"Camilla's children!" said Mrs. Brenton.
As she put down her pen and rose the door was opened very widely, and two small persons entered hand-in-hand.
Caroline had never seen two prettier little mortals, or two so daintily attired.
They flung themselves on Mrs. Brenton, and hugged her with enthusiasm.
"Good morning, Auntie Brenny," said Betty, the eldest, and she settled her ruffled plumage as she spoke. "How is you this morning, darling? Aren't you very pleased to see us? We comed because we have brought you this letter from mother, and because we promised to come." She advanced to Caroline and took her little sister with her. "Good morning," she said; "how d-ye-do? Say 'Good morning', Baby."
Baby put out a tiny hand in a white woollen glove with fingers that were much too large.
"Dormez bien!" she said, with an angelic smile and a doubtful accent.
She cuddled up to Caroline to be kissed, and then, detaching herself from her sister, went and seated herself at the table, while Betty administered correction.
"'Dormez bien' is not 'good morning,' Baby; it's 'good night,'" she said; then she looked at Caroline and shrugged her shoulders. "Baby does say such extra-ninary things," she observed.
"I want somefing to eat," said Baby in a very determined voice.