the floor.

"Come on, I'll lead the way," volunteered Elfreda, starting up the
stairs.

"Won't Mrs. Elwood be surprised when she comes home? She'll find us
not only here, but settled," laughed Grace.

But it was Grace rather than Mrs. Elwood who was destined to receive
the surprise.




CHAPTER II

THE UNFORESEEN


Following Elfreda, the girls ran upstairs as fast as their weight of
bags and suit cases would permit. Miriam pushed open her door, which
stood slightly ajar, with the end of her suit case. "Any one at
home?" she inquired saucily as she stepped inside.

"Looks like the same old room," remarked Elfreda. "No, it isn't,
either. We have a new chair. We needed it, too. You may sit in it
occasionally, if you're good, Miriam."

"Thank you," replied Miriam. "For that gracious permission you shall
have one piece of candy out of a five-pound box I have in my trunk."