CHAPTER XXI THE GREEN-PAINTED GATE

“I think our new home is almost perfect now,” declared Shirley, subsiding into an arm-chair and surveying with an approving eye what were in future to be regarded as their household goods. And, indeed, several days’ concentrated effort upon Nanny’s part, supplemented by fleeting assistance from Bob and Shirley whenever they were not occupied in preparing The Friary for the reception of the Somervilles, had worked wonders at Corner Cottage. Few things are more depressing than arriving at a house that has been untena…