laughed till the tears came.

"How old are they, and do they do those things often?" she gasped
at last.

"They're six, and they do," said Charlotte briefly. "If ever a day
passes that one of those boys doesn't do something to harrow our
feelings I know that it is a sure sign that something more awful
than usual is going to happen the next day."

"It must be exciting to have a large family," said Ruth with a
tinge of longing in her voice.

"It is; desperately exciting," said Charlotte drily. "Now I call
this luxury," she added, dropping down on the fur rug. "Just imagine
having a place like this where you can be absolutely alone with
books and pictures and fire. You're a lucky girl, Ruth."

"It's a perfectly dear room, and I love it," added Ruth. "It was so
good of all of you to help plan it before you even knew me. Let's
make some fudge, girls," she added. "Who's the best fudge-maker
here?"

"Not I," answered Charlotte lazily. "I'm second to none on eating
it, though."

"Dolly's fudge is great," said Betty.

"You make it then, Dorothy, and I'll help when your arm gets tired,"
said Ruth, getting the chafing-dish from the shelf under the table.