"Where's mamma, you naughty child, you, and what do I care for paint?"
"Aunty has gone to the city to see a lady, or on the whole, two ladies, in some hospital."
"I'll warrant it. Well, the doctor said the children must have change of air, and so I've brought them home. Pug, put your arms round aunty Mag, and squeeze her till she can't breathe; and Trot, do you do the same!"
Margaret held out her arms, and the children sprang in.
"How good it is to feel your little arms," she said.
"I've just been hungry to see you. And I'm ever so glad to see you, too, Oney."
"Of course you are. Where's that good, old soul, Mary? Oh, here she comes! Well, Mary, how are you? We've come to make you lots of trouble. Haven't the children grown?"
"Why, yes, Miss, only Miss Laura is small for her age."
"So are you, Molly," cried Laura, laughing.