"She did n’t say anything in particular," admitted Tilly, crinkling her brow. "Nothing one could take hold of, you know. Just--just--" "Sort of snacks," suggested her mother sympathetically. Tilly nodded her head. "That’s it," she said. "Anyhow, she has sent you a written reply. Here it is." Mrs. Welwyn and Amelia breathed hard and respectfully at the sight of the large thin grey envelope, addressed by Lady Adela’s own compelling hand. "You read it, dearie," said Mrs. Welwyn. "No; I’ll tell you what," exclaimed Tilly. "We’ll let little ’Melia read it. She does n’t get much fun." "Oh, Tilly!" cried Amelia gratefully. She took the letter, opened it with an air, and began:-- "_My deah Mrs. Welwyn--haw!_" There was great merriment at this, for in her own family circle Miss Amelia enjoyed a great reputation as a wit and mimic. The fact that neither she nor any of her audience, save Tilly, had ever beheld Lady Adela in the flesh detracted not a whit from their enjoyment of her performance. "_It is really too good of you,_" continued Amelia, in the high-pitched and even tones of a lady of exceptional breeding, "_to invite us all--such a crowd of us--to come to tea on Monday. As it happens, we shall be in town that day, so Mr. Mainwaring and I propose to take you at your word, and shall be charmed to come with our son and daughter at five o’clock._" "That’ll be four cups," murmured Mrs. Welwyn abstractedly. "We can get Mehta Ram’s. Go on, Ducky." "_After our recent experience of your daughter’s society--_" Here Amelia broke off, to observe that in her opinion the last phrase sounded tabbyish. "Never mind! Go on!" urged Mrs. Welwyn. "_--Daughter’s society, we are naturally anxious to make the acquaintance of her forbears._" "Her four what?" asked Mrs. Welwyn in a dazed voice. Amelia carefully examined the passage, and repeated:-- "It says ’four bears’--written as one word. Does that mean you and Dad and me and Perce?" "If her ladyship," began Mrs. Welwyn warmly, "is going to start naming names from the Zoo--" Tilly laid a quick hand upon her mother’s arm and turned in the direction of the fireplace. "Dad," she enquired, "what does ’forbears’ mean?" A chuckling voice from behind "The Daily Mail" enlightened her. "The laugh is on your mother, children," said Mrs. Welwyn good-temperedly. "Finish it, ’Melia." Amelia did so. "_What weather! Sincerely yours, Adela Mainwaring_. That’s all." "Quite enough, too!" commented Mrs. Welwyn, who still had her doubts about the four bears. "Any way," remarked Tilly energetically, "they are coming; and we have till five o’clock to get ready for them. Hallo, Perce!" To the company assembled entered Mr. Percy Welwyn, immaculate in frock coat, brown boots, and a rakish bowler hat. "What oh, Sis!" he exclaimed, kissing Tilly affectionately. "Back again from the Moated Grange--eh? My dinner ready, Mother?"