Part 33 (2/2)

PETER MAKES A DIVERSION

But for Peter and Becky schoolroo would have been a very dismal and quiet affair, for the elder cousins had little to say to each other

Herbert and Brenda cudgelled their brains for topics of conversation to keep things going, and they thought they had never had any one so difficult to talk to in their lives The Australian cousins see Brenda was thankful--they were not outwardly so unpresentable as she had anticipated

Nesta, still s under a sense of disappointment, had made a sullen resolution not to appear to want to know anything at all In spite of Herbert's assurances she was quite sure she did know a great deal about the house and grounds Brenda and he should see later that she did

Eustace held his tongue because he had literally nothing to say that was at all agreeable They had begun the day by going into their

”O children,” she had exclaimed when she saw thean Nesta in such aon with a ”but”

There were tears of joy in Mrs Orban's eyes To her at least everything was perfect Eustace was standing close to Nesta, and he gave her a surreptitious pinch that just nipped the coht off before the ”but” could coht it would be half so splendid”

”I knew you would love it,” said Mrs Orban confidently; ”and it is so jolly for you having Brenda and Herbert If only--”

She stopped, and her face had grown suddenly sad There was always that ”if only” The twins knew she was thinking of Aunt Dorothy

”Look here, Nesta,” said Eustace in a low voice when they left the roo for her, or you will be a selfish little pig”

”But when things are horrid--” began Nesta

”It won't make them better to worry her,” said Eustace shortly

”But how could you say it is splendid?” Nesta said with a choke

”Well, isn't it?” said Eustace ”I was thinking about the house and the park It was not the people mother told us about before we carandfather are not a bit like what I thought,” Nesta rerieved tone

”They are very beautiful,” said Eustace in an awed voice ”They so in it, and it seerand for us”

”I know Herbert and Brenda think _therand for us,” said Nesta crossly ”Fancy their thinking such silly things about the e lived, just as if eren't ladies and gentleo in to dessert, she said, 'You know people always dress for dinner in England,' in that snubby way of hers; and I laughed right out, and said, 'Goodness, father and ht at hoes,” said Eustace ”It ive the before had proved a very dull affair, and the ti halma with the cousins, orse They all four hailed bedtime with thankfulness

Never before had Eustace and Nesta felt so shut in--so pinned down and overawed Never, thought Herbert and Brenda, had they met such queer, unresponsive children

At breakfast they found Becky entirely at ho down upon the small person and Peter

”You had better come and see the house now,” said Herbert i later”