"Oh, yes! Uncle John is their guardian, isn't he? I expect that was the Rae boy I saw looking over the balusters when we arrived? You wrote and told father about his accident. Is he still lame?"
"Yes, and we fear he always will be. His sister has gone for a walk with her governess."
"I think they are coming up the carriage drive now, Aunt Ann."
"Then we will go downstairs, and we will have tea early—"
"Oh, please don't have it earlier for me!" interposed Josephine. "I had lunch before I left Exeter, not so very long ago."
"We dine at midday," explained Miss Basset, "and have a laid tea at five o'clock, and supper at half-past eight as a rule. Come along, my dear!"
She led the way downstairs. In the hall they found May and her governess in conversation with Donald, and Josephine was introduced to them.
"I want you to give the young folks a holiday to-morrow, please, Miss Cummings," said Miss Basset, "so that they may get to know Josephine."
"Certainly!" Miss Cummings answered.
"Oh, thank you!" cried Josephine.