"To the Stronghold!" went forth the cry, and up they swarmed, all heavily laden, K.K. gravely bringing up the rear with a parcel someone had dropped. Everything was tilted on to the table, and then each one pounced on various parcels—tearing of paper, cutting of string, noise, delight, exclamations!
Nell opened Ted's parcel last of all. It was an old ivory paper knife, with a little hunting scene beautifully carved on its handle.
"Denis!"
He turned at her tone.
"Isn't it lovely, Denis?"
He nodded.
"He knows what's what! It's ripping, Nell."
She was examining it delightedly.
"It's such a beautiful old thing—just look at the carving—that leg, Denis, isn't it wonderful? And the manes and tails—"
"Do look what he's sent me, Nell," cried Molly.