In her enthusiasm over the beautiful country-side, she fairly bubbled over with love and affection for all about her.
Are you both so fond of the country, then? said Miss Abbie, a little curiously.
Yes, we love it, declared Dick, and weve most never seen it. Auntie Helen always liked fashionable places in summer, and of course in winter we were in Chicago.
And we were naughty, said Dolly, with a sudden burst of contrition, to go wading in the brook in our good clothes. Mrs. Halkett told us spressly not to get soiled or even rumpled before we saw you. And were sorry we did, but, oh! that brook! When can we go there again? To-morrow?
Or this afternoon, said Dick, sidling up to Aunt Rachel; it isnt late, is it?
The twins had instinctively discerned that Miss Rachel was the one of whom to ask permission. Aunt Abbie seemed more lovable, perhaps, but without a doubt Aunt Rachel was the fixer of their fate.
This afternoon! I should say not! exclaimed Miss Rachel. Its nearly supper time now, and how youre going to be made presentable is more than I know! Have you any other clothes?
In our trunks, lots of em, said Dick, cheerfully. But these are our best ones. Mrs. Halkett put them on us purpose to come to you. Im sorry theyre smashed.
Dicks sorrow was expressed in such blithe and nonchalant tones, that Miss Rachel only smiled grimly.
Are you hungry? she said.
Nom, said Dick, slowly, and Dolly added, Not very. Of course were always some hungry. But Aunt Rachel, cant we go out and scoot round the yard? Just to see what its like, you know. Of course, this room is, beautiful, but we do love to be out doors. May we?
No, said Miss Rachel, decidedly, and though Miss Abbie said, timidly, Why dont you let them? the elder sister resumed:
Go out on my lawn looking like that? Indeed you cant! Id be ashamed to have the chickens see you, let alone the servants!
Oh, are there chickens? cried Dolly, dancing about in excitement. Im so glad were going to live here!
She made a movement as if to hug her Aunt Rachel once again, but as she saw the involuntary drawing away of that ladys shoulders, she transferred her caress to Dick, and the tattered twins fell on each others necks in mutual joy of anticipation.
You are a ridiculous pair of children, said Aunt Abbie, laughing at the sight; but as I hope youll show some of your fathers traits, you may improve under our training.
If we can train such hopeless cases, said Miss Rachel. Has nobody ever taught you how to behave?
Yes, said Dick, growing red at the implication. Auntie Helen is a lovely lady, and she taught us to be honourable and polite.
Oh, she did! and do you call it honourable to go off wading in your best clothes, while we were waiting for you to come here?
Dicks honest little face looked troubled.
I dont know, he said, truly, but Dolly, who was often the quicker-witted of the two, spoke up:
It may have been naughty, Aunt Rachel, but I dont zackly think it was dishonourable. Do you? Thus pinned down, Miss Rachel considered.
Perhaps dishonourable isnt quite the right word, she said, but we wont discuss that now. I shall teach you to behave properly, of course, but we wont begin until you look like civilised beings, capable of being taught. Just now, I think hot baths, with plenty of soap, will be the best thing for you, but as you have no clean clothes, youll have to go to bed.
At five oclock! Whew! said Dick. Oh, I say, Aunt Rachel, not to bed!
Anyway, let us go for a tear around the yard first, begged Dolly. We cant hurt these clothes now; and I dont believe the chickens will mind. Are there little chickens, Aunt Abbie?
Yes, little woolly yellow ones.
Like the ones on Easter souvenirs? Oh, please let us see them now, please!
More persuaded by the violence of her nieces plea than by her own inclination, Miss Rachel said they might go out for half an hour, and then they must come in to baths and beds.
And supper? asked Dick, hopefully.
Yes, bread and milk after youre clean and tucked into bed.
Only bread and milk? said Dolly, with eyes full of wheedlesomeness.
Well, perhaps jam, said Aunt Abbie, smiling, and somehow her smile augured even more than jam. Out they scampered then, and soon found Michael, who introduced them to the chickens and also to Pat, who was the gardener.
I like you, said Dolly, slipping her little hand into Pats big one, both being equally grimy. Please show us all the flowers and things.
There was so much to look at, they could only compass a small part of it in their allotted half-hour. Dana Dene covered about thirty acres, but it was not a real farm. A vegetable garden supplied the household wants, and the rest of the estate was park and flower beds and a bit of woods and an orchard and a terrace, and the poultry yard and stables, and other delights of which the children could only guess.
Arent you glad we came? said Dolly, still hanging on to Pats hand.
I I guess so, Miss, he replied, cautiously; but I cant say yet, for sure. Yere rampageous, Im afraid. Aint ye, now?
Yes, said Dick, who was always honest, I think we are. At least, everybody says so. But, Pat, were going to try not to make you any trouble.
Now, thats a good boy. If ye talk like that, you n mell be friends.
Dolly said nothing, but she smiled happily up into Patricks kind eyes, and then, with their usual adaptability to circumstances, the twins began to feel at home.
CHAPTER III
AN EARLY STROLL
Soon after daybreak next morning, Dolly woke, and surveyed with satisfaction her pretty room.
Pink roses clambered over the wall paper, and over the chintz hangings and furniture, and over the soft, dainty bed-coverlet.
It was much more attractive than her room at Aunt Helens, and as Dolly loved pretty things, she gave a little sigh of content and nestled comfortably into her pillows. Then she heard Dicks voice whispering through the closed door between their rooms.
Hi, Dolly; I say! Arent you up yet?
No, are you?
Yes, and most dressed. Hustle, cant you? and lets go out and chase around the place.
Before breakfast?
Yes; breakfast isnt until eight oclock, and its only six now.
All right, Ill hustle, and Dolly sprang out of bed, and began to dress.
The twins were a self-reliant pair, and quite capable and methodical when they had time to be.
Dolly dressed herself neatly in a clean blue and white plaid gingham; and as she could tie her hair ribbon quite well enough, except for special occasions, the blue bow on her golden curls was entirely satisfactory.
Im all ready, Dick, she whispered at last, through the door, and we mustnt make any noise, for maybe the aunties are asleep yet.
All right; Ill meet you in the hall.
So both children went on tiptoe out into the big, light hall, and softly down the stairs.
No one seemed to be stirring, but they unfastened the locks and chains of the front doors, and stepped out into the beautiful fresh morning.