"We're St. Luke's and St. Mary's," explained Eglantine importantly.
"I see," said the young man. "You, I presume are a St. Mary, and he of the horsey headgear is a St. Luke."
"'Im?" said Eglantine, pointing at William, "'e's a horphin."
"Really," he said, "how intensely interesting!"
"We've come into the country fer a 'oliday," went on Eglantine, "an' we jes' cime in 'ere ter see wot it was loike in 'ere."
"How extremely kind of you!" said the young man, "I hope you like it."
"Wiv a band an' some swings an' a hice cream cart, it'd be orl roight," she admitted.
Most of the children were already making the best of their opportunities. Some were chasing butterflies, some picking flowers, some had taken off shoes and stockings and were paddling in the ornamental pond. The young man watched them rather despondently.
"If I'd known that you were coming," he said, "I'd have procured something in the way of a band and ice-cream cart."
Eglantine again was not to be outdone in politeness. She stood, a curious picture, in her blue dress, white stockings, yellow boots, with her over-frizzed hair standing out around her sharp little face beneath her feathered hat, and nodded slightly.
"Hits of no consequence," she said graciously.
She had the situation entirely in hand. Even William, born leader as he was, was overshadowed by her, and was content that it should be so. Just as two small boys had climbed the pedestal in the middle of the ornamental pond and were endeavouring to stop up the fountain, a butler came down the path with an expression of horror on his face. The young man waved him away.
"Yes, sir," said the man, "but her ladyship has arrived, sir. Her ladyship has had her boxes sent upstairs. I thought I'd better warn you, sir."
"Is there time for me to be summoned to town?" he asked.
"I'm afraid not," replied the butler. "She's coming to find you now, sir. Here she is, sir."
A large woman bore down upon them. She wore a large cloak and a large hat, and several Pomeranians trotted at her heels.
"Here you are, Bertram," she said, "you didn't invite me, but I've come."
"How awfully good of you," said the young man dispiritedly.
The lady put up her lorgnettes and surveyed the children.
"Who--are--these--ragamuffins?" she said slowly and distinctly.