"Where are Joe and Foster, Maria?" asked Mr. Hart.
"I'm sure they're up, father. I heard them come down stairs an hour ago."
"I can't wait for them"—
"You came home late last night, and they haven't seen you since Annie went away." There had been a suppressed sound of whispers in the entry, and the door had been held open about half an inch by some hand on the other side. It is possible, therefore, that Mr. Hart's reply was heard outside.
"Oh, I see! it's about Annie. Look here, Maria: they may have gone a little too far, but if Annie can't take a joke"—
"So I tried to say to her," began his wife; but at that instant the whispers in the entry swelled suddenly to loud voices, and two boys came noisily in, and filled the side chairs at the table.
"Sit down, my dears," said Mrs. Hart, with an admiring glance from one to the other. "I have told your father about the sad trick you played upon your cousin."
"Yes, you young rogues," added Mr. Hart, with affected sternness: "you have driven her out of the house."
"Joe," said the boy on the left, to his brother across the table, "ain't you glad she's gone?"
"You bet I am. She's too stiff and steep for me. Spoiled all the fun we had."