They took it into account, without offence, that it was probably just as much a cross to Uncle James to come as it was to them to have him.

They took no pose of magnanimity such as: "Of course we must be good and offer Uncle James a home," and "How good we are to do it!" Uncle James was to come because it was the only thing for him to do.

The necessity was to be faced and fought and conquered, and they had three strong, self-willed little children to face it with them.

They had sense enough to see that if faced rightly it would do only good to the children, but if made a burden to groan over it would make their home a "hornets' nest." They agreed to say nothing to the children about Uncle James's peculiarities, but to await developments.
Children are always delighted at a visit from a relative, and they welcomed their great-uncle with pleasure.

It was not three days, however, before every one of the three was crying with dislike and hurt feelings and anger.