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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/9466.txt b/9466.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b7e71ab --- /dev/null +++ b/9466.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1770 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Quest of Happy Hearts, by Kathleen Hay + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Quest of Happy Hearts + +Author: Kathleen Hay + +Posting Date: August 16, 2012 [EBook #9466] +Release Date: December, 2005 +First Posted: October 3, 2003 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE QUEST OF HAPPY HEARTS *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan, and Project +Gutenberg Distributed Proofreaders + + + + + + + + + + + +THE QUEST OF HAPPY HEARTS + +BY + +KATHLEEN HAY + + + + + + + +CONTENTS + + +CHAPTER + + I. Plans + + II. On the Way + + III. A Glimpse of the Tower Room + + IV. Plans for the Party + + V. Exploring the Forest + + VI. Marty and Jerry + + VII. Talking over the Day + + VIII. The Story of the Tower Room + + IX. Adding to the Quest + + + + + + + +CHAPTER I + +PLANS + + +"Whoever heard of such a plan--a visit to Land's End! The very name of +the place suggests the last spot on the globe; a great old house set down +on the edge of a forest; and Dad called off on business for an indefinite +period, but seemingly content to ship us on a wild goose chase. He's +scarcely told us a word before of the place or of great-aunt Janice +Meredith!" + +Nora's tones were dismal indeed, as she rushed into the living room to +join the other girls to discuss their journey. + +She found the group the reverse of cheerful, at the prospect of this +sudden change of plans, by the invitation to go to Land's End for a +visit. "I have spent many happy days there with Aunt Janice and others," +Mr. Meredith had told them on leaving, "but since your uncle Harry's +death, have been there seldom--some day--" just at that point he paused +with a sigh, and changed from what he had started to say--"Be dutiful and +very loving to Aunt Janice; now there's only time for good-bye." + +That was all they knew, entirely too little to satisfy the young +Meredith family! + +"A visit to Land's End, what a prospect," Janey joined in sympathy with +Nora; the two were near together in age, while Beth and Alice were +younger. They sat listening to the complaints of the older girls, not yet +having had a chance to express their views. + +"Great-aunt Janice may be a lovely old lady," Beth seeing a chance broke +in, by way of consolation; she threw down her story book to join in the +discussion and plans that were inevitable. + +The two brothers Don and Harry had gone to the station to see their +father off and so the girls did not know their views as to what was +to happen. + +"How can we tell what Land's End is like, it may be a--a--castle!" + +"Don't be silly, Beth--you must be reading a fairy tale!" Nora's tone was +scornful, but in a moment she was sorry. + +Alice, the youngest of the Meredith's clapped her hands happily, however, +at Beth's suggestion. + +"It _may be_ a real--palace, Beth--wouldn't that be delightful?" + +"Well, call it a castle of dreams, if you like," Nora began to smile, +"it's no use crying over what can't be helped, because that wouldn't +change the situation; if we _must_, that's settled. Dad has made the +arrangements for us, by accepting the invitation, and there's nothing +left to do but make the best of it after all!" + +Janey's face, as well as Beth's and Alice's began to brighten at Nora's +changed attitude. + +"Land's End may be far happier to visit than we can dream of," Janey +joined in quietly, "and now we had best get right to packing, for there +isn't much time to lose." + +"Could we do a little shopping?" Beth asked, "there may not be any +stores near." + +"We can't carry too much though," Nora said, by way of precaution, +"however we must all remember to take Aunt Janice something; it's good of +her to take us all in for an indefinite visit." + +"Only six additions of the Meredith family." At that they all began to +laugh merrily, and good humor was restored. + +"Would you believe it, I've just begun to think of Aunt Janice's side; +she doesn't know us at all, yet has invited us on a long visit. I just +believe she must be a sweet, brave old lady!" + +Janey looked up quickly from preparations--"I'm sure Aunt Janice is a +dear," she said pleasantly, "and I for one am going prepared to have +a good time, and to try and cheer her up. Dad said we must be dutiful +and loving." + +"What's _dutiful_?" asked Alice. + +Nora laughed. "There now, Janey--explain yourself." + +"Well, Alice, I think it will mean for us to be obedient, and respectful +in trying to do everything to please Aunt Janice. I guess that is what +Dad meant." + +Beth and Alice looked much happier; the visit to Land's End was growing +more and more interesting, since Nora and Janey were beginning to be +ashamed of their first attitude and trying to make amends. + +"There's a song that goes like this," said Janey: + +"'I would be true, for there are those who trust me, +I would be pure, for there are those who care, +I would be strong, for there is much to suffer, +I would be brave, for there is much to dare'..." + +"I love to sing those words, don't you, Nora? There always seems a lot of +things to _do_ in it, that are worthwhile." + +"There are a lot of worthwhile things to follow out in the song," Nora +replied, "suppose we all sing it together, before we start to get ready +for our journey?" + +They all crossed quickly over to the open piano in one corner of +the room. Nora had taken music and so was the pianist of the +family. She struck the opening chords, and then they all joined in +singing it through. + +"'_I would look up--and laugh--and love--and lift_--" the music died +away, while the girls remained in thought for a few moments. It was Nora +who broke the pause, glancing around on the group who had always looked +up to her. + +"I think the words are beautiful," she commented softly--"I somehow feel +braver, when I sing them thoughtfully--'_I would look up_--_and +laugh_--_and love_--_and_--_lift_!'" + +"I think I'll take that as my motto to try and follow." + +"I would like to also," Janey, too, was thinking hard. + +Then they broke up, happier because of the challenge in the song to +worthwhile effort, and ready now to begin the preparations of the +impending journey to Land's End! + + + + +CHAPTER II + +ON THE WAY + + +The next day was a busy one for the Merediths, but at last everything +was ready, and bag and baggage they boarded the train and were off on +the journey. + +"I wonder what it's all going to be like, really?" Nora and Janey peered +out on the passing scenes, as they sped along. + +Directly in front of them were Beth and Alice, and beyond them, Don and +Harry, who felt the responsibility of their position as protectors of the +four girls. + +Don and Harry were also speculating. + +"I wonder how it ever came to be called _Land's End_?" + +"I believe Dad said the land ran up into a narrow kind of neck and so +people, just trying to find a name, made it out of that, I suppose; it +sounds rather mysterious however; who knows but what we _may_ run up on +an adventure." + +Harry laughed. + +"Well, from its title it sounds rather quiet, but we won't have much time +for speculation, and as you say we may run up on something quite exciting +during our visit to the woods!" + +They chatted away merrily for awhile, until almost before they could +realize the distance had passed so quickly, they were at their +destination, while a voice was calling--"all off for Land's End!" + +Nora, Janey, Beth and Alice, Harry and Don, sprang to their feet in +surprise, while eagerly peering into the dusk of the outside, to catch a +glimpse of the scene awaiting. + +A sudden jolt warned them that the trip was over and gathering up their +bundles they began to pile out. + +They were greeted at the train steps by a friendly man, who took them at +once to a car not far distant. + +"Is _this_ Land's End?" Don inquired. + +"It is indeed," laughed their pilot, "did you imagine we all had to walk +out here?" + +"I--I--really didn't know," Don replied, trying to be polite, while +sticking to the truth. + +"_I_ thought perhaps it might be the end of the world!" + +Small Alice suddenly joined in the conversation from her corner, half +hidden by packages and suit cases; after that the tension was over and +they all talked merrily as they glided along. + +"Well, here we are, and there's Aunt Janice Meredith," Nora was the first +to jump out and go forward to greet the small figure awaiting them in a +flood of light, that stretched out in welcoming rays in all directions. + +"A very, very warm welcome to all of my Meredith nieces and nephews!" +said the diminutive lady, holding out both hands in greeting. + +Alice nudged Beth, her eyes big with excitement. + +Their friendly pilot had said goodnight, and slipped quietly away, +leaving them to themselves for the first meeting. + +"Come right in to supper, the old place hasn't had such a merry set for +quite a while, and it does my heart good to have you." + +The old lady turned and led the way into a spacious dining room, where +the table was set with the daintiest china and gleaming silver. + +The room also seemed filled with the softest most musical notes, that +made the place seem to Beth and Alice like fairyland at once. + +"Now tell me about your journey," Aunt Janice began, after seeing to the +comfort of each, because she declared, they must really be almost +famished after the long trip. + +Soon they began to talk and the evening advanced in an unaccountable +manner toward bedtime, so delightful were the hours of getting +acquainted. When she felt they must break up, Aunt Janice led the way up +the winding stair. + +"Good-night, and happy dreams!" she said, with a smile for all the group, +"take a good rest now, and be ready for some good times tomorrow." + +"Oh, Aunt Janice, we're already having a lovely visit, and you are indeed +kind to invite us for a stay in this beautiful, old house." + +"The more the merrier, my dear," she beamed on Nora. "All of you in turn, +will make the old place far happier than it has been in a long while, and +I shall be much helped by having you here." + +"Is it a fairy castle?" Alice had slipped one hand into the old lady's, +as they stood talking together. + +"I think I'll wait a bit and let _you_ tell _me_ if it seems like a real +fairy castle, Alice, after you've been here awhile." + +"That will be fun," Beth answered. + +Aunt Janice smiled. + +"Don't you believe in fairies? The fairies I believe in have always been +welcome companions of mine, namely, the fairies of kindness, good +thoughts and wishes and deeds; they drive out loneliness, if you let them +live under your roof. Moreover, the world then seen is brighter because +of their light." + +Alice beamed. + +"There is a little song that says, 'Brighten the corner where you are--', +I love brightness and light, don't you, Aunt Janice?" + +"I believe we feel that way, Janey, because of the One who is the Source +of all good thoughts, wishes and deeds and who said, '_I am the Light of +the world_.' How desolate life would be without the light of His love, +shed on dark pathways to make them shine!" + +Nora and Janey looked quickly into the old lady's face. They saw both +sadness and gladness, smiling through. + +"I'm sure we're going to love it here," they said impulsively, as they +threw their arms around the old lady to bid her goodnight. + +"I'm ever so glad that you feel that way; you may look forward to some +happy hours and surprises, I hope--just wait and see!" + +Then Aunt Janice turned, and with a wave of her hand, disappeared into a +room at the end of the long hall. