At the reception a week later, Rose stood beside the dear, new aunt, and felt very proud and happy "helping to receive."
Princess Polly and Sprite were delighted that Rose was now to be so happy.
"Of course it is dearest to have one's own mamma," Polly said, "but Rose had neither papa nor mamma, so lovely Mrs. Iris is next best, and I do truly think she is dear."
"So do I," agreed Sprite, "and of course if Rose was happy with her Uncle John she'll be just so much happier with her new aunt, but who told you to call her 'Mrs. Iris'?"
"No one," said Polly, "but for that minute I couldn't think of Atherton, and I couldn't call her Mrs. Captain John. Of course she is Mrs. Atherton now."
"Oh, yes," agreed Sprite, "and my mamma says she's almost an angel. She did truly say that this morning, and Pa said:
"That's just what she is, and Captain John Atherton is a lucky man and I'm glad for him."
Already, plans were being made for the return to Avondale, and Rose, Princess Polly and Sprite were looking forward to the opening of school when, with Harry and Leslie, Lena and Rob, Vivian, and all the other playmates, they would be having the pleasant school days, and the good times that were always enjoyed at Avondale.
Gyp was to be "indoor man" on Captain Atherton's place, and study in evening classes, taking a business course that would fit him for a better position that the captain assured him should surely be his, if he excelled in his class work.
Sprite was indeed to be happy. The year before she had spent at the Avondale school, making her home with Princess Polly and Rose. She had been happy with them, but of course, at times, she was somewhat homesick.