Mary Bush's cottage was so large, that, after the death of her husband, she had let half of it to one Goodman Grey, who lived in it, with his old wife Margery, and cultivated the garden, which was a very good one. John Trueman's wife was Mary Bush's eldest daughter; and Joan, nurse's son's wife, her youngest; and it was said of them that there were not two better wives and mothers in the parish: so Mary Bush was very happy in her children. When the children and Betty came up to the cottage, they found Mary Bush spinning at the door. "We are come to drink tea with you, Mary," said Lucy. "And we have brought bread and butter, and tea and cream with us," said Emily. "And a bundle of sticks," said Henry, "to boil the kettle." "Welcome, welcome, my little loves," said old Mary, as she got up and set her spinning-wheel on one side. "Come in, little dears." Mary had but one room, and a little pantry, but it was a very neat room; there was a bed in one corner, covered with a clean linen quilt; there were also a nice oaken dresser, a clock, two arm-chairs, two three-legged stools, a small round table, a corner cupboard, and some shelves for plates and dishes. The fireplace and all about it were always very neat and clean, and in winter you would probably see a small bright fire on the hearth. "How does the cat do?" said Henry, looking about for Mary Bush's cat. "Oh, here she is, Henry!" said Emily, screaming with joy, "in this basket under the dresser, with two such beautiful tortoiseshell kittens! Do look, Lucy--do look, Henry!" "Miss Lucy," said old Mary, "would you like to have one of the kittens when it is big enough to leave its mother?" "Oh, yes, yes! and thank you, Mary," answered Lucy, "if mamma pleases." When the children had looked at the kittens and kissed them, they went to visit Margery Grey, and to talk to old Goodman Grey, who was working in the garden, whilst Betty, in the meantime, and old Mary Bush, set out the tea-cups, and set the kettle to boil for tea. When the tea was ready, Betty called the children, and they would make Margery Grey come and drink tea with them. Henry would have the old man come too. "No, master," said the old man: "I know my place better." "Well, then," said Lucy, "I will send you a nice cup of tea, and some bread-and-butter, into the garden." I wish you could have seen them all drinking tea at the door of the cottage, round the little table, the two old women sitting in the arm-chairs, for Lucy would have them do so, Betty making tea, and the three children sitting on stools--and how pleased and happy they were. [Illustration: "_Drinking tea at the door of the cottage, round the little table._"--Page 149.] Part II Story of Miss Crosbie's Presents [Illustration: Miss Crosbie spoke kindly to her] We will begin this history again, by telling what had happened since the first part was concluded.