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +A GLIMPSE OF THE TOWER ROOM + + +Not even the excitement of anticipation could keep the Merediths awake +that first night of their visit to Land's End, but after a refreshing +sleep, bright and early the next morning they were awakened by the sun +shining through the green blinds that shaded the old castle windows. + +Also by Aunt Janice calling pleasantly, "Did you have a good night's +rest, and are you ready to go down to breakfast now?" + +She beamed happily around on all the young Meredith's, as they hurriedly +joined her at the top of the stairs. + +A little later at the breakfast table she asked suddenly,--"What shall +the program be today; an exploring expedition into the forest--a trip to +the city to shop, or perhaps a ride on the ponies and a visit to the old +castle gardens?" + +"Oh," chorused the Merediths--"everything sounds so delightful, it's hard +to choose!" + +Aunt Janice's eyes twinkled. + +"Perhaps I'd best help you out to begin with then--suppose you explore +the gardens and the old place this morning; then by the afternoon, you'll +be ready to choose what you'd prefer next. I shall not go along, but you +are to feel perfectly at home; go anywhere you fancy--_only_--," Aunt +Janice lowered her voice--"only pass quickly by the tower room at the +extreme west wing--perhaps sometime--," the old lady paused, a sigh +escaping her lips, that she forgot to stifle, but quickly remembering, +brought back a bright smile, as she first led them in family prayers and +then waved them off, bidding her young visitors to have a happy morning. + +"What a wonderful old place!" Nora was the first to speak, as they +passed here and there examining one thing after another. + +"It certainly is," Harry's eyes were thoughtful. "I wonder why Dad has +only dropped a word, here and there, of it, and about Aunt Janice. I +hardly realized that she was real until we came and saw!" + +"It puzzles me, too," Nora agreed, "I keep thinking that maybe I'll wake +up directly and find I've been dreaming." + +"And we thought Land's End was going to be the end of everything! The old +place holds a mystery, and I can't but wonder what it is." + +The undercurrent of excitement was thrilling to the Merediths, as their +thoughts turned to Aunt Janice's parting injunction about the tower room. + +"If there's anything bothering Aunt Janice, I'd do anything to help her +out." Nora was speaking softly. + +"Perhaps we can help," Don said, "anyhow we can follow out her +instructions, whatever they may be." + +"I love Aunt Janice," Alice joined in, "don't you?" + +"She's a perfectly darling old lady," Beth replied, a sentiment that +expressed the feelings of all the Merediths. + +A sudden turn in their wanderings, revealed the mysterious west wing and +tower room, that was uppermost, just then, in their minds. + +With its clinging ivy that covered the old walls, it looked more +mysterious than they dreamed it would. In another moment, however, they +remembered what Aunt Janice had said, and hurried on by. + +"I don't think we ought to look at it even at a distance," Nora remarked, +"because I'm sure that room holds the secret that shadows the old place; +for some reason Aunt Janice isn't ready to disclose it." + +"And _I_ believe that Dad would have told us all about the castle if it +hadn't been for the mystery." Janey glanced back over her shoulder as she +spoke, then gave a suppressed scream. + +"There's someone inside the tower room," she gasped--"I saw a +handkerchief waving behind the ivy covered window!" + +"Hush!" Nora broke in hurriedly, "you imagined that, Janey--probably a +white pigeon has flown in and can't find its way out again." + +"Imagined indeed!" Janey's voice was shaking with excitement, "I tell +you that someone is there at this moment, peering through those +overhanging vines." + +Alice began to cry softly, while Nora had to turn her attention toward +pacifying the little girl. + +"Don't cry Alice, I think it is only a white pigeon that can't +escape, and is flying back and forth to find an opening; there's +nothing mysterious in that; now promise not to say anything of this +to Aunt Janice." + +"I'll try to remember," and Alice dried her tears with Nora's words of +comfort, and soon they caught up with the party ahead, and for the time +being the incident was forgotten. + +The morning hours slipped rapidly along, but at last they had gone over +the old place and gardens, which stretched around on all sides. With +reluctance they then retraced their steps, thinking perhaps they were +overstaying their time. + +Aunt Janice was standing in the door awaiting them. + +"Did you have a pleasant morning; and what do you think of the old +gardens?" + +"Beautiful" and "Wonderful!" Their exclamations of delight and pleasure, +were quite satisfying to Aunt Janice. + +"We're having the loveliest visit, and everything is charming." + +The old lady's face was a picture, as she smiled on the group, reacting +to the breath of youth, again awakened in her heart, by these happy +young visitors. + +"Suppose it could be managed, would all of you care to make the +old castle your--home?" She spoke on impulse on hearing their +words of praise. + +"Oh, Aunt Janice--" Nora replied quickly, "it would seem like the happy +ending to a book!" + +"Perhaps it can be arranged then," the old lady clasped her hands +together--"you could have all of the advantages of the near-by city, and +yet we could have a merry time out here in the old homestead, if only +Gwen--" she paused, suddenly remembering, and cut short the words +unuttered. + +"Come--" she said, turning abruptly, "lunch is waiting, and I feel sure +you must be ready for it, after the morning hours of exploration." + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +PLANS FOR THE PARTY + + +Luncheon over, the ponies were brought out from the stables, and as Don +expressed it, they seemed ready-made for their visit. + +The boys were overjoyed as they mounted and galloped away down the long +avenue for a ride; the girls at first being satisfied with a trot around +the grounds on "Brownie's" broad back. + +After the delightful day had gone at last, tired but happy they gathered +around Aunt Janice as she sat knitting. + +"You must have a fortune growing around the old place on all of those +fine forest trees!" Harry commented. + +Aunt Janice looked toward the speaker quickly. + +"Well, I believe it is one of the finest in this part of the country; you +may all take a basket of lunch and go out exploring there, if you like, +soon--all varieties of lovely ferns grow about in damp places and you can +bring some back to help make the old place look green and pretty inside, +as well as on the outside, for we must get ready for a party." + +"A party--a party--" chorused several voices at once. + +"I see the plan meets with approval; all right then; I'll have a good +lunch put up and you may spend the day, and wander around to your +heart's content!" + +"How delightful!--and shall we play games, too?" + +Alice had come up close to Aunt Janice and placed one small hand in hers. +"Isn't everything going to be just ever so happy?" + +"Happier by far than it has been for years, because of you young people +to make it so, and last but not least, we shall have as many games in the +program as you care to play." + +The next hour or so passed rapidly in discussing the plans for the party +to be, and all of the Merediths including Aunt Janice, were sorry when +the hands of the old grandfather's clock began to warn them of the +breaking up hour. + +After they had separated for the night, Nora and Janey kept on talking of +the delightful hours that they had spent. + +"I never dreamed that Land's End would be as beautiful as a dream story," +Nora remarked, "and I said such cross things about coming at first. I +don't feel that I deserve this wonderful visit." + +"You didn't really mean them, Nora; nor did I. I'm sure Aunt Janice and +Dad would understand." + +"I hope so, because I'm really sorry and ashamed." + +"I am afraid we all say things only too often that are so unworthy; +wouldn't we have much more happiness, Nora, if we would heed the warning +of the Bible to guard our tongue and not to judge our fellowmen?" + +"Y--es,--I suppose so. I think this place should be called the Castle of +Delight, instead of Land's End; it would certainly be more appropriate." + +"I think so too," Janey agreed. "I wonder if we'll come across any people +living in the forest?" + +"I wonder" Janey echoed. "Perhaps the old man who brought us from the +station in Aunt Janice's car. He may live in there, and we might stop and +invite him to the party." + +Nora laughed. + +"He isn't really old, Janey. I thought him pretty vigorous. Who knows +though, whom we may find deep in the forest? We shall have to ask Aunt +Janice though for permission to invite guests." + +"The more the merrier, sir, she said-- +While gazing on the tulip bed,-- +Come be our flower-guests, so sweet-- +And make our party quite complete!" + +"I didn't know you were a poetess, Nora! I'm sure Aunt Janice will let +us have all the flower guests we want--from woods or garden." + +"The sooner we stop talking, the sooner morning will come again, and so +good-night and sweet dreams, Janey." + +But Janey slipped out of bed and over to the window for one more look at +the terrace, white and silvery in the bright moonlight. + +"Have you forgotten the mystery of the tower room, Nora?" + +Nora brushed back her brown curls, impatiently. + +"Come back to bed and to sleep, Janey--you probably saw, as I said, a +white pigeon imprisoned in the room; dismiss the thought, and forget all +about it." + +Janey was peering through the open window on the moonlit terrace below. + +"I'm sure a white figure went gliding by and disappeared among the trees. +Come quick, Nora, and watch!" + +Janey's voice was shaking with excitement, and it was only after several +minutes of remonstrance from Nora that she was persuaded she was acting +foolishly to be hunting up mysteries in perhaps just a passing traveler, +and so gave up and returned to bed. + +"Maybe you'll find out I'm right about the waving handkerchief from the +tower room, and also about that passing figure. I think they're +connected, so there, Nora--you just wait and see when the mystery is all +cleared up!" + +With that thought foremost in her mind, Janey at last, fell asleep. