“Here they are. Here’s Mother and Frank,” called Eileen, “and whoever’s that with them? Why, it’s Uncle! It’s Uncle!” she shrieked. Sure enough it was Uncle, smiling and smart and distinguished looking.
“Uncle, Uncle!” they shouted, and the five of them were hanging round him, all asking questions at the one time.
“You didn’t think your old Uncle could come up here without you knowing all about it, did you? Well, Uncle is trying to be as clever as his little bush nieces, and your Mamma and Frank kept the secret well.”
“How long have you known? How long, Mum and Frank?”
“Ever since Frank came home,” smiled Mother, “but I wanted to surprise you.”
“Ever since Frank came home?” they repeated, blankly. “However could you keep the secret that long?”
“Why, couldn’t you?” asked Uncle, looking knowingly at the five of them. Then they all shrieked with laughter.
“It’s the best thing in the world that could have happened,” said Eva, “just to have you back here again.”
“Yes, and I want you all to hurry up and get ready to come to Sydney. Can you manage in a month? I’ve taken a beautiful big house with grounds, so I’ll be looking out for you.”
“Ready!” they cried. “Of course, we’ll be ready. Oh, it will be beautiful! Beautiful! Three cheers for Uncle!” they cried, dancing round him.