"Come, children," she said to the others, "let poor father have his
sleep out. It is quite early, father, and--and we understand now."

"Do say you are not angry with me, you dear little kids. I would not
hurt you for the whole world."

"Of course we are not angry, father," said Iris. She bent slowly
forward and kissed her father on his forehead. "Go to sleep, father;
we are sorry we woke you so early."

"Yes, father, go to s'eep," echoed Diana. "I underland all 'bout it.
You won't have no hobgoblins now to dweam about, for I has got off
your knees. They was lovely and flat, and I didn't mind sitting on
them one bit."

"All the same, Diana, I am obliged to you for getting off," said Mr.
Delaney, "for I was beginning to get quite a terrible cramp, to say
nothing of my sensations at having this giant Orion planting himself
on my chest. I will have a long talk with you all, darlings, in the
course of the day, and I do hope you won't be very unhappy with your
Aunt Jane Dolman."

"We'll be mis'ble, but it can't be helped," said Diana. "I never did
like aunts, and I'm never going to, what's more. Come 'long now,
sildrens. It's a gweat nuisance getting up so early, particular when
father can't help hisself. Can you, father? Go to s'eep now, father.
Come 'long this minute, back to bed, sildrens."

Diana looked really worthy of her distinguished name as she strode