"Yes, my lady," said Simpkins, and Gregory grew another inch all over.

And then Aunt May led the others upstairs.

Gregory finished his washing first, and walked to the dining-room, which
opened on to the lawn, and was very bright and sweet-smelling. The walls
were covered with pictures, and there were roses in blue bowls wherever a
place could be found for them.

By the wall, in a row, were five round baskets, and directly Aunt May came
in the five black spaniels, who were with her, went each to his basket, and
lay there quietly, with his head resting on the edge and his eyes fixed on
his mistress. Their names were Mars, Saturn, Orion, Mercury, and Jupiter;
and from time to time Aunt May called one to her and gave it a little piece
of food, while the others glittered with expectation.

"Now," said Aunt May, "let's get on with our eatin', for I'm sure you're
all hungry, and I know I am. Patricia dear, do you think you can eat solid
things, or shall we get something else?"

Patricia, however, declared that she could eat anything.

"Mr. Bruce Avory," said Aunt May, "you're drinkin' nothing. Would you
rather have lemonade or barley-water?"

Poor Gregory! he knew what he wanted--lemonade--but he didn't know whether
he ought to address Aunt May as "My Lady " or "Your Ladyship " or "Lady
Rusper." He had tried to get a moment with Hester to ask about it, but
without success.