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +EXPLORING THE FOREST + + +Bright and early after breakfast, the Merediths, bidding Aunt Janice +good-bye, started out on their exploring expedition into the forest. + +"You may make a whole day of it, if you like," Aunt Janice had said, "and +have a picnic dinner--only be careful." + +"We will--" they assented, "and as you don't mind if we stay all day, we +can camp out, and play we're a gypsy band, and have lots of fun." + +The old lady smiled. Beth had run back for a moment. + +"Won't you be lonely?" she asked, but Aunt Janice thinking of their +pleasure, had shaken her head. + +"Not since you'll be coming back to have supper with me; don't stay any +longer than sundown." + +"All right," replied Don. + +"I nearly forgot," Nora began, "may we invite any one in the forest, whom +we chance to meet?" + +Aunt Janice nodded in the affirmative, and at last they were off. + +The blue mist across the hills was melting into thousands of sparkling +dewdrops, as the sun began to climb higher in the sky. + +Janey looked at the open scenery as they came to the edge of the +shadowy forest. + +"I wish we were going to the hills to camp--it's dark in there, where the +pathway is so shadowed by the forest trees!" + +Nora read her thoughts, and put a warning finger to her lips. + +"Don't be silly, Janey; don't you see Don and Harry ahead? We'll play +that we are all going on a quest, and they will be our knights--there's +nothing to fear." + +Janey's face brightened, and Beth and Alice, thinking only of the good +time ahead, danced merrily along the way. + +"Wouldn't it be fun, if we found a little cabin, in the heart of the +forest?" Don turned toward Harry to help with the basket of lunch, that +he had been carrying since they left. + +Harry's eyes began to sparkle. + +"Maybe we will; I, for one, am out on a real adventure." + +"We're leaving the mystery of the tower room behind--" Janey paused, +remembering that it was Aunt Janice's secret, after all, of which she +spoke; yet she had not been able to shake off her nervous feelings, even +though Nora had laughed at her fears! + +"I read a story once called, 'The Adventure of the Happy Heart.'" + +"What a pretty title, Nora--tell us about it." + +"The Happy Heart stood for anyone who tried to make someone, who was +lonely, glad, every day or whenever the opportunity arose, on the road of +life, as they adventured along its path." + +"What a lovely idea!" Janey cried. "Where did you find the story?" + +"In our Sunday school library; it all ended with the heart that started +out to bring gladness into other lives along the way; because every happy +heart in turn, made another happy, and the one who started it, was full +to overflowing with joy, all of her days!" + +"Let's try and find someone today on our adventure." + +"There's no time like the present," Don stepped back, and pointed +mysteriously through an opening in the trees ahead, that revealed at the +end of a winding footpath, a real log--cabin! + +"Oh," gasped Janey, turning to catch Beth and Alice's hands--"maybe it's +a gypsy hut!" + +"Don't be a goose-girl," laughed Don, "whoever heard of a gypsy settling +down in one place; they are a wandering tribe." + +"We'll be the scouts and go ahead and bring back a report." + +Harry and Don started forward-- + +"Brave knights of old--" Nora said softly, as the two disappeared down +the trail, toward the unknown, in the shape of a small cabin at the end! + +"Well, this may be our chance to begin on our quest for happy hearts," +Nora, her eyes following the boys, spoke again. + +"I like adventuring for happy hearts, don't you?" + +"So do I--" + +"And I--" + +"And I!" + +"I believe Aunt Janice was the first one on our chain." + +"I believe you are right, Janey--" and Nora smiled around on the +group--"we shall count her as the first link of joy on our quest of +adventuring for happy hearts!" + +"Lovely!" exclaimed Janey--"I wonder who will be the next?" + +"I wonder, too--" Nora replied, as they watched the retreating "knights" +disappearing down the shadowy forest trail! + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +MARTY AND JERRY + + +Don and Harry, starting down the trail, had cautioned the girls to wait +where they were, until they received the signal to come and join them, or +otherwise. + +"It may be just a deserted cabin that belongs to Aunt Janice, and that we +can claim if she's willing--" then the boys had hastened on deeper into +the forest. + +"Suppose--" Harry began, "that we find that the log cabin, so hidden +away, has something to do with the secret of the tower room!" + +"Then we won't investigate, because Aunt Janice doesn't seem to want +us to know." + +In another moment, as they came nearer the hut, voices could be heard +speaking inside, and a dog began to bark furiously. + +"Be quiet, 'Gem'--down--down--who's there?" + +The boys, waiting a few feet away, replied, "Harry and Donald Meredith; +we were just exploring and thought we'd come up and see if anyone was +occupying the cabin, but your dog sounds mean." + +The door had opened by this time, while a boy, holding "Gem" by the +collar, appeared. + +"Oh, 'Gem' is our protector, you see. Marty and I are alone at night +sometimes, when Grandfather's away foresting; you are from the +Castle then?" + +"We're visiting our Aunt Janice; she gave us a basket of lunch and said +we might have a day of exploration." + +"Then, we were also to gather greens and wild ferns, for a party that she +is giving for us later." + +"How nice!" a bright-eyed girl had joined her brother at the door. + +She nudged him quickly as a reminder. + +"Why don't you ask them in, Jerry?" + +The boy smiled--"This is Marty, my sister--and she's wondering if you +won't come in--see, 'Gem' is quite friendly now, since he sees that you +are also friends!" + +Don and Harry stooped to pat the small dog, capering around at +their feet. + +"Thanks--" they both replied, "but we left Nora, Janey--Beth and Alice, +behind; they were waiting for us to make a discovery here." + +The small girl clapped her hands impulsively. + +"Girls--" she cried, "there are girls too, Jerry!" + +Jerry looked as pleased as his sister--"Go and bring them along, +Marty--they may be afraid of 'Gem.'" + +In a flash, Marty disappeared down the trail. + +Nora was watching and came to meet her. She noted at a glance, the worn, +shabby red dress, but neat appearance, of the small stranger of the +forest cabin. + +"I've come for you--" Marty began timidly--"Jerry said you were afraid to +come nearer he guessed, but 'Gem' is friendly now--come!" + +Nora held out a hand in greeting. + +"We shall love to if you'll have us--" she smiled, as Janey, Beth and +Alice joined her. + +"We want you all," Marty said at once, and indicated that they +follow her lead. + +"This is our home--Jerry and I and Grandfather live here, together." + +"How nice! We are all on a visit to Aunt Janice Meredith, and I'm sure +she'll be willing for us to come and see you often." + +Marty gave a little gasp. + +"The castle must be a grand place to live--but--" she hesitated,--"but +one evening late, we were passing there, and I thought I saw something +white waving from a window--Grandfather said though, not to say anything +about it, but I forgot; he called it, the story of the tower room--Do +you know it?" + +She looked inquiringly at Nora, who shook her head quickly. + +"Aunt Janice hasn't told us yet, but we know it makes her sad, and so we +don't mean to try and find out, you see!" + +"It's a secret, I guess--" Marty continued, "and of course secrets +must be kept." + +"We're making Aunt Janice happy again," Beth beamed, "she told us +so herself!" + +They had gathered in front of the cabin now, and the boys began to cast +wishful eyes at the lunch basket. + +"Let's have our picnic right here under this big tree, if Marty and Jerry +are willing; it's been quite a while since breakfast!" + +"Oh, of course--it will be lots of fun to have you," they both joined at +once in the invitation. "We usually wait for Grandfather for awhile, but +if he's too long in coming, we have dinner without him." + +"You are to be our guests today though, and the more the merrier,--Aunt +Janice said that of us; let's spread the table." + +Alice skipped around as they made preparations, running back and +forth, and helping Marty with tumblers and a pitcher of cool water +from the spring. + +Even the Merediths were not prepared for such a feast! Aunt Janice had +everything good imaginable, packed to overflowing, in the basket; enough +and more to spare, even after the hungry boys and girls, had eaten all +they could, with "Gem" to do his part. + +"There's not quite enough left for another picnic!" Beth looked over the +table and gave a little sigh. + +Everyone joined in the laugh that followed. + +"Why, you sound sorry," Nora said, "we'll leave the rest of the feast +for Jerry's and Marty's Grandfather." + +Jerry's face brightened, although he began to demur, but Harry and Don +ended the discussion at once, by declaring they would certainly not lug +the heavy basket back again. + +"Won't you get hungry though?" Marty's eyes rested on the delightful +things left. + +"No, indeed; supper will be waiting and ready, when we get back to +the castle." + +"It's beginning to get late, too--we've stayed here so long, since +finding you and Jerry in the cabin." + +"Please, don't go yet," Marty began, fearing Janey's remark was leading +up to that point. + +"We promised Aunt Janice 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 Dad told us of your invitation we--we--didn't want to +come at all!" + +Nora looked crestfallen, also. + +Aunt Janice seeing the cause of their woe, immediately set their +hearts at rest. + +"Why I don't blame you, not even a little bit, my dears--Land's End +doesn't sound a bit inviting, if you don't really know anything about it; +no wonder you felt regretful!" + +Janey's tears were quickly dried. + +"We didn't know you then, Aunt Janice." + +"Nor this lovely old castle and garden--" + +"Nor the forest--with Marty and Jerry living in it--" + +"Neither did we know that we were setting out, like Nora's story, on a +quest for happy hearts." + +"I think that is a lovely quest to be traveling on; how far have you gone +on the way?" Aunt Janice was all interest, as she included the whole +group in the question. + +For a moment everyone was silent, then Nora broke the pause shyly--"We +put you as the first Aunt Janice, on the quest for happy hearts, because +you said we had brought gladness into your life. You're the golden link +that began our chain of happiness." + +"Quite right--quite right--" Aunt Janice agreed heartily, almost +overcome herself. "But now it's bedtime, so let us first of all thank +our heavenly Father for our happiness and then go to bed. We all need a +refreshing sleep." + +For a few minutes they all listened devoutly as Aunt Janice read the +Twenty-third Psalm, after which they joined her in prayer and in the +singing of the doxology. Then bidding Aunt Janice a hasty good-night, +tired out with the day's adventure, the Merediths trooped away to enjoy +the great blessing of sleep and rest. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +THE STORY OF THE TOWER ROOM + + +"Tell us a story, please tell us a story, Aunt Janice!" + +"A story, Janey? . . . . What shall it be about?" + +"About the old castle in the long ago," Beth hastened to beg, for she +too, dearly loved the story hour. + +The quiet moment seemed to have at last arrived, as they all gathered +together on the broad veranda, in the twilight. + +The old lady smiled. "A story of long ago! It seems I shall hardly know +just where to begin; in the long ago, there used to be merry parties, +but--" just there she paused, and linked it up with the present--"now +since you young people have come, it seems more as it did then." + +Aunt Janice's face was thoughtful, and for a few moments no one +interrupted the thread of her thoughts. + +Outside the twilight deepened, and the stars began to shine down through +the rustling trees, in the garden. + +"Do you think Dad may get here in time for the party?" Alice's tone was a +tiny bit mournful, and Aunt Janice hastened to dispel any feeling of +homesickness. + +"Who can tell? Perhaps he may surprise us at any time now; anyway, I'm +sure he wants you to spend happy days at the old place." + +"We are, indeed we are!" chorused the Merediths together. + +Alice placed an arm around Aunt Janice's shoulder, and began +coaxingly--"Tell us the story of the Tower room, please." In vain Nora +shook her head, but Alice did not look up. "The first day that we went +through the gardens, Janey saw something white waving from the +window, but we hurried by, as you said, we must. Nora said, it was +only a pigeon!" + +Alice had completely forgotten her promise, and dismayed, but helpless to +stop her, the others sat around, speechless. + +Aunt Janice's face whitened with the request, but she patted gently the +golden head against her shoulder. + +"The story of the tower room is a long one, dearie, but perhaps you +should know it. I shall try and hurry through it. Your own father could +tell you much of those happy days gone by; Harry, his brother, and senior +by a good many years, married Gwendolyn Arlington, and they had one son, +beloved by his parents to almost a painful degree. When he was about +sixteen years old perhaps, he insisted that the only thing that he wanted +to do, was to go to sea, and although it almost broke his mother's heart, +they gave in to his whim. With his