Carolyn Wells

Dick and Dolly Carolyn Wells

In the dark and somewhat sombre library at Dana Dene, Miss Rachel and Miss Abbie satawaiting their guests. The room might have been called gloomy, but for the sunshine thatedged in through the long, narrow, slit-like windows, and made determined golden barsacross the dark-red carpet. Both the Misses Dana showed clearly their anxiety to have thechildren arrive and end their suspense."If only they're tidy children," said Miss Rachel for the fiftieth time; and Miss Abbieresponded, as she always did, "Yes, and quiet-mannered."Miss Rachel Dana was of rather spare build, and sharp features. Her brown hair, onlyslightly tinged with grey, was deftly arranged, and every curled lock in its right place. Herpretty house-dress of dark blue foulard silk, with white figures, was modishly made andcarefully fitted. Miss Abbie was a little more plump, and her gown was of a shade lighter blue, thoughotherwise much like her sister's. The ladies had a patient air, as if they had waited long, but though they now and thenglanced at the clock, they expressed no surprise at the delayed arrival. Trains were apt tobe late at Heatherton, and they knew Michael would return as soon as possible. They hadnot gone themselves to the station to meet the twins, for it had seemed to them moredignified and fitting to receive their young relatives in their own home. Meantime, theyoung relatives were drawing nearer, and now, quite forgetting their own untidyappearance, their thoughts had turned to the waiting aunts, and the welcome they wouldprobably receive."I don't believe they'll be as nice as Aunty Helen," said Dick, candidly, "but I hope they'llbe jolly and gay.""I hope they'll like us," said Dolly, a little wistfully. She had always missed a mother'slove more than Dick had, and her affectionate little heart hoped to find in these aunties acertain tenderness that merry Aunt Helen had not possessed. Dick eyed his sister critically. "I don't believe they will," he said, honestly, "until we getsome clean clothes on. I say, Dollums, we look like scarecrows.""So we do!" said Dolly, fairly aghast as she realised the state of her costume. "Oh, Dick, can't we get dressed up before we see them?""'Course we can't. Our trunks and bags haven't come yet; and, anyway, they'll probablybe on the porch or somewhere, to meet us. Buck up, Dolly; don't you mind. You're just asnice that way.""Is my face dirty?