There was a deep emotion in Arthur's voice as he said:
"Then there shall always be peace between us."
The hand had been withdrawn from the light of day; but the languid, humorous voice continued to make sallies from the brown tent.
"We didn't want to be in the way; so, remembering this bit of property, we just chucked our Somali outfit into a ship, and here we are! I was dreadfully shocked and grieved to hear that you were all quite broke and had started an inn. In New York it is reported to be a great success, is it?"
"Why, I hope so," said Arthur; "I don't really know. Mary's head man. Maud keeps the books; the triplets keep getting into mischief, and Eve, so far as I know, keeps out. As for me, I had an occupation, but it's gone now."
"What was your job, Arthur?"
"My job was to have my arm in imagination where it now is in reality."
"Cecily!" exclaimed the voice. "Is that boy hugging you publicly? Am I absolutely without influence upon manners even among my own tents?"
"Absolutely, Princess!" laughed Cecily.