departure, the life of the old place +also seemed to go. + +"In just a few months after that, a report was received that the vessel +on which he had gone was lost with all the crew and passengers. + +"After the terrible news, your Aunt Gwen's health failed, and she lost +interest in everything; finally after the death of your uncle Harry, she +went into a complete melancholy, and retired to the seclusion of the +tower room, with an attendant. In all of these seven years since the +tragedy, she has remained there; only at night sometimes, she wanders +around the old gardens. Perhaps if Janey hadn't seen the handkerchief +waving from the window, I should never have told the sad story of the +tower room! + +"The seasons have come and gone quietly since then, but this year I could +stand it no longer. I had long wanted to see all of you dear nieces and +nephews, and wrote asking your father's permission to have you for a +long visit. + +"He consented, and wrote of his business call that came just about the +same time. He has come by to see me now and then, but for this same +feeling of gloom that it has cast over the place he has never told you +the sad story either, nor had we planned your coming before for the +same reason." + +Aunt Janice drew a breath of relief, as though after all in the telling a +burden had rolled away. + +The rustling trees broke the surrounding stillness, then the tinkling of +a silvery bell at the gate. + +"Who could be out on a visit so late?" The old lady peered through the +shadows, as two figures advanced. The light streaming out from the hall +revealed Donald Meredith and his brother Harry's son, supposed to have +been lost seven years before! + +The Meredith's sprang forward to greet their father, while Aunt Janice, +the story warm on her lips that she had just been telling, sat quite +still, scarcely believing what her eyes saw. + +"Welcome, Donald--and--can it really be, or am I dreaming?" + +She stretched out her arms, while the stalwart form of Harry and +Gwendolyn's son walked straight into the shelter of their love. + +Older of course, and careworn, because of those years of imprisonment +among a savage tribe, yet the same! There was not time just then for the +story of those years--how he alone survived in the shipwreck where all +had been thought lost; of the struggle in the dark waters, but cast up at +last unconscious on shore in the most uncivilized part of Africa where he +had been a captive through the years. Then came the almost miraculous +escape to a passing ship homeward bound! + +Later, there would be time a plenty for all of the details or as much as +he saw fit to tell. + +Just a few low spoken words to Aunt Janice, and then he was off to find +his mother--and who would draw the curtain aside on that scene?--The +years seemed to roll back and link quickly with the present, while the +tension broke. Gwendolyn, forgetting in the joy of the moment, the sorrow +she had endured, came back to herself completely, and was even as she had +been before! + +Mr. Meredith, with his family and Aunt Janice, were discussing the +wonderful happenings of the day, when into the picture stepped Gwen and +her son, adding their happiness to the hearts overflowing for them. +Little Alice stood holding her father's hand, while Don, Nora, Harry and +Beth, looked wide-eyed at the turn of events. + +"I wish," Alice broke into the silence, "that we might all stay +here forever!" + +The tiny bright-eyed old lady, her loving heart ashine in her face, +looked into the eyes of all of the happy group. + +"I'm sure that will be the most joyful way for us to spend the years; +there is room and love in abundance for all; let's share them in the old +castle together." + +The Merediths joined hands in delight at the suggestion. "A home with +dear Aunt Janice! How delightful!" Nora voiced in words the thoughts they +all would utter--"Tomorrow we must go into the forest and tell Marty and +Jerry the wonderful news." + +"And bring back the ferns and vines for the party!" + +Alice and Beth were skipping around in excitement, that the grown-ups +felt, but expressed in a quieter way. + +"Isn't it fine that you will be here for the party?" Janey was looking +into her father's face as she spoke, softly--"Aunt Janice will be glad +for us to show you around." + +The old lady smiled her assent; but just then did not remind Janey of +the years he had spent around the old place. + +"Even Aunt Janice hasn't met Jerry and Marty," Beth said--"but you will +both love them." + +"I'm sure we shall." + +Then Nora, thoughtful as usual, motioned the others into the next room. + +"Let's leave them to talk together," she whispered--"they have been +separated so long." + +"The mystery of the tower room is gone forever!" Harry exclaimed. + +"I _did_ see a handkerchief waving from the window, that day, +Nora;" Janey's tone was triumphant. "Wasn't Aunt Janice good to +tell us the story?" + +"Alice--" Harry paused; for just then, no one felt like reminding her of +the broken promise. + +"All's well that ends well--" Don remarked, with a wise shake of his +head. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +ADDING TO THE QUEST + + +"Aunt Janice--Dad--we're off for the forest again!" + +Don stood in the doorway, watching the two deeply engrossed in +conversation, as he came up to announce their intentions. + +"Don't forget the lunch basket--and remember the wild ferns and greenery +for the decorations." Aunt Janice reminded. + +"We surely will bring back some beautiful decorations this time; for +tomorrow will be the party day!" + +Aunt Janice was as happy in her preparations as any of the younger +Merediths, and had been busy already giving orders for the bountiful +feast, for the whole day and evening was to be one of an entire +"gala" occasion. + +Gwendolyn and her son, were as merry as two children, helping Aunt +Janice with the plans wherever they could. + +"How very merciful God has been!" the old lady said softly, her gaze +resting lovingly on the group waiting outside, in the sunlight of another +beautiful day. + +"Oh, Donald--" she continued, "it seems almost too good to think of you +and the dear children, coming to live here always, to gladden the years." + +"We should be truly grateful," Mr. Meredith replied, "and it shall be the +greatest pleasure to take care of you and your affairs." + +Don had waited, not wanting to interrupt, and Aunt Janice seeing him, +motioned that he come up to her side. In the happiness that had come to +them all, she had not forgotten a plan that she had made for Marty and +Jerry's grandfather and themselves. + +"I want you to take a message to Mr. Greyson for me, Don--tell him that +the manager is returning to his home in the city, and that I shall be +glad if he will consider the vacancy, and accept at once if he will. The +house of course goes with the position." + +Don fairly exploded with the good news, as he rushed on out to catch up +with the others, who had gone ahead. Nor did it take them long to find +their new friends. + +Marty and Jerry with their grandfather, were coming down the trail that +led out from the cabin. They saw the Meredith's approaching and hurried +forward to greet them. + +Nora, Janey, Don, Harry, Beth and Alice, needed no introduction to Mr. +Greyson, for much to their joy, they found him one and the same as the +friend who had piloted them from the station, on the evening of their +arrival at Land's End. + +After the warm greetings were over, Don couldn't wait another moment to +break the news. + +"The mystery of the castle is over, for our cousin Harry has returned; +he wasn't drowned at all, but kidnapped somewhere off the coast of +Africa, in the most uncivilized region." + +"And--" Janey interrupted, "his mother, who shut herself up in the tower +room, is perfectly well again." + +"We left them gathering flowers for the party!" Alice began, quickly +joining in to have a part in the affair. + +"Wait--" Don spoke up again--"I want to give Aunt Janice's message +first." + +Then, in a rush, it all came out--the words fairly running over one +another for utterance, and ending with a glowing picture of the pretty +house, nestled at the foot of the blue misty hills, "Please say you'll +accept and move right in, Mr. Greyson; Aunt Janice really needs your +help at once." + +Marty and Jerry stood waiting, their faces pictures of eager expectancy. +The house that Jerry described and of which they had only seen the +outside, seemed like a real palace to them. + +When their grandfather, without losing time, accepted the offer, their +cup of joy seemed to overflow! + +He laid a kindly hand on Don's shoulder. + +"You may tell your aunt that I gladly accept, and will come to her for +instructions at once." + +The whole group who had been perfectly quiet as they waited, now broke +into a jubilee of merriment. + +"We're going to live with Aunt Janice--always," Beth said,--"isn't that +delightful?" + +"Quite delightful," Peter Greyson replied, as he looked round on the +group. "We have these young visitors to the castle to thank for our part +of the good times, because they found you, Marty and Jerry, away out here +in the forest." + +"We were out on an adventure--" Nora's eyes were shining, "a happiness +quest, to find someone to whom we might bring happiness. I read a story +once like that, and we decided to go on this same quest." + +Marty clapped her hands gleefully-- + +"You've brought happiness to three of us today, and in a way to 'Gem' and +the kitten and the cat, too! Can we move today, grandfather?" + +Mr. Greyson, smiled down on his enthusiastic young granddaughter, with a +shake of his head. + +"I must go up to the castle first, and make all arrangements with Miss +Meredith. I think that it will be best for me to see her, Don, and so I +shall give her the answer before you get there--then, you may start to +pack up things and get ready for the move, Marty. I'll leave you young +folks to gather the greens for the party tomorrow, and have your picnic +together afterwards." + +"We will start to hunt them right away," Harry began, taking out his +trowel, "because there's so much to do and we must make a beginning on +our part, so all will be ready on time." + +"Aunt Janice says the cake will be the biggest the old kitchen has ever +had baked." + +"With the whitest, loveliest icing," Alice supplemented. + +Everyone joined in the general laughter that followed Alice's speech. + +With a smile, then, Mr. Greyson was off down the trail that led out of +the forest and on toward the castle beyond. + +Marty accompanied him for a short way along the path, her hand clasping +his tightly, and Jerry remembering that he had forgotten to ask his +grandfather something of importance, followed, to speak a word and return +with Marty. + +The Merediths waited in a group, until they returned to start to gather +decorations. + +"The chain of happiness for others, as well as for ourselves, is +really growing," she began, her eyes following the three figures in +the distance. + +"Oh, Nora--" Janey said, "let's always try to keep on finding hearts that +need happiness." + +"Let's--" Beth agreed, and all of the others joined in accord in the +lovely plan, that they had made theirs. + +"Dear Aunt Janice started it all by inviting us on a visit to the castle; +now it's growing beautifully." + +"Because, you see, we are on a quest of happiness for others; our dear +heavenly Father undoubtedly blessed such a quest, for He wants happy +hearts. Only let us not forget that hearts must know our dear Lord Jesus +to be crowned with happiness." + +"Crowned with happiness!" Janey repeated softly. "Remember our motto, +Nora?--_I would look up--and laugh--and love--and--lift_--.'" + + + + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Quest of Happy Hearts, by Kathleen Hay + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE QUEST OF HAPPY HEARTS *** + +***** This file should be named 9466.txt or 9466.