Grievously against their will, the girls obeyed. Papa was safely evolved out of the crowd, and went off at once between his daughters, leaving Charlie to follow--which Charlie did accordingly, with Mr Atheling’s greatcoat in one hand and travelling-bag in the other. They made quite a little procession as they went home, Marian half dancing as she clasped Papa’s arm, and tantalised him with hints of their wondrous tale; Agnes walking very demurely on the other side, with a pretence of rebuking her giddy sister; Charlie trudging with his burden in the rear. By way of assuring him that he was not to know till they got home, Papa was put in possession of all the main facts of their adventure, before they came near enough to see two small faces at the bright open window, shouting with impatience to see him. Happy Papa! it was almost worth being away a year, instead of three days, to get such a welcome home. “Well, but who is this fine lady--and how were you introduced to her--and what’s all this about a carriage?” said Papa. “Here’s Bell and Beau, with all their good sense, reduced to be as crazy as the rest of you. What’s this about a carriage?” For Bell and Beau, we are constrained to confess, had made immense ado about the “two geegees” ever since these fabulous and extraordinary animals drew up before the gate with that magnificent din and concussion which shook to its inmost heart the quiet of Bellevue. “Oh, it is Mrs Edgerley’s, papa,” said Marian; “such a beautiful pair of bay horses--she sent us home in it--and we met her at Mr Burlington’s, and we went to luncheon at her house--and we are going there again on Thursday to a great party. She says everybody wishes to see Agnes; she thinks there never was a book like _Hope_. She is very pretty, and has the grandest house, and is kinder than anybody I ever saw. You never saw such splendid horses. Oh, mamma, how pleasant it would be to keep a carriage! I wonder if Agnes will ever be as rich as Mrs Edgerley; but then, though _she_ is an author, she is a great lady besides.” “Edgerley!” said Mr Atheling; “do you know, I heard that name at the Old Wood Lodge.” “But, papa, what about the Lodge? you have never told us yet: is it as pretty as you thought it was? Can we go to live there? Is there a garden? I am sure _now_,” said Agnes, blushing with pleasure, “that we will have money enough to go down there--all of us--mamma, and Bell and Beau!”