"Is it supper-time?" asked Tom, amazed.
"Well, it is past six, and we are a good way from home yet. I hope all the family were safe under shelter before the rain came on. Do you see the white horses dashing up the sides of the island? It looks very cold, doesn't it?"
"I'm glad I'm not a goat," said Tom.
"So am I! See, there are the Parade lights. Get all the parcels together, and be ready to jump off when we stop."
A shopping expedition alone with mother was always a great treat. There was so much to tell afterwards—so many parcels to open and examine. Tom scampered up the Parade in advance of Mrs. Beauchamp's soberer footsteps, so it was he who first caught sight of nurse's face when the door was opened to his clamorous knock.
"Go up to the nursery, Master Tom," she said.
Tom dashed on merrily, and a minute later he heard his mother's voice in the hall, with a quick note of anxiety in it.
"What is it, nurse?"
"It's Miss Susie," said nurse, "and Master Dick."
Tom hung over the banisters to hear more.