"Oh, you've been caught, I see! Pretty big storm," he remarked to Margaret.
"Yes, we are soaked," answered Miss Woodford. "Come, Ellice, hurry and get changed."
"I shan't bother," was the sharp answer; "things will soon dry."
"Go at once, child! Don't stand and talk about it; do as you are told, girlie"—and Margaret gently took the little girl's arm, and led her towards the stairs.
Her father was about to hang up his mackintosh; he paused; then as governess and pupil went to their rooms, a smile of quiet satisfaction touched his lips, as he hung the garment upon the peg, and turned and entered the dining-room.
A quarter of an hour later there was a violent ring at the front-door bell, then a noisy stampede as someone entered with a good deal of clatter, and some eager questioning of James, as the man shut out the swish of rain and wind which with the newcomer rushed into the hall.
"I say, got another?" asked a boy's voice. "Tall and scraggy and glasses, eh?"
"I suppose you are referring to the governess, Master Bob?" said James gravely, but with a slightly suppressed smile flickering in his eyes.
"Of course I am! —I say, what is she like, though?"
"You'd better wait till you see her for yourself."