The visitors, whoever they might prove
to be, would afford relief to the situation and brighten the dullness of
life at the big house. So both Kenneth and Mr. Watson were with the drag
at the station when the noon train drew in.
And there were Patsy Doyle, Beth DeGraf, and Louise Merrick, a bevy of
dainty and sprightly girls, alighting eagerly from the coaches, with
Uncle John handing out the grips and packages and giving the checks for
the baggage, with business-like celerity, to Thomas the groom.
"We've come for a visit, Ken!" cried Palsy, laughing at his eager
delight. "Are you glad to see us, boy? And do you suppose old Martha has
our rooms aired?"
"And it's a long visit, too," added Uncle John, "as you'll believe when
you see the pile of baggage. You'd think these minxes were prepared for
a tour of the world. Each one of 'em brought a carload of clothes."
But they couldn't phase Kenneth in that way. His sensitive face had not
beamed with so much animation for months.
The guests were helped into the tall drag and merrily they drove the
five miles to Elmhurst, not a word of politics being spoken on the way.
The girls had not been to the house since Aunt Jane's death, two years
ago, and after a hasty luncheon they began an inspection of every room,
as well as the garden, grounds and stables.
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