"No," said Grace; "but she looks now like
"Little Dame Crump, with her brand-new broom;"
and no doubt Walter looks either like Mother Hubbard's dog, or—or I don't know what."
"Oh, by-the-way, did you notice a violin on the bureau? Whoever gets 'dear Walter' will have a chance to do all the family dancing. The dowager's too old, and Walter's too lame; but there, what stuff I'm talking; it's well mother isn't within hearing. She won't let me have any sport. But I do think old folks are so comical! I'll do anything in the world to help them, though."
They worked on some time, and in the real kindness which was hidden under this nonsense they laid plans for the dear old stranger's future comfort.
"Why, girls, it's time she was here now!"
"Nora," called Grace, as a girl passed the door, "when an old lady comes, send her right up stairs."
"There was an old person here an hour ago, and as you told me not to let any one in who asked for you for an hour, I told her to sit down in the hall. I suppose she's there now. I forgot all about her," was the reply.
Grace flew down, but there was no one there.
"That was some old beggar who got tired of waiting. I'm sure she'll be here soon," said Lucy.