Here I made my way to the dining-room, where grannie was waiting for me
and gave me another hug.

"Come here, child, and sit beside me near the fire; but first let me have
a look at you," and she held me at arm's length.

"Dear, oh, dear, what a little thing you are, and not a bit like any of
your relations! I am glad your skin is so nice and clear; all my children
had beautiful complexions. Goodness me, I never saw such hair! A plait
thicker than my arm and almost to your knees! It is that beautiful bright
brown like your aunt's. Your mother's was flaxen. I must see your hair
loose when you are going to bed. There is nothing I admire so much as a
beautiful head of hair."

The maid announced that dinner was ready, grannie vigorously rang a
little bell, aunt Helen, a lady, and a gentleman appeared from the
drawing-room, and Mr Hawden came in from the back. I discovered that the
lady and gentleman were a neighbouring squatter and a new governess he
was taking home. Grannie, seeing them pass that afternoon in the rain,
had gone out and prevailed upon them to spend the night at Caddagat.

Mr Hawden took no notice of me now, but showed off to the others for my
benefit. After dinner we had music and singing in the drawing-room. I was
enjoying it immensely, but grannie thought I had better go to bed, as I
had been travelling since about midnight last night. I was neither tired
nor sleepy, but knew it useless to protest, so bade every one good night
and marched off. Mr Hawden acknowledged my salute with great airs and
stiffness, and aunt Helen whispered that she would come and see me by and
by, if I was awake.