"Out of a vast and varied experience speaks Sir Eustace," laughed Bob—and Eustace reddened.
"Twenty-three," said Mr. Orban. "Fancy little Dot twenty-three! There'll be a big change in her."
"There must be a big change in every one, Jack," Mrs. Orban sighed. "What wouldn't I give to see them all!"
"The next thing we shall hear," remarked Bob solemnly, "is that you will be clearing out to England—the whole lot of you. I don't think I like the idea of Miss Dorothy coming at all. She will bewitch you, and off you will all go."
"No such luck," cried Nesta impulsively.
"Alas! an impossibility," said Mrs. Orban.
Mr. Orban said nothing, but looked very grave.
These few words, however, could only shadow the great excitement a moment. Mrs. Orban returned to her letter, and read interesting little scraps from time to time, such as "'I am cudgelling my brains in the hurry to think of everything I can send you—it is such a grand opportunity—I wish I had time to get a list of wants from you—but I dare say nothing will come amiss. Frocks for the girls and yourself, of course—'"
"Darling gran!" cried Nesta.
"Then I needn't get the duster stuff," said Mr. Orban.