be?"

It is doubtful whether Aunt Izzie would have been so pleased, for the
lived-in look of the best parlor would have horrified her extremely;
but Katy did not recollect that just then. She was touched at the
genuine kindness of Mrs. Worrett's voice, and took very willingly
her offered kiss. Clover brought lemonade and grapes, and they all
devoted themselves to making the poor lady comfortable. Just before
she went away she said,

"How is it that I can't never get any of you to come out to the Conic
Section? I'm sure I've asked you often enough. There's Elsie, now,
and John, they're just the age to enjoy being in the country. Why
won't you send 'em out for a week? Johnnie can feed chickens, and
chase 'em, too, if she likes," she added, as Johnnie dashed just then
into view, pursuing one of Phil's bantams round the house. "Tell her
so, won't you, Katherine? There is lots of chickens on the farm. She
can chase 'em from morning to night, if she's a mind to."

Katy thanked her, but she didn't think the children would care to go.
She gave Johnnie the message, and then the whole matter passed out of
her mind. The family were in low spirits that morning because of
Cousin Helen's having just gone away; and Elsie was lying on the sofa
fanning herself with a great palm-leaf fan.

"Oh, dear!" she sighed. "Do you suppose it's every going to be cool
again? It does seem as if I couldn't bear it any longer."

"Aren't you well, darling?" inquired Katy, anxiously.