'MY DEAR GEORGE,—It is my intention to arrive at the Garden to-morrow, and I hope, as your dear wife's half-sister, to get a hearty welcome. I have a great scheme in my head, which I am certain you will approve of, and which will be exceedingly good for your funny little daughters'——
'I do not like that,' interrupted Hollyhock. 'I am not a funny little daughter.'
'Dearest,' said her father, kissing her between her black brows, 'we must forgive Aunt Agnes. She doesn't know us, you see.'
'No; and we don't want to know her,' said Jasmine. 'We are very happy as we are. We are desperately happy; aren't we, Rose; aren't we, Delphy?'
'Yes, of course, of course,' echoed their father; 'but all the same, children, your aunt must come. She is, remember, your dear mother's sister.'
'Did you ever meet her, daddy?' asked Jasmine.
'Yes, years ago, when Delphy was a baby.'
'What was she like, daddy?'
'She wasn't like any of you, my precious Flowers.'
The five little girls gave a profound sigh.