For a while, as the retreating footsteps of the visitors gradually died away on the stairs, the little family stood motionless, as though the slightest sound might recall them.

But when at last the street-door slammed below, Reginald flung himself into a chair and groaned.
"Mother, we can't stay here.

We must leave to-morrow!" Horace could not help laughing.
"Why, Reg," he said, "you seemed to be enjoying yourself no end." "Shut up, Horace, it's nothing to laugh about." "My dear boy," said Mrs Cruden, "you think far more about it than you need.

After all, they seem kindly disposed persons, and I don't think we should be unfriendly." "That's all very well," said Reg, "if there was no Jemima in the question." "I should say it's all very well," said Horace, "if there was no Sam in the question; though I dare say he means to be friendly.

But didn't you and Jemima hit it, then, Reg?
I quite thought you did." "Didn't I tell you to shut up ?" repeated Reg, this time half angrily.
"I don't see, mother," he added, "however poor we are, we are called on to associate with a lot like that." "They have not polished manners, certainly," said Mrs Cruden; "but I do think they are good-natured, and that's a great thing." "I should think so," said Horace.