The expense had been great, much greater than Thankful had expected or planned.

It is true that the boarders, almost without exception, had re-engaged rooms and board for the following summer, but summer was a long way off.

There was the winter to be lived through and if, as they had hoped, additions and enlargements to the establishment were to be made in the spring, more, a good deal more money, would be needed.
"As I see it, Auntie," said Emily, when they discussed the situation, "you have splendid prospects here.

Your first season has been all or more than you dared hope for, and if we had had good weather--the sort of weather everyone says the Cape usually has in the fall months--you would have come out even or better.

But, even then, to make this scheme a real money-maker, you would be obliged to have more sleeping-rooms made over, and a larger dining-room.