Ada opened a door at the end of the room, and called, "Alfy! Maggie!"
The little ones, who were with Margaret Fenton in the dining room, came rushing in. And though Maggie was very shy, Alfy feeling he was with old friends, calmly walked to the little table nearest him, and took his seat in a small arm-chair.
He proceeded to open a box of toys which stood conveniently there, and took no further notice of the guests. Maggie, however, kept close to Ada; for her mother had wisely closed the door, and disappeared.
"It is delightful," said Mrs. Arundel; "a most lovely room!"
Near the window were two rocking-chairs and a medium-sized table, the rest of the floor was left unoccupied, except by a few chairs against the wall.
Two large cupboards had been fixed on either side of the fireplace. On the door of one of these was painted in neat letters, "No fresh toy to be taken out till the last one is put away." This had been Nellie's suggestion; for though the children could not read perhaps, the nurse could read it to them.
On the other cupboard was painted likewise, "Each toy to be put neatly into its own box when done with."
Arthur laughed heartily at this, and said, pinching her soft pink cheek, "That's exactly like our Nell—as practical and as tidy as can be."
"Now for the dining room," said Ada.
This was somewhat like other dining rooms, but was also covered with kamptulicon, and a good many high chairs stood round the wall; while Christina's long dining table, sideboard, and handsome chairs gave an air of comfort to the room.