Lady Constance had now joined them, and the children stood around, all eyes and ears.
"Kate, take them in," said the mistress to a tiny monitress, when she became conscious of the inquiring glances. All were seated demurely as Elsie and the two ladies entered.
"Now," said Lady Constance, "do you not think you might give these little ones a holiday this fine afternoon, so that you and my sister may have a good chat?"
"Perhaps I had better," replied Elsie; then turning to the eager audience, "Children, these kind ladies have come all this way to see me, and have asked me to give you a holiday; what do you say?"
"Thank you, ma'am," responded the little chorus.
"Very well," said the mistress; "mind you don't get into any mischief. No noise," she added quickly, as she perceived that Lady Eleanor's friend was expanding his lungs, and gathering up his little bantam-cock-like figure, preparatory to starting a cheer. "No noise; poor gran is very bad to-day, and would not like it. Go quietly."
And so they did, under the generalship of tiny Kate, all defiling past in silence, save Master "Naw," who, being the hero of the school, thought it necessary to distinguish himself; therefore, being forbidden to cheer, he stepped forward, and touching his forehead with a bow, said—
"Thank your ladyships both;" and then, with a rush to the door, "Now, boys, we'll have a look at the ponies."
"He is almost past me," said Elsie, laying her hand on the boy's shoulder as he darted through the door.
"You have them in very good order, I think," said Lady Constance; "but I was sorry to hear you say the old lady was so poorly. Let us go and see her."