"Oh, Aunt Emeline isn't as bad as all that," said Mrs. Bobbsey. "She
is strict, I know, but it is for the children's good. I expect a
letter from her very soon, saying when she can come. As soon as she
can Mr. Bobbsey and I will start for the West."
Bert and Nan tried to be cheerful as the days passed, and they thought
more and more of their father and mother going away from them. Flossie
and Freddie had fretted a little at first, but, being younger, they
were over it more quickly.
At last the letter came from Aunt Emeline. Bert and Nan were home when
their mother read it to their father. A look of surprise came over
Mrs. Bobbsey's face as she read.
"Dear me," she exclaimed, "this is quite surprising!"
"What is it?" asked her husband.
"Aunt Emeline can't come to stay with the children while we go West,"
was the answer. "She says she is too old to take charge of a house and
four children now, and she begs to be excused. Aunt Emeline isn't
coming after all!"
Bert and Nan had hard work not to shout: Hurrah!
Mr.
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