“Oh, that’ll come later on!” said Eileen, loftily. “I’m too young yet. I want a little more home life before I leave for the stage.”
Then Teddy made a grimace and murmured under his breath.
“Stage!—I don’t think!”
There was shouting and commotion when the sulky drew up at the gate, and Eileen sprang to the ground. Then a babel of voices filled the air as everyone tried to speak at the same time.
“Oh, I am glad to see you all again!” Eileen told them over and over, and Mother actually had tears in her eyes, though she couldn’t for the life of her tell you why.
And Doris and Baby, with fat, happy faces and the roses of winter on their cheeks, danced round the new-comer.
“I have a little new pet lamb; you can have a nurse of it if you like when you have had a wash.”
“Oh, thank you, Doris, but I don’t think I will this evening!”
“And dere’s dear little puppies over at de shed,” volunteered Baby.
“There’s Willie, and goodness me if he’s not riding! Doesn’t he look funny?” shrieked Eileen.