She seemed used to receiving strange boys, for she pointed to a seat in the hall, and said, with a nod: "Sit there and drip on the mat a bit, while I take this in to missis." Nat found plenty to amuse him while he waited, and stared about him curiously, enjoying the view, yet glad to do so unobserved in the dusky recess by the door.
The house seemed swarming with boys, who were beguiling the rainy twilight with all sorts of amusements.

There were boys everywhere, "up-stairs and down-stairs and in the lady's chamber," apparently, for various open doors showed pleasant groups of big boys, little boys, and middle-sized boys in all stages of evening relaxation, not to say effervescence.

Two large rooms on the right were evidently schoolrooms, for desks, maps, blackboards, and books were scattered about.

An open fire burned on the hearth, and several indolent lads lay on their backs before it, discussing a new cricket-ground, with such animation that their boots waved in the air.

A tall youth was practising on the flute in one corner, quite undisturbed by the racket all about him.