Before Aunt Sarah could make a suitable reply, the loud voice of Uncle Ben was heard in the distance.
"Come, Sarah," he called, "bring those kids along. I can't be kept waiting another minute."
"Now then, dears," said Aunt Sarah, "I'll take you to the circus."
"The circus!" cried Diana. "Is we going to a circus? I love 'em!"
"Well, my dear, you are not only going to see a circus, but you are going soon to be part of a circus. Uncle Ben owns one; it's a sort of traveling circus. He takes it about with him from one part of the country to another. You'll be part of the circus in the future, little miss."
"And may I wide horses?" asked Diana.
"Surely, my dear, and perhaps other animals as well. Oh, never fear! you'll be taught all kinds of queer things. You'll have quite a nice time if you keep on the buttered side of Uncle Ben."
"The buttered side! That must be g'easy," said Diana.
"Well, you keep on it, miss. If he's kind to you, why, all will be right, and, for my part, I'll see you want for nothing."
"I do believe," said Diana, her eyes sparkling; she turned as she spoke and clasped one of Orion's hands—"I do weally b'lieve this is better nor aunt's. Do come 'long, Orion; I always did love circuses."