Sir Everard could, with all truth, assure the children that he had never been so surprised in his life; for, as he did not smoke, certainly the very last present he would have expected was a cigar-case!
But his pleasure and gratitude were so well feigned, that the children went to bed highly delighted with the success of their birthday present.
CHAPTER VIII.
"Good-bye, Humpty-Dumpty! The trumpet shall be at the station at five o'clock this afternoon without fail."
So spoke Colonel Sturt, as Sir Everard drove his two friends from the door the next morning.
Humphrey waved his hat in answer, and flew off to make arrangements with Virginie for going to the station to meet it. He had his father's leave for himself and Miles to go there with the coachman, and to be dropped afterwards at old Dyson's, where Virginie was to meet them, and bring them home.
Nothing could be more perfect! At about half-past four, the dog-cart drove up to the door, and off they went, followed by many parting injunctions from Virginie as to getting in and out carefully, and sitting very still.
The trumpet was waiting at the station, and was safely delivered into their eager hands.