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/9/4/6/9466/ + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan, and Project +Gutenberg Distributed Proofreaders + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: The Quest of Happy Hearts + +Author: Kathleen Hay + +Release Date: December, 2005 [EBook #9466] +[This file was first posted on October 3, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: US-ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, THE QUEST OF HAPPY HEARTS *** + + + + +E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan, and Project Gutenberg +Distributed Proofreaders + + + + + + + +THE QUEST OF HAPPY HEARTS + +BY + +KATHLEEN HAY + + + + + + + +CONTENTS + + +CHAPTER + + I. Plans + + II. On the Way + + III. A Glimpse of the Tower Room + + IV. Plans for the Party + + V. Exploring the Forest + + VI. Marty and Jerry + + VII. Talking over the Day + + VIII. The Story of the Tower Room + + IX. Adding to the Quest + + + + + + + +CHAPTER I + +PLANS + + +"Whoever heard of such a plan--a visit to Land's End! The very name of +the place suggests the last spot on the globe; a great old house set down +on the edge of a forest; and Dad called off on business for an indefinite +period, but seemingly content to ship us on a wild goose chase. He's +scarcely told us a word before of the place or of great-aunt Janice +Meredith!" + +Nora's tones were dismal indeed, as she rushed into the living room to +join the other girls to discuss their journey. + +She found the group the reverse of cheerful, at the prospect of this +sudden change of plans, by the invitation to go to Land's End for a +visit. "I have spent many happy days there with Aunt Janice and others," +Mr. Meredith had told them on leaving, "but since your uncle Harry's +death, have been there seldom--some day--" just at that point he paused +with a sigh, and changed from what he had started to say--"Be dutiful and +very loving to Aunt Janice; now there's only time for good-bye." + +That was all they knew, entirely too little to satisfy the young +Meredith family! + +"A visit to Land's End, what a prospect," Janey joined in sympathy with +Nora; the two were near together in age, while Beth and Alice were +younger. They sat listening to the complaints of the older girls, not yet +having had a chance to express their views. + +"Great-aunt Janice may be a lovely old lady," Beth seeing a chance broke +in, by way of consolation; she threw down her story book to join in the +discussion and plans that were inevitable. + +The two brothers Don and Harry had gone to the station to see their +father off and so the girls did not know their views as to what was +to happen. + +"How can we tell what Land's End is like, it may be a--a--castle!" + +"Don't be silly, Beth--you must be reading a fairy tale!" Nora's tone was +scornful, but in a moment she was sorry. + +Alice, the youngest of the Meredith's clapped her hands happily, however, +at Beth's suggestion. + +"It _may be_ a real--palace, Beth--wouldn't that be delightful?" + +"Well, call it a castle of dreams, if you like," Nora began to smile, +"it's no use crying over what can't be helped, because that wouldn't +change the situation; if we _must_, that's settled. Dad has made the +arrangements for us, by accepting the invitation, and there's nothing +left to do but make the best of it after all!" + +Janey's face, as well as Beth's and Alice's began to brighten at Nora's +changed attitude. + +"Land's End may be far happier to visit than we can dream of," Janey +joined in quietly, "and now we had best get right to packing, for there +isn't much time to lose." + +"Could we do a little shopping?" Beth asked, "there may not be any +stores near." + +"We can't carry too much though," Nora said, by way of precaution, +"however we must all remember to take Aunt Janice something; it's good of +her to take us all in for an indefinite visit." + +"Only six additions of the Meredith family." At that they all began to +laugh merrily, and good humor was restored. + +"Would you believe it, I've just begun to think of Aunt Janice's side; +she doesn't know us at all, yet has invited us on a long visit. I just +believe she must be a sweet, brave old lady!" + +Janey looked up quickly from preparations--"I'm sure Aunt Janice is a +dear," she said pleasantly, "and I for one am going prepared to have +a good time, and to try and cheer her up. Dad said we must be dutiful +and loving." + +"What's _dutiful_?" asked Alice. + +Nora laughed. "There now, Janey--explain yourself." + +"Well, Alice, I think it will mean for us to be obedient, and respectful +in trying to do everything to please Aunt Janice. I guess that is what +Dad meant." + +Beth and Alice looked much happier; the visit to Land's End was growing +more and more interesting, since Nora and Janey were beginning to be +ashamed of their first attitude and trying to make amends. + +"There's a song that goes like this," said Janey: + +"'I would be true, for there are those who trust me, +I would be pure, for there are those who care, +I would be strong, for there is much to suffer, +I would be brave, for there is much to dare'..." + +"I love to sing those words, don't you, Nora? There always seems a lot of +things to _do_ in it, that are worthwhile." + +"There are a lot of worthwhile things to follow out in the song," Nora +replied, "suppose we all sing it together, before we start to get ready +for our journey?" + +They all crossed quickly over to the open piano in one corner of +the room. Nora had taken music and so was the pianist of the +family. She struck the opening chords, and then they all joined in +singing it through. + +"'_I would look up--and laugh--and love--and lift_--" the music died +away, while the girls remained in thought for a few moments. It was Nora +who broke the pause, glancing around on the group who had always looked +up to her. + +"I think the words are beautiful," she commented softly--"I somehow feel +braver, when I sing them thoughtfully--'_I would look up_--_and +laugh_--_and love_--_and_--_lift_!'" + +"I think I'll take that as my motto to try and follow." + +"I would like to also," Janey, too, was thinking hard. + +Then they broke up, happier because of the challenge in the song to +worthwhile effort, and ready now to begin the preparations of the +impending journey to Land's End! + + + + +CHAPTER II + +ON THE WAY + + +The next day was a busy one for the Merediths, but at last everything +was ready, and bag and baggage they boarded the train and were off on +the journey. + +"I wonder what it's all going to be like, really?" Nora and Janey peered +out on the passing scenes, as they sped along. + +Directly in front of them were Beth and Alice, and beyond them, Don and +Harry, who felt the responsibility of their position as protectors of the +four girls. + +Don and Harry were also speculating. + +"I wonder how it ever came to be called _Land's End_?" + +"I believe Dad said the land ran up into a narrow kind of neck and so +people, just trying to find a name, made it out of that, I suppose; it +sounds rather mysterious however; who knows but what we _may_ run up on +an adventure." + +Harry laughed. + +"Well, from its title it sounds rather quiet, but we won't have much time +for speculation, and as you say we may run up on something quite exciting +during our visit to the woods!" + +They chatted away merrily for awhile, until almost before they could +realize the distance had passed so quickly, they were at their +destination, while a voice was calling--"all off for Land's End!" + +Nora, Janey, Beth and Alice, Harry and Don, sprang to their feet in +surprise, while eagerly peering into the dusk of the outside, to catch a +glimpse of the scene awaiting. + +A sudden jolt warned them that the trip was over and gathering up their +bundles they began to pile out. + +They were greeted at the train steps by a friendly man, who took them at +once to a car not far distant. + +"Is _this_ Land's End?" Don inquired. + +"It is indeed," laughed their pilot, "did you imagine we all had to walk +out here?" + +"I--I--really didn't know," Don replied, trying to be polite, while +sticking to the truth. + +"_I_ thought perhaps it might be the end of the world!" + +Small Alice suddenly joined in the conversation from her corner, half +hidden by packages and suit cases; after that the tension was over and +they all talked merrily as they glided along. + +"Well, here we are, and there's Aunt Janice Meredith," Nora was the first +to jump out and go forward to greet the small figure awaiting them in a +flood of light, that stretched out in welcoming rays in all directions. + +"A very, very warm welcome to all of my Meredith nieces and nephews!" +said the diminutive lady, holding out both hands in greeting. + +Alice nudged Beth, her eyes big with excitement. + +Their friendly pilot had said goodnight, and slipped quietly away, +leaving them to themselves for the first meeting. + +"Come right in to supper, the old place hasn't had such a merry set for +quite a while, and it does my heart good to have you." + +The old lady turned and led the way into a spacious dining room, where +the table was set with the daintiest china and gleaming silver. + +The room also seemed filled with the softest most musical notes, that +made the place seem to Beth and Alice like fairyland at once. + +"Now tell me about your journey," Aunt Janice began, after seeing to the +comfort of each, because she declared, they must really be almost +famished after the long trip. + +Soon they began to talk and the evening advanced in an unaccountable +manner toward bedtime, so delightful were the hours of getting +acquainted. When she felt they must break up, Aunt Janice led the way up +the winding stair. + +"Good-night, and happy dreams!" she said, with a smile for all the group, +"take a good rest now, and be ready for some good times tomorrow." + +"Oh, Aunt Janice, we're already having a lovely visit, and you are indeed +kind to invite us for a stay in this beautiful, old house." + +"The more the merrier, my dear," she beamed on Nora. "All of you in turn, +will make the old place far happier than it has been in a long while, and +I shall be much helped by having you here." + +"Is it a fairy castle?" Alice had slipped one hand into the old lady's, +as they stood talking together. + +"I think I'll wait a bit and let _you_ tell _me_ if it seems like a real +fairy castle, Alice, after you've been here awhile." + +"That will be fun," Beth answered. + +Aunt Janice smiled. + +"Don't you believe in fairies? The fairies I believe in have always been +welcome companions of mine, namely, the fairies of kindness, good +thoughts and wishes and deeds; they drive out loneliness, if you let them +live under your roof. Moreover, the world then seen is brighter because +of their light." + +Alice beamed. + +"There is a little song that says, 'Brighten the corner where you are--', +I love brightness and light, don't you, Aunt Janice?" + +"I believe we feel that way, Janey, because of the One who is the Source +of all good thoughts, wishes and deeds and who said, '_I am the Light of +the world_.' How desolate life would be without the light of His love, +shed on dark pathways to make them shine!" + +Nora and Janey looked quickly into the old lady's face. They saw both +sadness and gladness, smiling through. + +"I'm sure we're going to love it here," they said impulsively, as they +threw their arms around the old lady to bid her goodnight. + +"I'm ever so glad that you feel that way; you may look forward to some +happy hours and surprises, I hope--just wait and see!" + +Then Aunt Janice turned, and with a wave of her hand, disappeared into a +room at the end of the long hall. