The Quest of Happy Hearts | Page 8

to be back by sundown, and we haven't
explored very much of the forest," Nora smiled.
"Then you'll come another day," Jerry proposed, "and Marty and I can
go along too; I'm sure Grandfather will be willing."
Another happy hour slipped by, and then the Merediths knew their time
was really up.
"I just wish you could all live here," Marty's eyes were beginning to
look cloudy.
"We'll come soon again, and of course you and Jerry are to be guests at
the party, whenever it comes off."
"Of course," Nora joined in with Janey, at once--"Aunt Janice told us
that we could invite any one we met out here."
Marty and Beth had caught hands at the mention of a party and were
dancing around in a circle. Then Nora began laughing--
"Why, we've had such a pleasant day, that we forgot all about digging
up wild ferns to carry back with us."
"The party won't be for awhile yet, and so after all we'll have a plenty
of time," Don said. "I think Aunt Janice will agree that it's better to
make another trip for them anyway."

"I'm sure she will--" Beth had her arms around Marty, "and you and
Jerry will know where we can find the prettiest ones."
Good-byes were at last over, and they all waved until Marty and Jerry
were swallowed up by the shadowy forest trees.
"Forward--march--" ordered Don--"it's almost sunset!"
"After a delightful day!"
Nora spoke softly, as they followed the trail, that led out of the forest.
"And, I believe, we've found two more on our quest for happy hearts,"
she ended, joyously.

CHAPTER VII
TALKING OVER THE DAY
After supper was over, Aunt Janice gathered the Merediths in a circle
around her, to talk over the happenings of the day spent in the forest.
"What exciting adventure did you have?"
There was a twinkle in the old lady's eyes, and Janey seeing it, knew
that Aunt Janice was wondering what made them forget to bring back
the ferns that they had set out so bravely to gather.
"We truly did have a delightful adventure," they all chorused, in reply
to her question--"and we could hardly wait to tell you about it."
"Let's begin at the beginning."
"Naturally," Don said, glancing over at Janey--"that's the right place to
start."
"--Don--Aunt Janice is waiting."

"Well--we got deep into the forest, when suddenly, at the end of a long
narrow path there appeared a--log cabin!"
"We thought at first it might be a gypsy hut!"
"Don't be silly, Beth--you've forgotten that gypsies wander from place
to place."
"Never mind," Aunt Janice spoke softly--"what did you find?"
"Marty and Jerry and 'Gem'." Alice could wait no longer for a turn to
speak.
"She has climaxed the story before the climax!"
They all joined in the general laughter that followed the youngest
Meredith's remark.
"You'd love Marty and Jerry, Aunt Janice," Nora said--"they are really
delightful, and I'm sure you'll approve of our asking them to the party."
The old lady smiled, as she looked around on the eager faces. She was
thinking of Mr. Greyson, the children's grandfather, who had known
better days, but on account of reverses, had been so reduced, that he
had come out from the city and asked work of her as a forester. Old
Peter Greyson was proud and would have nothing except what he
earned.
"Do you know Marty and Jerry?"
"I know of them, but the grandfather is quite a worthy man, and I'm
glad you discovered the children."
"Do you think the grandfather will let them come?"
Beth's mind was on the forthcoming party.
"We shall certainly hope so. I'm sure if he could be made to see that he
is depriving them of pleasure by keeping them so close, he would."

"We'll find him and tell him," Janey planned.
"We had a delightful picnic with Jerry and Marty; that made us forget
about looking for the ferns for decorating."
"After all the party is some time off, and you can make another
expedition to find those."
"I thought you'd say that," and Janey looked lovingly at the sweet face
before her.
"It would have done your heart good to see how Jerry and Marty
enjoyed your delicious lunch."
"To say nothing of ourselves!" Don supplemented.
"Well, you may have another as soon as you like, and I'll be sure to
include the Greyson's next time."
"Land's End is the most delightful place in the world--" Janey threw her
arms around Aunt Janice impulsively, while sudden tears brimmed over
and splashed down her cheeks.
"Why, my dear, you must be all tired out," the old lady began
sympathetically. But Janey shook her head.
"I was thinking that we don't deserve the jolly time you're giving us--at
first when