"But," said Mrs. Becker, "by way of compensation, there is the vegetable and fruit garden, the pantry, the kitchen, the dairy, and the poultry yard; these are all my charges, and you may have some of them if you like." "Excellent, each shall have her own kingdom and subjects." "It being understood," suggested Mrs. Wolston, "that you are not to eat everything up, should the fruit garden or pantry come under your charge." "That is not fair, mamma; you are making us out to be a couple of cannibals." "You see," continued Mrs. Wolston, "these young people have not the slightest objection to my parading their accomplishments, but the moment I touch their faults they feel aggrieved." "I am persuaded," rejoined Mrs. Becker laughing, "that there are no calumniators in the world like mothers." "Therefore, mamma, to punish you we shall come and kiss you." And accordingly Mrs. Wolston was half stifled under the embraces of her two daughters. "I am certainly not the offender," said Mrs. Becker, "but I should not object to receive a portion of the punishment; these great boys--pointing to Frank--are too heavy to hang on my neck now; you will replace them, my dears, will you not?" "Most willingly, madam; but not to deprive them of their places in your affection." "In case you should lose that, Master Frank," said Mrs. Wolston, "you must have recourse to mine." "But now, my friends, what do you say to going down to the shore to meet the pinnace, and perhaps the _Nelson_?" said Mrs. Becker. "Ah, yes," said Sophia; "and I will stay at home to wait upon father." "No," said Mary; "I am the eldest--that is my right." "Well, my children, do not quarrel about that," said Wolston; "I feel rather better; and I dare say a walk will do me good. Perhaps, when I get tired, Frank will lend me his arm." "Better than that," hastily added Frank; "I shall saddle Blinky; and lead him gently, and you will be as comfortable as in an arm-chair." "What is that you call Blinky?" "Oh, one of our donkeys." "Ah, very good; I was afraid you meant one of your ostriches, and I candidly admit that my experiences in equitation do not extend to riding a winged horse." "In that case," said Mrs. Becker, "to keep Blinky's brother from being jealous, I, shall charge him with a basket of provisions; and we shall lay a cloth under the mangoes, so that our ocean knights, as Jack will have it, may have something to refresh themselves withal as soon as they dismount."