The travellers had a royal reception, and kind, tactful Mrs.Stanton managed at once to put her young guest at ease, and make her feel that she was a welcome addition to the family circle.
Oswald, Ulyth's elder brother, had come from Harrow only an hour before, and Dorothy and Peter, the two younger children, were prancing about in utmost enthusiasm at the exciting arrivals.
"Father hasn't come in yet ?" asked Ulyth, when she had finished hugging her mother.

"Well, it will be all the bigger treat when he does.

Oh, Oswald, I didn't think you could grow so much in a term! Dorothy, darling, don't quite choke me! Peterkin, come and shake hands with Rona.
Toby, do stop barking for half a moment! Where's Tabbyskins?
And, please, show me the new parrot.

Oh, isn't it lovely to be at home again!" Almost the whole of the next day was spent by Mrs.Stanton, Ulyth, and their delighted visitor in a tour round various outfitting establishments--an exhilarating time for Rona, who was making her first acquaintance with the glories of English shops.

Their purchases were highly satisfactory, and as Ulyth helped her friend to dress for dinner on Christmas Day she reviewed the result with the utmost complacency.
"Didn't I tell you Mother has good taste?
Rona, you're lovely! This pale-blue dress suits you to a T.And the bronze slippers are so dainty; and your hair is so pretty.