'Oh, by the bye, how is it?' asked Mr. Hervey quickly, but Justin could not say.
'I'll run out and ask Griffith now,' he volunteered, and off he ran.
Pat followed his mother and Archie upstairs. He did not quite own it to himself, but he had a strong feeling of not wishing his father to know that they had been for some time at the Crags' cottage.
On the landing upstairs, Mrs. Hervey and the boys were met by the two nursery children. Hec kissed his mother in a rather off-hand way—there was a good deal of Justin about Hec—but fat little Ger ran forward with outstretched arms.
'Mamma, mamma!' he cried. 'I am so glad you've comed home. And Mith Mouse has been here, did you know? Aunt Mattie brought her.'
'My darling, what are you talking about?' said his mother. 'Pat— Archie, what does he mean?'
'The little girl,' said Archie, 'Aunt Mattie's own little girl. Didn't you know she was coming, mamma?'
Mrs. Hervey's face cleared.
'Do you mean little Rosamond Caryll?' she said. 'Oh yes, of course I knew she was expected to stay with your Aunt Mattie. But I forgot she was coming so soon. And so she has been to see you already? That is very nice. She must be a dear little girl, I am sure.'
'Hers juth like a mouse,' said Ger, 'all tho thoft and juth the right colour—greyey, you know!'