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +A GLIMPSE OF THE TOWER ROOM + + +Not even the excitement of anticipation could keep the Merediths awake +that first night of their visit to Land's End, but after a refreshing +sleep, bright and early the next morning they were awakened by the sun +shining through the green blinds that shaded the old castle windows. + +Also by Aunt Janice calling pleasantly, "Did you have a good night's +rest, and are you ready to go down to breakfast now?" + +She beamed happily around on all the young Meredith's, as they hurriedly +joined her at the top of the stairs. + +A little later at the breakfast table she asked suddenly,--"What shall +the program be today; an exploring expedition into the forest--a trip to +the city to shop, or perhaps a ride on the ponies and a visit to the old +castle gardens?" + +"Oh," chorused the Merediths--"everything sounds so delightful, it's hard +to choose!" + +Aunt Janice's eyes twinkled. + +"Perhaps I'd best help you out to begin with then--suppose you explore +the gardens and the old place this morning; then by the afternoon, you'll +be ready to choose what you'd prefer next. I shall not go along, but you +are to feel perfectly at home; go anywhere you fancy--_only_--," Aunt +Janice lowered her voice--"only pass quickly by the tower room at the +extreme west wing--perhaps sometime--," the old lady paused, a sigh +escaping her lips, that she forgot to stifle, but quickly remembering, +brought back a bright smile, as she first led them in family prayers and +then waved them off, bidding her young visitors to have a happy morning. + +"What a wonderful old place!" Nora was the first to speak, as they +passed here and there examining one thing after another. + +"It certainly is," Harry's eyes were thoughtful. "I wonder why Dad has +only dropped a word, here and there, of it, and about Aunt Janice. I +hardly realized that she was real until we came and saw!" + +"It puzzles me, too," Nora agreed, "I keep thinking that maybe I'll wake +up directly and find I've been dreaming." + +"And we thought Land's End was going to be the end of everything! The old +place holds a mystery, and I can't but wonder what it is." + +The undercurrent of excitement was thrilling to the Merediths, as their +thoughts turned to Aunt Janice's parting injunction about the tower room. + +"If there's anything bothering Aunt Janice, I'd do anything to help her +out." Nora was speaking softly. + +"Perhaps we can help," Don said, "anyhow we can follow out her +instructions, whatever they may be." + +"I love Aunt Janice," Alice joined in, "don't you?" + +"She's a perfectly darling old lady," Beth replied, a sentiment that +expressed the feelings of all the Merediths. + +A sudden turn in their wanderings, revealed the mysterious west wing and +tower room, that was uppermost, just then, in their minds. + +With its clinging ivy that covered the old walls, it looked more +mysterious than they dreamed it would. In another moment, however, they +remembered what Aunt Janice had said, and hurried on by. + +"I don't think we ought to look at it even at a distance," Nora remarked, +"because I'm sure that room holds the secret that shadows the old place; +for some reason Aunt Janice isn't ready to disclose it." + +"And _I_ believe that Dad would have told us all about the castle if it +hadn't been for the mystery." Janey glanced back over her shoulder as she +spoke, then gave a suppressed scream. + +"There's someone inside the tower room," she gasped--"I saw a +handkerchief waving behind the ivy covered window!" + +"Hush!" Nora broke in hurriedly, "you imagined that, Janey--probably a +white pigeon has flown in and can't find its way out again." + +"Imagined indeed!" Janey's voice was shaking with excitement, "I tell +you that someone is there at this moment, peering through those +overhanging vines." + +Alice began to cry softly, while Nora had to turn her attention toward +pacifying the little girl. + +"Don't cry Alice, I think it is only a white pigeon that can't +escape, and is flying back and forth to find an opening; there's +nothing mysterious in that; now promise not to say anything of this +to Aunt Janice." + +"I'll try to remember," and Alice dried her tears with Nora's words of +comfort, and soon they caught up with the party ahead, and for the time +being the incident was forgotten. + +The morning hours slipped rapidly along, but at last they had gone over +the old place and gardens, which stretched around on all sides. With +reluctance they then retraced their steps, thinking perhaps they were +overstaying their time. + +Aunt Janice was standing in the door awaiting them. + +"Did you have a pleasant morning; and what do you think of the old +gardens?" + +"Beautiful" and "Wonderful!" Their exclamations of delight and pleasure, +were quite satisfying to Aunt Janice. + +"We're having the loveliest visit, and everything is charming." + +The old lady's face was a picture, as she smiled on the group, reacting +to the breath of youth, again awakened in her heart, by these happy +young visitors. + +"Suppose it could be managed, would all of you care to make the +old castle your--home?" She spoke on impulse on hearing their +words of praise. + +"Oh, Aunt Janice--" Nora replied quickly, "it would seem like the happy +ending to a book!" + +"Perhaps it can be arranged then," the old lady clasped her hands +together--"you could have all of the advantages of the near-by city, and +yet we could have a merry time out here in the old homestead, if only +Gwen--" she paused, suddenly remembering, and cut short the words +unuttered. + +"Come--" she said, turning abruptly, "lunch is waiting, and I feel sure +you must be ready for it, after the morning hours of exploration." + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +PLANS FOR THE PARTY + + +Luncheon over, the ponies were brought out from the stables, and as Don +expressed it, they seemed ready-made for their visit. + +The boys were overjoyed as they mounted and galloped away down the long +avenue for a ride; the girls at first being satisfied with a trot around +the grounds on "Brownie's" broad back. + +After the delightful day had gone at last, tired but happy they gathered +around Aunt Janice as she sat knitting. + +"You must have a fortune growing around the old place on all of those +fine forest trees!" Harry commented. + +Aunt Janice looked toward the speaker quickly. + +"Well, I believe it is one of the finest in this part of the country; you +may all take a basket of lunch and go out exploring there, if you like, +soon--all varieties of lovely ferns grow about in damp places and you can +bring some back to help make the old place look green and pretty inside, +as well as on the outside, for we must get ready for a party." + +"A party--a party--" chorused several voices at once. + +"I see the plan meets with approval; all right then; I'll have a good +lunch put up and you may spend the day, and wander around to your +heart's content!" + +"How delightful!--and shall we play games, too?" + +Alice had come up close to Aunt Janice and placed one small hand in hers. +"Isn't everything going to be just ever so happy?" + +"Happier by far than it has been for years, because of you young people +to make it so, and last but not least, we shall have as many games in the +program as you care to play." + +The next hour or so passed rapidly in discussing the plans for the party +to be, and all of the Merediths including Aunt Janice, were sorry when +the hands of the old grandfather's clock began to warn them of the +breaking up hour. + +After they had separated for the night, Nora and Janey kept on talking of +the delightful hours that they had spent. + +"I never dreamed that Land's End would be as beautiful as a dream story," +Nora remarked, "and I said such cross things about coming at first. I +don't feel that I deserve this wonderful visit." + +"You didn't really mean them, Nora; nor did I. I'm sure Aunt Janice and +Dad would understand." + +"I hope so, because I'm really sorry and ashamed." + +"I am afraid we all say things only too often that are so unworthy; +wouldn't we have much more happiness, Nora, if we would heed the warning +of the Bible to guard our tongue and not to judge our fellowmen?" + +"Y--es,--I suppose so. I think this place should be called the Castle of +Delight, instead of Land's End; it would certainly be more appropriate." + +"I think so too," Janey agreed. "I wonder if we'll come across any people +living in the forest?" + +"I wonder" Janey echoed. "Perhaps the old man who brought us from the +station in Aunt Janice's car. He may live in there, and we might stop and +invite him to the party." + +Nora laughed. + +"He isn't really old, Janey. I thought him pretty vigorous. Who knows +though, whom we may find deep in the forest? We shall have to ask Aunt +Janice though for permission to invite guests." + +"The more the merrier, sir, she said-- +While gazing on the tulip bed,-- +Come be our flower-guests, so sweet-- +And make our party quite complete!" + +"I didn't know you were a poetess, Nora! I'm sure Aunt Janice will let +us have all the flower guests we want--from woods or garden." + +"The sooner we stop talking, the sooner morning will come again, and so +good-night and sweet dreams, Janey." + +But Janey slipped out of bed and over to the window for one more look at +the terrace, white and silvery in the bright moonlight. + +"Have you forgotten the mystery of the tower room, Nora?" + +Nora brushed back her brown curls, impatiently. + +"Come back to bed and to sleep, Janey--you probably saw, as I said, a +white pigeon imprisoned in the room; dismiss the thought, and forget all +about it." + +Janey was peering through the open window on the moonlit terrace below. + +"I'm sure a white figure went gliding by and disappeared among the trees. +Come quick, Nora, and watch!" + +Janey's voice was shaking with excitement, and it was only after several +minutes of remonstrance from Nora that she was persuaded she was acting +foolishly to be hunting up mysteries in perhaps just a passing traveler, +and so gave up and returned to bed. + +"Maybe you'll find out I'm right about the waving handkerchief from the +tower room, and also about that passing figure. I think they're +connected, so there, Nora--you just wait and see when the mystery is all +cleared up!" + +With that thought foremost in her mind, Janey at last, fell asleep. