"Blow again, and we'll see about that," said Sir John, understanding the manoeuvre.
The big bright case flew open as Moppet blew.
"Take care it doesn't bite your nose off."
"How big and bright it is--much bigger and brighter than Uncle Tom's."
"Uncle Tom's is a lady's watch, and Uncle Tom's a lady's man," said Sir John, and the triple peal of childish laughter which greeted this remark made him fancy himself a wit.
Small as they were, these children were easily amused, and that was a point in their favor, he thought.
"Tea is ready in the breakfast-room," said Adela.
"Tea in the breakfast-room. Oh, how funny!" And again they all laughed.
At any rate, they were not doleful children--no long faces, no homesick airs, no bilious headaches--so far.
"I dare say they will all start measles or whooping-cough before we have done with them," thought Sir John, determined not to be hopeful.