Never were twenty words, including addresses, more satisfactory.  The tears came, for the first time, to Lady Merrifield’s eyes at the kindness of her brothers, and Harry was quite satisfied that his uncle would be a far better escort than himself or Macrae.  Aunt Jane went off to send her telegram home and write some needful letters, and Lady Merrifield announced her arrangements to those whom they concerned.

‘Oh! mamma, don’t,’ exclaimed Valetta; ’all the guinea-pigs will die.’

‘I thought,’ said Gillian, ’that we might stay here with Miss Vincent to look after us.’

’That will not do in her mother’s state.  Mrs. Vincent cannot be moved up here, and I could not lay such a burthen on them.’

‘We would be very good,’ said Val.

’That, I hope, you will be any way; but I think it will be easier at Rockstone, and I am quite sure that papa and I shall be better satisfied about you.’

‘Mayn’t we take Quiz!’ asked Fergus.

‘And Rigdum Funnidos?’ cried Valetta.

‘And Ruff and Ring?’ chimed in Mysie.

’My dear children, I don’t see how Aunt Jane can be troubled with any more animals than your four selves.  You must ask her, only do not be surprised or put out if she refuses, for I don’t believe you can keep anything there.’

Off the three younger ones went, Gillian observing, ’I don’t see how they can, unless it was Quiz; but, mamma, don’t you think I might go to Beechcroft with Primrose?  I should be so much quieter working for the examination there, and I could send my exercises to Miss Vincent; and then I should keep up Prim’s lessons.’

’Your aunt Alethea will, I know, like doing that, my dear; and I am afraid to turn those creatures loose on the aunts without some one to look after them and their clothes.  Fanny will be very helpful; but it will not do to throw too much on her.’

‘Oh!  I thought they would have Lois—–­’

’There would not be room for her; besides that, I don’t think it would suit your aunts.  You and Mysie ought to do all the mending for yourselves and Fergus, and what Valetta cannot manage.  I know you would rather be at Beechcroft, my dear; but in this distress and difficulty, some individual likings must be given up.’

‘Yes, mamma.’

Lady Merrifield looked rather dubiously at her daughter.  She had very little time, and did not want to have an argument, nor to elicit murmurs, yet it might be better to see what was in Gillian’s mind before it was too late.  Mothers, very fond of their own sisters, cannot always understand why it is not the same with their daughters, who inherit another element of inherited character, and of another generation, and who have not been welded together with the aunts in childhood.  ‘My dear,’ she said, ’you know I am quite ready to hear if you have any real reasonable objection to this arrangement.’

‘No, mamma, I don’t think I have,’ said Gillian thoughtfully.  ’The not liking always meeting a lot of strangers, nor the general bustle, is all nonsense, I know quite well.  I see it is best for the children, but I should like to know exactly who is to be in authority over them.’