She laughed. "You _did_ say _we_ this time. When do you want to start?"
"This is Friday. Why, yes, I could. What will you do about your job while you're gone?"
"It goes back to its regular owner," replied Jack, trying to speak lightly; adding, as Desiré looked puzzled, "The old man can manage well enough in pleasant weather. I was only a helper for the winter months, you know. When we come back for the summer, if we decide to stay here, I'll have to look for something else. I can probably get something either here or at Windsor. We'll talk it over on the road."
"Shall we take the children, or leave them with Madam Lovemore? When I mentioned one day our having to go to Yarmouth, she offered to keep them if we wished."
"It would seem too much like imposing," objected Jack; "she has been so very kind to us."
"Yes," admitted Desiré; "and yet I know she's very willing."
"One thing," said Jack thoughtfully, "I hate to have Priscilla miss so many days of school, and she would have to if we took her. How would it do if we left her and took René? Do you think that would be a good idea?"
"Yes; I think that would be fine, and it would even things up better. Prissy can be quite a help to Madam Lovemore, while René always bears watching. I suppose Prissy won't like being left behind, though."
"Probably not; and it will seem queer to leave her. It will be the first time we've been separated since--"
"Yes," said Desiré hurriedly, as Jack's voice faltered; "but we know that she will be well cared for; and after we're once gone, she'll soon get used to the new conditions."
So it was settled, and although at first Priscilla was inclined to feel injured, by the time Monday came she was quite resigned.
"I'll have lots of automobile rides, I suppose," they overheard her saying importantly to René.
"And I'll see old Simon again!" boasted the small boy; "and go on a big boat--and--and--everything," determined not to be outdone.
The older ones smiled as they went about closing up the cabin. They walked as far as the judge's; and although there was no one to see her, Priscilla felt very important carrying the suitcase which held her wardrobe. There was no chance for prolonged farewells; for when they reached their destination it was so nearly time for school that Priscilla could give them only a hasty hug and kiss apiece, before dashing down a side road toward the schoolhouse.