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +EXPLORING THE FOREST + + +Bright and early after breakfast, the Merediths, bidding Aunt Janice +good-bye, started out on their exploring expedition into the forest. + +"You may make a whole day of it, if you like," Aunt Janice had said, "and +have a picnic dinner--only be careful." + +"We will--" they assented, "and as you don't mind if we stay all day, we +can camp out, and play we're a gypsy band, and have lots of fun." + +The old lady smiled. Beth had run back for a moment. + +"Won't you be lonely?" she asked, but Aunt Janice thinking of their +pleasure, had shaken her head. + +"Not since you'll be coming back to have supper with me; don't stay any +longer than sundown." + +"All right," replied Don. + +"I nearly forgot," Nora began, "may we invite any one in the forest, whom +we chance to meet?" + +Aunt Janice nodded in the affirmative, and at last they were off. + +The blue mist across the hills was melting into thousands of sparkling +dewdrops, as the sun began to climb higher in the sky. + +Janey looked at the open scenery as they came to the edge of the +shadowy forest. + +"I wish we were going to the hills to camp--it's dark in there, where the +pathway is so shadowed by the forest trees!" + +Nora read her thoughts, and put a warning finger to her lips. + +"Don't be silly, Janey; don't you see Don and Harry ahead? We'll play +that we are all going on a quest, and they will be our knights--there's +nothing to fear." + +Janey's face brightened, and Beth and Alice, thinking only of the good +time ahead, danced merrily along the way. + +"Wouldn't it be fun, if we found a little cabin, in the heart of the +forest?" Don turned toward Harry to help with the basket of lunch, that +he had been carrying since they left. + +Harry's eyes began to sparkle. + +"Maybe we will; I, for one, am out on a real adventure." + +"We're leaving the mystery of the tower room behind--" Janey paused, +remembering that it was Aunt Janice's secret, after all, of which she +spoke; yet she had not been able to shake off her nervous feelings, even +though Nora had laughed at her fears! + +"I read a story once called, 'The Adventure of the Happy Heart.'" + +"What a pretty title, Nora--tell us about it." + +"The Happy Heart stood for anyone who tried to make someone, who was +lonely, glad, every day or whenever the opportunity arose, on the road of +life, as they adventured along its path." + +"What a lovely idea!" Janey cried. "Where did you find the story?" + +"In our Sunday school library; it all ended with the heart that started +out to bring gladness into other lives along the way; because every happy +heart in turn, made another happy, and the one who started it, was full +to overflowing with joy, all of her days!" + +"Let's try and find someone today on our adventure." + +"There's no time like the present," Don stepped back, and pointed +mysteriously through an opening in the trees ahead, that revealed at the +end of a winding footpath, a real log--cabin! + +"Oh," gasped Janey, turning to catch Beth and Alice's hands--"maybe it's +a gypsy hut!" + +"Don't be a goose-girl," laughed Don, "whoever heard of a gypsy settling +down in one place; they are a wandering tribe." + +"We'll be the scouts and go ahead and bring back a report." + +Harry and Don started forward-- + +"Brave knights of old--" Nora said softly, as the two disappeared down +the trail, toward the unknown, in the shape of a small cabin at the end! + +"Well, this may be our chance to begin on our quest for happy hearts," +Nora, her eyes following the boys, spoke again. + +"I like adventuring for happy hearts, don't you?" + +"So do I--" + +"And I--" + +"And I!" + +"I believe Aunt Janice was the first one on our chain." + +"I believe you are right, Janey--" and Nora smiled around on the +group--"we shall count her as the first link of joy on our quest of +adventuring for happy hearts!" + +"Lovely!" exclaimed Janey--"I wonder who will be the next?" + +"I wonder, too--" Nora replied, as they watched the retreating "knights" +disappearing down the shadowy forest trail! + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +MARTY AND JERRY + + +Don and Harry, starting down the trail, had cautioned the girls to wait +where they were, until they received the signal to come and join them, or +otherwise. + +"It may be just a deserted cabin that belongs to Aunt Janice, and that we +can claim if she's willing--" then the boys had hastened on deeper into +the forest. + +"Suppose--" Harry began, "that we find that the log cabin, so hidden +away, has something to do with the secret of the tower room!" + +"Then we won't investigate, because Aunt Janice doesn't seem to want +us to know." + +In another moment, as they came nearer the hut, voices could be heard +speaking inside, and a dog began to bark furiously. + +"Be quiet, 'Gem'--down--down--who's there?" + +The boys, waiting a few feet away, replied, "Harry and Donald Meredith; +we were just exploring and thought we'd come up and see if anyone was +occupying the cabin, but your dog sounds mean." + +The door had opened by this time, while a boy, holding "Gem" by the +collar, appeared. + +"Oh, 'Gem' is our protector, you see. Marty and I are alone at night +sometimes, when Grandfather's away foresting; you are from the +Castle then?" + +"We're visiting our Aunt Janice; she gave us a basket of lunch and said +we might have a day of exploration." + +"Then, we were also to gather greens and wild ferns, for a party that she +is giving for us later." + +"How nice!" a bright-eyed girl had joined her brother at the door. + +She nudged him quickly as a reminder. + +"Why don't you ask them in, Jerry?" + +The boy smiled--"This is Marty, my sister--and she's wondering if you +won't come in--see, 'Gem' is quite friendly now, since he sees that you +are also friends!" + +Don and Harry stooped to pat the small dog, capering around at +their feet. + +"Thanks--" they both replied, "but we left Nora, Janey--Beth and Alice, +behind; they were waiting for us to make a discovery here." + +The small girl clapped her hands impulsively. + +"Girls--" she cried, "there are girls too, Jerry!" + +Jerry looked as pleased as his sister--"Go and bring them along, +Marty--they may be afraid of 'Gem.'" + +In a flash, Marty disappeared down the trail. + +Nora was watching and came to meet her. She noted at a glance, the worn, +shabby red dress, but neat appearance, of the small stranger of the +forest cabin. + +"I've come for you--" Marty began timidly--"Jerry said you were afraid to +come nearer he guessed, but 'Gem' is friendly now--come!" + +Nora held out a hand in greeting. + +"We shall love to if you'll have us--" she smiled, as Janey, Beth and +Alice joined her. + +"We want you all," Marty said at once, and indicated that they +follow her lead. + +"This is our home--Jerry and I and Grandfather live here, together." + +"How nice! We are all on a visit to Aunt Janice Meredith, and I'm sure +she'll be willing for us to come and see you often." + +Marty gave a little gasp. + +"The castle must be a grand place to live--but--" she hesitated,--"but +one evening late, we were passing there, and I thought I saw something +white waving from a window--Grandfather said though, not to say anything +about it, but I forgot; he called it, the story of the tower room--Do +you know it?" + +She looked inquiringly at Nora, who shook her head quickly. + +"Aunt Janice hasn't told us yet, but we know it makes her sad, and so we +don't mean to try and find out, you see!" + +"It's a secret, I guess--" Marty continued, "and of course secrets +must be kept." + +"We're making Aunt Janice happy again," Beth beamed, "she told us +so herself!" + +They had gathered in front of the cabin now, and the boys began to cast +wishful eyes at the lunch basket. + +"Let's have our picnic right here under this big tree, if Marty and Jerry +are willing; it's been quite a while since breakfast!" + +"Oh, of course--it will be lots of fun to have you," they both joined at +once in the invitation. "We usually wait for Grandfather for awhile, but +if he's too long in coming, we have dinner without him." + +"You are to be our guests today though, and the more the merrier,--Aunt +Janice said that of us; let's spread the table." + +Alice skipped around as they made preparations, running back and +forth, and helping Marty with tumblers and a pitcher of cool water +from the spring. + +Even the Merediths were not prepared for such a feast! Aunt Janice had +everything good imaginable, packed to overflowing, in the basket; enough +and more to spare, even after the hungry boys and girls, had eaten all +they could, with "Gem" to do his part. + +"There's not quite enough left for another picnic!" Beth looked over the +table and gave a little sigh. + +Everyone joined in the laugh that followed. + +"Why, you sound sorry," Nora said, "we'll leave the rest of the feast +for Jerry's and Marty's Grandfather." + +Jerry's face brightened, although he began to demur, but Harry and Don +ended the discussion at once, by declaring they would certainly not lug +the heavy basket back again. + +"Won't you get hungry though?" Marty's eyes rested on the delightful +things left. + +"No, indeed; supper will be waiting and ready, when we get back to +the castle." + +"It's beginning to get late, too--we've stayed here so long, since +finding you and Jerry in the cabin." + +"Please, don't go yet," Marty began, fearing Janey's remark was leading +up to that point. + +"We promised Aunt Janice 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 Dad told us of your invitation we--we--didn't want to +come at all!" + +Nora looked crestfallen, also. + +Aunt Janice seeing the cause of their woe, immediately set their +hearts at rest. + +"Why I don't blame you, not even a little bit, my dears--Land's End +doesn't sound a bit inviting, if you don't really know anything about it; +no wonder you felt regretful!" + +Janey's tears were quickly dried. + +"We didn't know you then, Aunt Janice." + +"Nor this lovely old castle and garden--" + +"Nor the forest--with Marty and Jerry living in it--" + +"Neither did we know that we were setting out, like Nora's story, on a +quest for happy hearts." + +"I think that is a lovely quest to be traveling on; how far have you gone +on the way?" Aunt Janice was all interest, as she included the whole +group in the question. + +For a moment everyone was silent, then Nora broke the pause shyly--"We +put you as the first Aunt Janice, on the quest for happy hearts, because +you said we had brought gladness into your life. You're the golden link +that began our chain of happiness." + +"Quite right--quite right--" Aunt Janice agreed heartily, almost +overcome herself. "But now it's bedtime, so let us first of all thank +our heavenly Father for our happiness and then go to bed. We all need a +refreshing sleep." + +For a few minutes they all listened devoutly as Aunt Janice read the +Twenty-third Psalm, after which they joined her in prayer and in the +singing of the doxology. Then bidding Aunt Janice a hasty good-night, +tired out with the day's adventure, the Merediths trooped away to enjoy +the great blessing of sleep and rest. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +THE STORY OF THE TOWER ROOM + + +Tell us a story, please tell us a story, Aunt Janice!" + +"A story, Janey? . . . . What shall it be about?" + +"About the old castle in the long ago," Beth hastened to beg, for she +too, dearly loved the story hour. + +The quiet moment seemed to have at last arrived, as they all gathered +together on the broad veranda, in the twilight. + +The old lady smiled. "A story of long ago! It seems I shall hardly know +just where to begin; in the long ago, there used to be merry parties, +but--" just there she paused, and linked it up with the present--"now +since you young people have come, it seems more as it did then." + +Aunt Janice's face was thoughtful, and for a few moments no one +interrupted the thread of her thoughts. + +Outside the twilight deepened, and the stars began to shine down through +the rustling trees, in the garden. + +"Do you think Dad may get here in time for the party?" Alice's tone was a +tiny bit mournful, and Aunt Janice hastened to dispel any feeling of +homesickness. + +"Who can tell? Perhaps he may surprise us at any time now; anyway, I'm +sure he wants you to spend happy days at the old place." + +"We are, indeed we are!" chorused the Merediths together. + +Alice placed an arm around Aunt Janice's shoulder, and began +coaxingly--"Tell us the story of the Tower room, please." In vain Nora +shook her head, but Alice did not look up. "The first day that we went +through the gardens, Janey saw something white waving from the +window, but we hurried by, as you said, we must. Nora said, it was +only a pigeon!" + +Alice had completely forgotten her promise, and dismayed, but helpless to +stop her, the others sat around, speechless. + +Aunt Janice's face whitened with the request, but she patted gently the +golden head against her shoulder. + +"The story of the tower room is a long one, dearie, but perhaps you +should know it. I shall try and hurry through it. Your own father could +tell you much of those happy days gone by; Harry, his brother, and senior +by a good many years, married Gwendolyn Arlington, and they had one son, +beloved by his parents to almost a painful degree. When he was about +sixteen years old perhaps, he insisted that the only thing that he wanted +to do, was to go to sea, and although it almost broke his mother's heart, +they gave in to his whim. With his departure, the life of the old place +also seemed to go. + +"In just a few months after that, a report was received that the vessel +on which