CHAPTER I

MERRY TIMES PROMISED


Little Rose Atherton sat on the lower step of the three broad ones
that led down from the piazza, and she wondered if there were, in all
the world, a lovelier spot than Avondale.

"And we live in the finest part of Avondale," she said, continuing her
thoughts aloud. "Tho' wherever Uncle John is, seems better than anywhere
else."

She had spent the bright, happy summer at the shore, and surely Uncle
John's fine residence, "The Cliffs," had been a delightful summer home.

Then Uncle John had one morning told a bit of wonderful news.

"I've something to tell you, my little girl," he said, drawing Rose
to him.

"This is our summer home," he continued, "and a fine summer place it
is, but Rose, little girl, we're to spend the coming Winter at
Avondale."

It had been very exciting!