And Esther, reflecting on the many shiftinesses of her stepson, was able to console herself with the hope that it would do him good.
They went a shortcut through the bush to avoid the public road, and the blue, sun-kissed, laughing river stretched before them.
"There they are," Esther cried, "in the old place, as usual, look at the fire, little sweet son; see the smoke, boy bonny—four—five of them. Why, who have they got with them?" she said in surprise, as they drew nearer the group on the grass.
Before they were close enough to recognize faces the circle suddenly seemed to break up and fall apart.
One of its members turned sharply round and fled away across the grass, plunging into the thick bracken and bush, and disappearing from sight in less time than it takes to tell.
"Whoever had you with you?" Esther said when they reached the children.
There was a half-second's silence, then Pip threw some sticks on the fire and said coolly:
"Only a friend of Meg's, a frightened kind of kid who has quite a dread of the pater. I believe she imagines soldiers go round with their swords sharpened, ready for use."
He laughed lightly. Nell joined in in a little hysterical way, and Baby began to cry.
Meg, white as death, picked her up and hurriedly began telling her the story of the three bears for comfort.