Beatrice sat opposite to each other, talking over Knight Sutton
delights with animation, Beatrice ever and anon turning to her other
cousins with explanations, or referring to her papa, who was reading
the newspaper and talking with Mrs. Frederick Langford.

The day was not long enough for all the talk of the cousins, and the
early winter twilight came on before their conversation was exhausted,
or they had reached the Allonfield station.

"Here we are!" exclaimed Beatrice, as the train stopped, and at the
same moment a loud voice called out, "All right! where are you, Alex?"
upon which Alexander tumbled across Henrietta to feel for the handle of
the carriage-door, replying, "Here, old fellow, let us out. Have you
brought Dumpling?" And Uncle Geoffrey and Beatrice exclaimed, "How
d'ye do, Carey?"

When Alexander had succeeded in making his exit, Henrietta beheld him
shaking hands with a figure not quite his own height, and in its rough
great-coat not unlike a small species of bear. Uncle Geoffrey and Fred
handed out the ladies, and sought their appurtenances in the dark, and
Henrietta began to give Alex credit for a portion of that which maketh
man, when he shoved his brother, admonishing him that there was Aunt
Mary, upon which Carey advanced, much encumbered with sheepish shyness,
presented a great rough driving-glove, and shortly and bluntly replied
to the soft tones which kindly greeted him, and inquired for all at
home.

"Is the Hall carriage come?" asked Alex, and, receiving a gruff
affirmative, added, "then, Aunt Mary, you had better come to it while
Uncle Geoffrey looks after the luggage," offered his arm with tolerable