Everything was working smoothly.

Then one evening just before dinner there came a loud ringing at the front-door bell.
It was so loud and so importunate that with one accord the Twins dashed for the door; and Erebus opened it.

On the steps stood their Uncle Maurice; and he wore a harried air.
"Why, it's Uncle Maurice!" cried Erebus springing upon him and embracing him warmly.
"It's Uncle Maurice, mother!" cried the Terror.
"It may be your Uncle Maurice, but I can tell you he's by no means sure of it himself! Is it my head or my heels I'm standing on ?" said Sir Maurice faintly, and he wiped his burning brow.
On his words there came up the steps the porter of Little Deeping station, laden with wicker baskets.

From the baskets came the sound of mewing.
"Whatever is it ?" cried Mrs.Dangerfield, kissing her brother.
"Cats for the cats' home!" said Sir Maurice Falconer.
He waved his startled kinsfolk aside while the baskets were ranged in a neat row on the floor of the hall, then he paid the porter, feebly, and shut the door after him with an air of exhaustion.

He leaned back against it and said: "I had a sudden message--Aunt Amelia is going to pay a surprise visit to this inf--this cats' home these little friends are pretending to run for her.