Tom and Debby ran on ahead to rejoice over their newly-recovered darling, the rest trooped back more slowly. Audrey seeing them coming got up and began to bustle around. She felt a little ashamed of herself, and very anxious to wipe out the not very pleasing impression she felt sure she had made on their visitor. She got out the table cloth and spread it on the ground.
"First of all," suggested Faith, "we had better build up the fire and put the kettle on. It takes rather long sometimes."
"I'll get some sticks," volunteered Keith. "Come along, Tom, we'll provide the wood; that shall be our job."
"I want to go too," cried Debby, "but the kittens are asleep, and I can't possibly disturb them, can I?"
"Run along," said Mr. Vivian kindly, "I will mind your kittens for you, they know me, and we will be as happy as kings together."
"I wish," Audrey remarked, "that we had some methylated spirits and a stove. It is ever so much quicker and not nearly so messy."
"But it isn't as much fun," consoled Irene, "and the tea tastes so nice when the water is boiled over sticks and furze. Don't you think so?"
"I don't know. I don't see that it can make any difference. But I think it is a dreadful bother trying to get enough for everyone. The fire always goes out or the——"
"Audrey," called out Faith, "where is the kettle? Daphne and I will go to the cottage to get it filled."
"I haven't the kettle," said Audrey. "I haven't seen it. Isn't it in the basket over by you? Don't say you have come without it?"