letters. They were most fascinating, and Mollie was charmed to see
one with her own name on it. The delightful part about this most
unexpected visit, she thought, was the way everyone had apparently
expected her. She could not help wondering how the invitation had
been sent, but decided that it was better not to ask too many
questions.

Hugh departed with Grizzel's oranges, biscuits, and gingerbread,
elegantly arranged in a green-rush basket, the _Swiss Family
Robinson_ forming the basis of the repast. He returned with a smile
upon his face which disclosed two most engaging dimples.

"I've sneaked the ladder," he said. "Won't Frizzy Grizzy be pleased
when she finds out! Ha ha! More scones, please."

"She won't mind," Prudence answered placidly, "she knows someone
will have to let her down before Mamma comes in. You've had enough
jam, Baby darling; let Prudence take off your bib now and wash your
handy-pandys. You can have half my gingerbread if you like, Hugh--
hullo, there's Papa!"

There was a sharp double knock at the front door, followed by the
sound of someone entering. Prudence set Baby on her feet and bolted
helter-skelter across the square hall, flinging herself into the
arms of a stout man with a brown beard, who returned her embrace so
warmly that Mollie wondered if he had been away from home for some
time. He removed his tall silk hat, showing a head as thickly
covered with curls as Grizzel's, but the hair was dark and slightly
touched with grey.