help wash the dishes, then I should like to be set to work at anything else that I can do in a passable manner.”

“Dear me! is that what you call enjoying yourself, Miss Dexie?” said Maggie.  “I fancy you would not like dish-washing, if you had to do it all the time.”

“Well, perhaps a full day’s task of dish-washing would be rather tedious,” said Dexie, laughing; “but I was only bidding for the breakfast dishes, you know.”

“But there is no need to trouble yourselves about anything,” said Mrs. McDonald.  “Enjoy yourselves all you can while you are here; Phebe can manage the work nicely.  Put on your hats, and have a walk through the fields; it will give you a fine appetite for your dinner.”

“But I have a remarkable appetite already, Mrs. McDonald; I shall be alarmed if it increases much more,” was the smiling reply, “and you know the Bible says, ‘If one will not work, neither should he eat,’ or words to that effect, so you must have pity on me, and not keep me idle.  Lancy, your appetite is wonderful too, for that is your second cup of coffee; you had better hunt up some work also,” she laughingly added.

“I will give him some now,” said Lizzie.  “Before the tide comes in he can go down to the boat-house and get out the boat.  We want to be off by ten o’clock; the tide will be about right then, and since you are so anxious for work, Miss Dexie, you may help Maggie pack the baskets.  I hope, Gertrude, you won’t ask for something to do, for I want you to take Miss Gurney around, and show her the poultry yard.  Mother will be too busy to protect her from our feathered enemies.”

“Enemies! are they very savage?” Elsie asked in alarm.

“No; the trouble is in the opposite direction,” said Maggie.  “The creatures are that tame they are quite a nuisance; you can scarcely step for them.  The greedy things look for something to eat from everybody who ventures inside the yard, and will fly on your shoulders for the first chance at the pan.  Gertrude knows how to protect herself, so you can put yourself under her care with safety.”

How pleasant it is when one goes visiting to feel as if you are one of the family; but the expression “Making yourself at home” is more often made than really experienced.  While at the farmhouse our young people did truly realize the feeling.