Eustace flushed with an uncomfortable feeling that they were not behaving very courteously, and came forward the instant Miss Chase spoke. Nesta followed, and then Peter, all as stiff as pokers in their shyness. But Becky Miss Chase picked up with a playful little shake, and kissed her heartily.
"Oh, you dear, funny wee soul," she said, "how glad I am to see you. I've brought out a Kodak and I've promised to take all your photos almost every other day, for certainly no one at home could guess the least little bit what you are like."
Becky did not resent the unceremonious treatment at all, but took it quite placidly in her own particular way. This gave Peter confidence.
"Have you brought lots of boxes?" he asked, with an interested stare up into his young aunt's face.
Eustace pulled his sleeve.
"Shut up," he whispered. "Don't ask questions; it's rude."
Eustace felt uncomfortable. He knew quite well whither his small brother's questions were trending. Peter was wondering what would be in those boxes for himself.
"A good many," answered Miss Chase; but she was allowed time to say no more, because she was hurried into the house to rest and refresh.
At tea the children sat round as solemn as owls and listened to all the questions and answers about the home folk. They picked up scraps of information most interesting to themselves, especially about the English cousins, Herbert, who was sixteen, and Brenda, who was a month or so older than the twins. From time to time they had heard of these cousins in letters, but it made them seem much more real when they were talked about by some one who had just come away from them.
"Herbert is a very big fellow," Miss Chase said. "He is doing famously at Winchester."