"But our place under the pines isn't that."
"I like to think it is sometimes," said Jill quietly.
The day came at last for the ceremony of laying the foundation-stone. Even
Miss Webb, who viewed most of Mona's proceedings now with raised eyebrows,
entered into the spirit of it with real heartiness.
When they drove out to the desolate spot all the inhabitants of the
Common were there, and Jack and Jill walked amongst them, greeting them
as old friends.
Mona performed her part very gracefully.
Mr. Errington had a good many friends present, but none enjoyed it all
so much as the children.
"This is only the very beginning of it," Jill confided to a rough specimen
of girlhood, who had been making depreciatory remarks, after the service
was over. "You wait till your room is built, then you'll see."
"What shall us see? A parson in a pulpit?"
"You'll see the way to the Golden City," Jill said enthusiastically. "And
Mr. Errington will be always telling you about it till you all set out
and go. And he'll give you teas and magic lanterns. I wish I lived here
to see the workmen build it. I should come and watch them every day, and
make them hurry."
As they drove home in the carriage with Mona they heard a startling bit
of news.
It was Miss Webb who began talking of the room.
"Mr. Errington is quite down at leaving. He told me it is only his wife's
health that takes him. He hopes to hurry on the building--but I doubt
if it will be finished before the New Year. It is strange that as soon
as he gets his desire about this wild bit of his parish that he should
have to leave it."
"Is Mr. Errington going away?" asked Jill breathlessly.