Page 54 (1/2)

"Not at all Why, Hubert?"

"Oh, if you would only go away, and not spoil our fun when the Major

coh, but she did not take the hint, and Alison

obtained only the satisfaction of hearing that she had at least not been

in Mackarel Lane The wheels sounded on the gravel, out rushed the boys;

Alison and Rachel sat in strange, absolute silence, each forgetful

of the other, neither guarding her own looks, nor re her

co; Rachel's

teeth were set to receive her ene about tea and coather up

their looks before Lady Teht in upon

the double? Hardly that, for

one was tall, bald, and bearded, not dangerously young, but on that very

account the ; and the other was al officer type Here, too,

was Fanny, flushed, excited, prettier and brighter than Rachel had seen

her at all, waving an introduction with head and hand; and the boys

hanging round the Major with deafening exclamations of welcome, in which

they were speedily joined by the nursery detachrowth and looks, those glad, eager questions and

answers, were like the welcoral part of the family; it was