"Nights it would be sort of dismal sitting in here alone if 'twasn't for those books," the little hostess confessed. "That's a real good kerosene lamp I have. It makes a bright light. I curl up on the couch as soon as my supper's eaten, and then I forget where I really am, for I go wherever the story takes me. Come, everything is ready," she added, "and since fifteen minutes of our time is gone already, we'd better eat without talking."