"Yes, it is a great satisfaction to have you back in your old home,
under our wing. I have a great deal to tell you about the
arrangements."

"Oh yes; thank you--"

"Mamma!" roared two or three voices.

"I wanted to explain to you--" But Fanny's eye was roaming, and just
then in burst two boys. "Mamma, nurse won't undo the tin box, and my
ship is in it that the Major gave me."

"Yes, and my stuffed duck-bill, and I want it, mamma."

"My dear Con, the Major would not let you shout so loud about it, and
you have not spoken to Aunt Rachel."

The boys did present their hands, and then returned to the charge.
"Please order nurse to unpack it, mamma, and then Coombe will help us
to sail it."

"Excuse me, dear Rachel," said Fanny, "I will first see about this."

And a very long seeing it was, probably meaning that she unpacked the
box herself, whilst Rachel was deciding on the terrible spoiling of
the children, and preparing a remonstrance.

"Dear Rachel, you have been left a long time."