‘There is going to be a Meeting in the village schoolroom to-night,’ said Aunt Grace as she was pouring out tea one fine Saturday evening in September, about a month after the children’s arrival at Woodsleigh. ‘Mr. Faulkner—that’s Mrs. Robinson’s clergyman brother—is going to speak about the work of a Home for poor friendless boys and girls, of which he is the Chaplain. I wonder if you three would like to come.’
‘I should like it very much,’ said Emmeline.
‘Will it be all talking, or will there be a magic lantern?’ asked Micky, cautious before committing himself.
‘Will it keep us up lovely and late?’ cried Kitty.
‘I believe there’s to be a magic lantern, and we shan’t be back till about ten, I suppose,’ said Aunt Grace; whereupon Kitty gave such a bound of delight that she nearly upset her tea, and Micky graciously expressed his opinion that the Meeting wouldn’t be half bad.
‘Work among children is always particularly interesting,’ said Emmeline; ‘their characters are still so plastic that they can be moulded into whatever shape you want.’ She had once heard a visitor make the remark, and had treasured it up for future use.
‘I didn’t know you had had such a wide experience in bringing up young people, Emmeline,’ said Aunt Grace, with a twinkle in her eye; and Emmeline grew rather red.
‘The only condition I make to the twins’ going is that they shall lie down after tea till it is time to start,’ went on Aunt Grace after a moment, ‘else they will be so very tired to-morrow morning.’
The twins looked rather blank at this. ‘Will there be supper when we come home?’ asked Micky.
‘Yes,’ said Aunt Grace, with a smile.