"And has no one a welcome for me?" asked Mr. Pringle at that point. He had seen about the luggage and dismissed the cabman, and now stood regarding the excited group with a glance half humorous, half tender. "Have you forgotten that you have not seen me for three whole days? Never mind," he continued, after he had kissed his wife and his little son, "I am content to take the second place to-night. But Peggy and I are both tired and hungry; so, suppose we have our tea at once—as soon as Peggy has removed her wraps."
A very pleasant meal followed; and afterwards the family drew round the fireplace, in a circle, to talk.
"I've so much to tell you, that I don't know where to begin," Peggy remarked. "Oh, I do think the very nicest part of going away on a visit is the coming home again!"
There was a general laugh at that, and Mr. Pringle said:
"That's good hearing, my dear. We left Cornwall bathed in glorious sunshine this morning," he continued, addressing his wife. "Your schoolfellow's home is in a most beautiful spot. I cannot express how greatly I have enjoyed my three days' holiday at Lower Brimley. Both Mr. and Mrs. Tiddy have been kindness itself, and never shall we be able to repay them for all they have done for Peggy!"
"I was—oh, so sorry to say good-bye to them," the little girl said soberly, "and there was Wolf—poor Wolf! He had to be shut up in the stable for fear he would follow us to the station and want to go by train. He is such a dear, dear dog! You will love him, Billy, when you see him!"
"Do you think I shall ever see him, Peggy?" Billy asked, anxiously. "Do you really think Mr. Tiddy will remember to invite me to Lower Brimley in the summer holidays?"
"I am sure he will," the little girl replied positively. "I heard him mention it several times; he won't forget, he always keeps his word."
"And what about Aunt Caroline?" Mrs. Pringle at length asked. "I was never more surprised in my life than when I heard you and she had met!"
"Was it not strange?" Peggy said seriously. "You know she came from Penzance on purpose to see Mr. Tiddy's daffodils, and she was so pleased with them."