Ellen looked at her mother defiantly. "I don't see why. This week's as good as any other for me."
"Well, then, don't you think that perhaps he'd better make you a little call down at the shop? With so many children and things the house is a wee bit untidy."
"It's his own idea to come up here." Ellen paused, a trifle embarrassed. "He says he wants to meet the family."
"H'm!" murmured Terry. "He's not like your old friend, Mr. Hawes, is he, Ellen?"
Ellen flushed. "No, Terry, he's not a bit like Mr. Hawes."
Small Jack piped up unexpectedly. "Is he like Jarge, Ellen?"
"No, he's not like George, either."
"Can he fight?"
Ellen tossed her head. "I should hope not! Harry Long is a gentleman!" Seeing that this was not a very strong recommendation to her brothers, she added: "But, unless I'm very much mistaken, he's plenty able to take care of himself. He's a fine swimmer, too."
"Is he a sport, Ellen?" Terry asked.