Several games were proposed, but none of the children wanted to play.

They seemed to feel more comfortable when they were snuggled up close against some grown person, or holding some elderly protecting hand.

But gradually the lightning grew fainter and fainter, and the thunder went growling away in the distance, although the rain kept steadily on.

Mrs.
Sherman called for some music in the drawing-room, and while Miss Allison and Mrs.Cassidy played the liveliest duets they knew, the children drifted out into the hall and over the house as they pleased.
Most of the older boys and girls sat on the stairs in groups of twos and threes, while from the upper hall the scurry of feet, and the singsong cry that London Bridge was falling down, showed what the little ones were playing.

It was after eleven o'clock when the wagonettes came rumbling up to the door.