Late in the afternoon, a couple of outriders appeared to say that the
great lady was close at hand, and Aurelia, in her best blue sacque,
and India muslin cap, edged with Flanders lace, had her three little
charges, all in white with red shoes, red sashes, and red ribbons in
their caps, drawn up in the hall to welcome their mother.

Up swept the coach with six horses, Mr. Dove behind--runners in fact,
who at times rested themselves by an upright swing on the foot-board.

The door of the gorgeous machine was thrown open, and forth sprang
a pretty little boy. Next descended the friendly form of Mrs. Dove,
then a smart person, who was my Lady's own woman, and finally
something dazzlingly grand and beautiful in feathers, light blue,
and silver.

Aurelia made her reverence, and so did the little triad; the great
lady bent her head, and gave a light kiss to the brow of each child,
and the boy sprang forward, crying: "You are my sisters. You must
play with me, and do whatever I choose." Amoret and he began kissing
on the spot, but Fidelia, regarding _must_ as a forbidden word, looked
up at Aurelia with an inquiring protest in her eyes; but it was not
heeded, in the doubt whether to follow Lady Belamour, who, with a
stately greeting to Mrs. Aylward, had sailed into the withdrawing-
room. The question was decided by Mrs. Aylward standing back to
make room, and motioning her forward, so she entered, Letty
preceding her and Fay clinging to her.

By the hearth stood the magnificent figure, holding out a long,
beautiful, beringed hand, which Aurelia shyly kissed, bending as
before a queen, while her forehead received the same slight salute