"Yes, Auntie, a very pleasant journey; Uncle was so kind to me."
"I am sure he would be, Carol. You are glad to come to us, darling--to be our own dear son? You will feel this is home, and your cousins not cousins, but brothers and sisters?"
"Yes, Auntie. I know my father wished me to come to you--but--I am sorry to leave Cousin Alicia. I love her so much."
"Of course, darling, that is only natural. She has been quite a mother to you since your own dear mother died."
Carol did not speak; a choking sensation of pain prevented him. He knew that Cousin Alicia had been more than a mother to him.
"May I write to her to-night, Auntie? She will like to hear from me."
"Of course, dear. Write to her as often as you like."
"I think that will be every day then," the boy said promptly, with a smile. Mrs. Mandeville smiled too.
"Dear boy, how you have comforted me. I feel so much better for this little talk with you. Perhaps I shall be able to surprise everybody, and go down to dinner this evening."
"Oh, Auntie, please do. At tea Edith said, 'It would be just lovely if only Mother could come down to dinner.' We can nearly always do what we want to do, Auntie."