I'm _so_ glad I didn't do those wretched holiday tasks--they'd just have been sheer waste.

Mums, I'm so excited! May I begin and pack for Italy now?
I can't wait." For the next two weeks great confusion reigned in the Beverley household.

It is no light matter to decide what you need to take abroad, what you wish to lock up at home, and to leave your establishment in apple-pie order for the use of strangers.

Inventories of furniture, linen, blankets, and china had to be written and checked, a rigorous selection made of the things to be packed, and the luggage cut down to the limits prescribed by the railway companies.

Poor Mrs.Beverley was nearly worn out when at last the overflowing boxes were fastened, the bags and hold-alls were strapped, and the taxis, which were to take them to the station, arrived at the door.