Great was the surprise of Walter and Arthur to be joined halfway down the lane early next morning by a tall gentleman, who came striding after them. But greater still was the astonishment of the little ones at breakfast, when they found their own dear papa seated at the bottom of the table. There was plenty to tell him, and all to explain about the little services and the hymns, and Christina, and Melton Castle.
"Christina," questioned their father, "who is she?"
"Oh, the most beautiful lady you ever saw!" said Ada rapturously. "She helps us sing, and she talks to Tom, and she is coming to tea to-night!"
"Then I shall hope to see her," said papa; "and certainly if she is the most beautiful lady, it will be a treat."
"Well, you will think so, I know," said Ada, pouting; "now isn't she, Walter?"
"Yes," said Walter.
"Who is she? And what does she do here?"
"Why she's a visitor," answered Ada; "she came here with her mother, who was ill; and now she has lost both her parents, and she has an aunt living with her, an old maid."
"A what?" said her father gravely.
"An old—a maiden lady. I forgot, papa," said Ada, colouring. "However, she and mamma and Nellie are quite getting friends; and mamma thought she would like to come to tea and walk to church with us to-night. We shall come back by moonlight."