Nor was her patience long put to the test. It was not more than twenty minutes past seven when approaching wheels were to be heard. Kathie scuttered back into the house; she wanted to be standing just within the door, not outside, when they arrived; and in another half minute there they were. Neville had jumped down and was helping out a little familiar figure, while Miss Clotilda smiled brightly at the sight of the children's delight.
'My dear old Phil!' 'My darling Kathie!' and for a moment or two hugs and kisses had it all to themselves. Then Miss Clotilda got out, and Neville got in again to drive the pony home, with many charges to be quick.
'Tea is quite ready,' Kathie called after him; 'and I'm so hungry that I can fancy what you must all be.'
'Take Philippa up to her room, Kathie,' said her aunt. 'Her luggage won't be here for an hour or two, but you can lend her a pair of slippers, I daresay.'
'Oh, mine would be far too big, aunty; but you may be sure Phil has got a pair in her bag,' said Kathie, laughing. 'She's a regular old maid, you know;' and she held up the bag in question for her aunt to see. 'Your room will just suit you, Phil,' she ran on; 'it's as tiny as yourself and as neat as a pin.'
And Philippa's exclamations of delight when they entered it, well rewarded Kathleen for all the trouble she had taken.
'Oh, Kathie,' said the little girl, 'what a perfect place Ty-gwyn is! and how kind and sweet your aunt is, and how good of you all to have me; and oh, Kathie, have you hunted well for the will?'
'Don't speak of it—horrid thing!' said Kathleen with a grimace. 'Yes, I have hunted for it—all to please you, Phil. I'll just tell you what I did,' and she proceeded to relate the unfortunate experience with the pillows.
Philippa was deeply interested.