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."