"It's all very strange and
dramatic. Saturday, when the Duchess came in to welcome us, and flowers
came from all sides, and the Penniscots came to carry us off to dinner,
I really felt, 'Lawk a mussy on me, this can't be I!'"
"Well, then, where _is_ the pill in the jelly?" asked Barbara
solicitously.
Julia had flung back her head and was listening intently. Footsteps and
voices were unmistakably coming up the hall stairs.
"No pills--all jelly!" she had time to say smilingly, before the door
opened and three persons came into the room: Doctor Studdiford,
handsomer and more boyishly radiant than ever; Miss Toland, quite gray,
but erect and vigorous still; and little Anna, a splendid, glowing
ten-year-old, in the blue serge sailor suit and round straw hat made
popular by the little English princess.
Babel followed. Every one must kiss Barbara; little George must come in
for his full share of attention. Presently the beaming Ellie was
summoned, and the children went away with her; Barbara carried off her
aunt for a makeshift luncheon in the dismantled Curriel mansion, and the
Studdifords were left alone.
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