"Uncle Phil! Uncle Phil! is it really you?" cried Kenneth, who was one of the first to greet the new-comer.
The rest crowded round him delightedly.
"Yes, I believe it is," was the reply, given in the cheery voice of one who was well-pleased with his welcome. "But, there, kiddies, leave me in peace a minute; I have scarcely said 'How d'ye do!' to the mother yet."
With this, the stalwart young naval doctor flung his arms around Mrs. Snowden's neck, bestowing upon her a brotherly salute. Then came quite a hub-bub of greetings, and questionings as to how it was he had come thus unexpectedly.
"Bless you, my children," was the laughing reply, "you want to know too much. I thought I'd spring a surprise upon you all, and I've done so. I hope it hasn't been too much for your feelings."
"It has," said Rupert, with mock solemnity. "As Nurse says, 'you could have knocked me down with a feather.'"
"H'm! I dare say, you impudent young monkey. What ho!" This ejaculation was caused by Dr. Carteret, for such was Uncle Phil's name, catching sight of Ella. "Another of 'em. Come here, youngster, and say 'How d'ye do!'"
Ella advanced shyly, holding out her hand in polite greeting.
"And who may you be?" asked the doctor. "I don't seem to know your face. And what's the matter with your arm, pray?"
"Please, I'm Ella Russell," answered the child, blushing rosily, too bashful to enter into details regarding her arm.