"Oh, what a big house," said Floss. "Oh Carrots, how I do wish that little cottage had been auntie's house, even though the door did open right into the kitchen. Don't you Carrots?"
"I don't know," replied Carrots, "auntie will be very kind to us, won't she, Floss?"
"Oh yes," said Floss, "but supposing she is having a party to-night, Carrots?"
"Well, we could have tea in the nursery, and go to bed," said Carrots philosophically. "Oh Floss, wouldn't you like some nice hot tea and bread and butter?"
"Poor Carrots," said Floss. And her anxiety to see her little brother in comfort again gave her courage to ring the bell as loudly as she could.
A manservant opened the door. Very tall and formidable he looked to the two children, whose eyes were dazzled by the sudden light, after their long walk in the dusk.
"If you please," said Floss, "is auntie at home?"
The man stared. "What did you say?" he inquired. "Is it a message from some one?"
"Oh no," said Floss, "it's just that we've come, Carrots and I—will you please tell auntie? We've walked all the way from the station, because there was no one to meet us."
The man still stared. He had heard something about a young lady and gentleman, his mistress's nephew and niece, being expected on a visit, but his ideas were rather slow. He could not all at once take in that the dilapidated little couple before him could possibly be the looked for guests.