The warmth of Kenneth's greeting was enough to satisfy the most exacting of uncles.
"I'm awf'ly glad to see you, Uncle Phil," said he; "but what made you so late?"
"Well, we just managed to miss our train at Victoria, old chap. Now, Ken,—" this as the boy turned questioningly towards the stranger—"I want you to guess who it is I've brought home with me."
Kenneth looked puzzled. That something unusual had happened he felt sure, for Mrs. Russell's eyes were shining with happy tears, and his mother's face was brimful of pleasure.
Then, in a flash, it came to him! He had seen more than once, the photograph of Ella's father, and here—yes, there was no doubt at all in his mind now—was Gordon Russell in very truth.
"I know," cried he delightedly; "Cinderella's father has come home at last!"
"Right, my boy," said Uncle Phil; "clever chap; now come and be introduced properly."
Kenneth was so pleased at the turn of affairs that he scarcely knew whether he was standing on his head or his heels; but presently he recovered himself sufficiently to be able to make a suggestion.
After shaking hands with Mr. Russell, he turned to his mother, his eyes bright with a splendid idea, which had just come into his mind.
"Mother," said he, "what fun it would be to surprise Cinderella! She thinks I'm coming in presently to fit on her slipper. Couldn't Mr. Russell do it instead of me? Just let me manage it all, may I, mother?"