Whatever Rosamond had on the tip of her tongue was averted by the entrance of the three younger brothers. Julius seated himself beside her in the cushioned fireside corner; and Cecil asked where Raymond was.
“Just stepped in to see my mother,” said Frank. “This room opens into hers. Will you come to them?”
“Not yet,” said Cecil. “I want you to tell me about the neighbourhood.”
“Just what I want,” said Rosamond. “Whenever I ask, Julius always says there’s Dr. Easterby.”
Frank and Charlie burst out laughing.
“Dr. Easterby is one of the greatest men in the English Church,” said Julius.
“Precisely! But what is the regiment at Backsworth?” and as Charlie named it, “Oh, what fun! That’s where Laurie Cookson exchanged. He will be sure to send us cards for everything.”
“At Dunstone we never used to go to garrison gaieties,” said Cecil, gravely.
“Oh! I’m a military pariah,” said Rosamond, hastily.
“Who are the land-owners?” continued Cecil. “There was a place I saw from the line, but Raymond didn’t hear when I asked whose it was. Close to the station, I mean.”