he had gone was lost with all the crew and passengers. + +"After the terrible news, your Aunt Gwen's health failed, and she lost +interest in everything; finally after the death of your uncle Harry, she +went into a complete melancholy, and retired to the seclusion of the +tower room, with an attendant. In all of these seven years since the +tragedy, she has remained there; only at night sometimes, she wanders +around the old gardens. Perhaps if Janey hadn't seen the handkerchief +waving from the window, I should never have told the sad story of the +tower room! + +"The seasons have come and gone quietly since then, but this year I could +stand it no longer. I had long wanted to see all of you dear nieces and +nephews, and wrote asking your father's permission to have you for a +long visit. + +"He consented, and wrote of his business call that came just about the +same time. He has come by to see me now and then, but for this same +feeling of gloom that it has cast over the place he has never told you +the sad story either, nor had we planned your coming before for the +same reason." + +Aunt Janice drew a breath of relief, as though after all in the telling a +burden had rolled away. + +The rustling trees broke the surrounding stillness, then the tinkling of +a silvery bell at the gate. + +"Who could be out on a visit so late?" The old lady peered through the +shadows, as two figures advanced. The light streaming out from the hall +revealed Donald Meredith and his brother Harry's son, supposed to have +been lost seven years before! + +The Meredith's sprang forward to greet their father, while Aunt Janice, +the story warm on her lips that she had just been telling, sat quite +still, scarcely believing what her eyes saw. + +"Welcome, Donald--and--can it really be, or am I dreaming?" + +She stretched out her arms, while the stalwart form of Harry and +Gwendolyn's son walked straight into the shelter of their love. + +Older of course, and careworn, because of those years of imprisonment +among a savage tribe, yet the same! There was not time just then for the +story of those years--how he alone survived in the shipwreck where all +had been thought lost; of the struggle in the dark waters, but cast up at +last unconscious on shore in the most uncivilized part of Africa where he +had been a captive through the years. Then came the almost miraculous +escape to a passing ship homeward bound! + +Later, there would be time a plenty for all of the details or as much as +he saw fit to tell. + +Just a few low spoken words to Aunt Janice, and then he was off to find +his mother--and who would draw the curtain aside on that scene?--The +years seemed to roll back and link quickly with the present, while the +tension broke. Gwendolyn, forgetting in the joy of the moment, the sorrow +she had endured, came back to herself completely, and was even as she had +been before! + +Mr. Meredith, with his family and Aunt Janice, were discussing the +wonderful happenings of the day, when into the picture stepped Gwen and +her son, adding their happiness to the hearts overflowing for them. +Little Alice stood holding her father's hand, while Don, Nora, Harry and +Beth, looked wide-eyed at the turn of events. + +"I wish," Alice broke into the silence, "that we might all stay +here forever!" + +The tiny bright-eyed old lady, her loving heart ashine in her face, +looked into the eyes of all of the happy group. + +"I'm sure that will be the most joyful way for us to spend the years; +there is room and love in abundance for all; let's share them in the old +castle together." + +The Merediths joined hands in delight at the suggestion. "A home with +dear Aunt Janice! How delightful!" Nora voiced in words the thoughts they +all would utter--"Tomorrow we must go into the forest and tell Marty and +Jerry the wonderful news." + +"And bring back the ferns and vines for the party!" + +Alice and Beth were skipping around in excitement, that the grown-ups +felt, but expressed in a quieter way. + +"Isn't it fine that you will be here for the party?" Janey was looking +into her father's face as she spoke, softly--"Aunt Janice will be glad +for us to show you around." + +The old lady smiled her assent; but just then did not remind Janey of +the years he had spent around the old place. + +"Even Aunt Janice hasn't met Jerry and Marty," Beth said--"but you will +both love them." + +"I'm sure we shall." + +Then Nora, thoughtful as usual, motioned the others into the next room. + +"Let's leave them to talk together," she whispered--"they have been +separated so long." + +"The mystery of the tower room is gone forever!" Harry exclaimed. + +"I _did_ see a handkerchief waving from the window, that day, +Nora;" Janey's tone was triumphant. "Wasn't Aunt Janice good to +tell us the story?" + +"Alice--" Harry paused; for just then, no one felt like reminding her of +the broken promise. + +"All's well that ends well--" Don remarked, with a wise shake of his +head. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +ADDING TO THE QUEST + + +"Aunt Janice--Dad--we're off for the forest again!" + +Don stood in the doorway, watching the two deeply engrossed in +conversation, as he came up to announce their intentions. + +"Don't forget the lunch basket--and remember the wild ferns and greenery +for the decorations." Aunt Janice reminded. + +"We surely will bring back some beautiful decorations this time; for +tomorrow will be the party day!" + +Aunt Janice was as happy in her preparations as any of the younger +Merediths, and had been busy already giving orders for the bountiful +feast, for the whole day and evening was to be one of an entire +"gala" occasion. + +Gwendolyn and her son, were as merry as two children, helping Aunt +Janice with the plans wherever they could. + +"How very merciful God has been!" the old lady said softly, her gaze +resting lovingly on the group waiting outside, in the sunlight of another +beautiful day. + +"Oh, Donald--" she continued, "it seems almost too good to think of you +and the dear children, coming to live here always, to gladden the years." + +"We should be truly grateful," Mr. Meredith replied, "and it shall be the +greatest pleasure to take care of you and your affairs." + +Don had waited, not wanting to interrupt, and Aunt Janice seeing him, +motioned that he come up to her side. In the happiness that had come to +them all, she had not forgotten a plan that she had made for Marty and +Jerry's grandfather and themselves. + +"I want you to take a message to Mr. Greyson for me, Don--tell him that +the manager is returning to his home in the city, and that I shall be +glad if he will consider the vacancy, and accept at once if he will. The +house of course goes with the position." + +Don fairly exploded with the good news, as he rushed on out to catch up +with the others, who had gone ahead. Nor did it take them long to find +their new friends. + +Marty and Jerry with their grandfather, were coming down the trail that +led out from the cabin. They saw the Meredith's approaching and hurried +forward to greet them. + +Nora, Janey, Don, Harry, Beth and Alice, needed no introduction to Mr. +Greyson, for much to their joy, they found him one and the same as the +friend who had piloted them from the station, on the evening of their +arrival at Land's End. + +After the warm greetings were over, Don couldn't wait another moment to +break the news. + +"The mystery of the castle is over, for our cousin Harry has returned; +he wasn't drowned at all, but kidnapped somewhere off the coast of +Africa, in the most uncivilized region." + +"And--" Janey interrupted, "his mother, who shut herself up in the tower +room, is perfectly well again." + +"We left them gathering flowers for the party!" Alice began, quickly +joining in to have a part in the affair. + +"Wait--" Don spoke up again--"I want to give Aunt Janice's message +first." + +Then, in a rush, it all came out--the words fairly running over one +another for utterance, and ending with a glowing picture of the pretty +house, nestled at the foot of the blue misty hills, "Please say you'll +accept and move right in, Mr. Greyson; Aunt Janice really needs your +help at once." + +Marty and Jerry stood waiting, their faces pictures of eager expectancy. +The house that Jerry described and of which they had only seen the +outside, seemed like a real palace to them. + +When their grandfather, without losing time, accepted the offer, their +cup of joy seemed to overflow! + +He laid a kindly hand on Don's shoulder. + +"You may tell your aunt that I gladly accept, and will come to her for +instructions at once." + +The whole group who had been perfectly quiet as they waited, now broke +into a jubilee of merriment. + +"We're going to live with Aunt Janice--always," Beth said,--"isn't that +delightful?" + +"Quite delightful," Peter Greyson replied, as he looked round on the +group. "We have these young visitors to the castle to thank for our part +of the good times, because they found you, Marty and Jerry, away out here +in the forest." + +"We were out on an adventure--" Nora's eyes were shining, "a happiness +quest, to find someone to whom we might bring happiness. I read a story +once like that, and we decided to go on this same quest." + +Marty clapped her hands gleefully-- + +"You've brought happiness to three of us today, and in a way to 'Gem' and +the kitten and the cat, too! Can we move today, grandfather?" + +Mr. Greyson, smiled down on his enthusiastic young granddaughter, with a +shake of his head. + +"I must go up to the castle first, and make all arrangements with Miss +Meredith. I think that it will be best for me to see her, Don, and so I +shall give her the answer before you get there--then, you may start to +pack up things and get ready for the move, Marty. I'll leave you young +folks to gather the greens for the party tomorrow, and have your picnic +together afterwards." + +"We will start to hunt them right away," Harry began, taking out his +trowel, "because there's so much to do and we must make a beginning on +our part, so all will be ready on time." + +"Aunt Janice says the cake will be the biggest the old kitchen has ever +had baked." + +"With the whitest, loveliest icing," Alice supplemented. + +Everyone joined in the general laughter that followed Alice's speech. + +With a smile, then, Mr. Greyson was off down the trail that led out of +the forest and on toward the castle beyond. + +Marty accompanied him for a short way along the path, her hand clasping +his tightly, and Jerry remembering that he had forgotten to ask his +grandfather something of importance, followed, to speak a word and return +with Marty. + +The Merediths waited in a group, until they returned to start to gather +decorations. + +"The chain of happiness for others, as well as for ourselves, is +really growing," she began, her eyes following the three figures in +the distance. + +"Oh, Nora--" Janey said, "let's always try to keep on finding hearts that +need happiness." + +"Let's--" Beth agreed, and all of the others joined in accord in the +lovely plan, that they had made theirs. + +"Dear Aunt Janice started it all by inviting us on a visit to the castle; +now it's growing beautifully." + +"Because, you see, we are on a quest of happiness for others; our dear +heavenly Father undoubtedly blessed such a quest, for He wants happy +hearts. Only let us not forget that hearts must know our dear Lord Jesus +to be crowned with happiness." + +"Crowned with happiness!" Janey repeated softly. "Remember our motto, +Nora?--_I would look up--and laugh--and love--and--lift_--.'" + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, THE QUEST OF HAPPY HEARTS *** + +This file should be named qhpht10.txt or qhpht10.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, qhpht11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, qhpht10a.txt + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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