Theo, however, had an objection to make. "I think you are very foolish if you do anything of the kind," she said severely. "We ought to make the best of ourselves, not the worst, if we want them to agree to our plan. They know that we are poor and have lived in the country all our lives, and I suppose they imagine that we are great, awkward, clownish creatures who know nothing about society or how things should be done. I vote we surprise them. Let's all put on our nicest things, and make the house look its very, very best, and prepare a _chic_ little luncheon, and give them coffee afterwards; and let them see that we don't require any patronage, and are quite able to take care of ourselves. I'm sure that's the best plan; isn't it, Phil?" "I don't know, I'm sure. Go your own ways. You want to appear better than you are; Madge wants to appear worse. I'm going to be myself-- horribly myself! I don't feel that I can pretend one bit. It's all very well for you; you are only standing on the ramparts. I have to go down and fight the battle," cried poor Philippa dismally, and Hope's arm stole round her waist with a close, encouraging pressure. Hope was so sorry for every one in turn that she had no time to be sorry for herself. "It will soon be over," she whispered fondly. "Cheer up, Phil! By this time to-morrow they will have come and gone." CHAPTER THREE. A FAMILY CONCLAVE. Mr and Mrs Loftus arrived by the morning train, and drove up to The Cottage in the ancient village fly. Uncle Edward wore a black band round his hat; Aunt Gertrude an elaborately trimmed black gown, which had obviously _not_ been bought for mourning. They stared curiously at the house as they approached, and from behind the blind in the front bedroom four pairs of eyes stared even more curiously at them. "Thin lips and a sharp nose! Face like a hatchet. No love lost between _us_, my dear!" cried Madge shrewdly. "Nice old fellow, Uncle Edward! Looks as if he would be kind if he had the chance." "Isn't she smart? She has taken the flowers out of an ordinary bonnet to make us think she is in mourning. I could swear there were once pink roses where that jet is now," said Theo of the sharp eyes, the while she glanced complacently at her own careful toilet. "I am glad I dressed up the drawing-room. Don't hurry down, Phil. Let them have time to look round and realise that we don't live in a hovel." "I suppose I ought to fly to meet them at the door, but I don't feel in the least inclined. Now Steve is going out. He looks so nervous! I'm sure he wishes that he had not written. Do you think Aunt Gertrude looks more determined than I do? I expect we shall have an awful battle. You must come down with me, girls, and be introduced before we begin. I wish my heart wouldn't thud; I don't want to give myself away by looking nervous."