Louisa, with a light step, and a heart still lighter, left the room, saying, she had a great deal of information to give little Sophy.
Mrs. B. Now, my dear Emily, ring the bell, and make haste down to tea: I see your father coming up the garden.
The children quickly returned. They were not, however, allowed to enter into any detail of their past pleasures, till the tea-things were removed, and Louisa had joined their part, which she did, very punctually, at the expiration of the promised quarter of an hour.
Louisa. Little Sophy is so delighted with her shells, mamma! She sends her love to you, Ferdinand, and says she will give you a kiss tomorrow. I do not think I shall do much work to-night, mamma, we have so many things to tell you.
The room was soon cleared, and liberty given to begin the account of their excursion, provided only one spoke at a time.
Ferdinand. Oh, Louisa, tell mamma about the dog!
Edward. No: tell about the cat, that is the most curious.
Louisa. Now, I do not think so, Edward. The story about the dog was so very droll.
Mrs. B. Stop—stop, my dear children, or I shall hear nothing after all. Begin at the beginning, and all will go on regularly. Now, set out from our own door.
Louisa. Come, Emily, you will tell that part best, because I do think you enjoyed the ride more than any of us.