Hans and Carl were in the highest spirits. They had chattered all the way from the station, and were ready to be pleased with everything.
They brought with them a relic of the old home, in the person of a little white fluffy dog, named Puck, which came bustling in at their heels, flying up at every one in expectation of a welcome, and regardless of Salome's—
"Mother, what will Mrs. Pryor say to a dog? I thought Puck was to be given to the De Brettes."
"The children begged so hard to bring him," Mrs. Wilton said. "Puck is a dog no one can object to."
Salome looked doubtful, and said—
"I am sure Mrs. Pryor won't let him get on the chairs," as Puck seated himself on one of them. "Get down, Puck."
"I thought it was a mistake to bring Puck," Ada said; "but the children would have their own way."
"He is a very well-behaved dog in general," said Stevens, anxious to make peace and avoid discussion with Mrs. Pryor; "and if he forgets his manners, we must teach him, that is all."
"Where is the nursery?" Carl asked, "and the school-room? Are we to have tea there?"
"You shall all have tea together this evening," Stevens said; "but I will show you your room, my dears. Come upstairs."