She came through the trees in a white dress, and the sunshine threw patches of beautiful colour on her hair.
"Oh, little Betty!" she cried.
Then she saw the Serpent.
She took Elsie right up against the beautiful white dress and kissed her. Mabel could not speak at all. But her eyes glowed. She turned them full on Mr. Symington. "We must take these children home at once," she said.
Mr. Symington looked as though he had been rescuing an army. "Yes," said he gravely.
Robin had trailed in looking somewhat dissatisfied.
"Jean would go, wouldn't she?" he asked.
"Oh no, I don't want mummy to know," said Mabel. "She is up there with Mrs. Clutterbuck. These two must go home, and get hot baths, and be put to bed and sat upon, or they won't stay there. Where can we get a cab, I wonder?"
"Here," said a voice.
Adelaide Maud now came through that beautiful pathway of sun-patched trees with Elma. "I've heard all about it," said she, "and we have the carriage. Borrow wraps from every one and tuck them in. We shall keep Mrs. Clutterbuck employed till Mr. Symington comes back."