"Do you think so?" said De Burgh, drawing near. "They are lighter—a good deal lighter."
"Perhaps so. The shape and expression are like, though. And so you have been to see the lions and tigers?"
"And the bears," put in Charlie.
"Isn't Lord de Burgh kind to take you—"
"He is! he's a jolly chap!" cried Cecil, warmly. "I shouldn't mind living with him."
"Nor I either," added Charlie.
Here Katherine made her appearance, a conscious look in her eyes, a flitting blush on her cheek. The boys immediately flew to hug and kiss her, barely allowing her to shake hands with De Burgh. Then, when she sat down on the sofa, Charlie established himself on her knee and Cecil knelt on the sofa, the better to put his arms round her neck.
"What dreadfully dirty little boys! What have you been doing to yourselves?"
"Oh, we have been on the elephant and the camel, and in the ostrich cart. Then Charlie tumbled down in the monkey-house. Oh, how funny the monkeys are! and he" (pointing to Lord de Burgh) "took us to dinner. Such a beautiful dinner in a lovely room! He says he will take us to the circus."
"I'll ask him to take you too, auntie!" cried Charlie.