India, and would come home some day, and meanwhile often
sent them letters and parcels, but he was such a complete stranger, that
he did not count for much in their little lives. On mail-days, when
they had to write to him, it was often very hard to think of something
to say, for they did not feel at all sure of his tastes, or what was
likely to interest him: it was like writing to a picture or a shadow,
and not a real person at all.

Now Aunt Katharine was a very real person, though she was also a very
busy one, and if it was sometimes difficult to get hold of her during
the day, there was always the evening. Then she was quite ready to
listen to questions, to hear news, and to go thoroughly into any matters
of interest or difficulty which had been saved for that time. The hour
immediately after breakfast was devoted to lessons, but it was not easy
to talk to Aunt Katharine then, for she had so many things on her mind.
She never shortened the time, but the children knew that the moment ten
o'clock struck, books must be shut, and Aunt Katharine free to begin her
busy round from kitchen to dairy, from garden to poultry-yard and
stables. Every part of her pleasant little kingdom was daily visited by
this active lady, and it repaid her care within and without, for no one
had such good butter, such abundance of fresh eggs, such a well-kept
stable, such luxuriantly blooming flowers, and such fine vegetables. No
one had a pleasanter house, roomy and cheerful, and not too grandly
furnished for children and animals to run about in freely.

And Miss Chester's cares were not confined to her own possessions alone,
for nothing that went on in the village of Fieldside, just outside her
gates, was unknown to her. She was ready to settle disputes, to nurse
sickness, and to relieve distress, and was never known to fail any one
who applied to her for help. Into this life, already so full of varied
business, Dennis and Maisie had brought added responsibilities, and Aunt
Katharine had undertaken them with her usual decision and energy. As
long as the children were babies, somewhat delicate and ailing, she had
bestowed all her thought and care upon them, and given up many outside
interests for their sake.

But now they were babies no longer, but had grown up healthy and strong,
and by degrees she returned to her busy life, and left them a great deal
to themselves. Her married sister, Mrs Trevor, who lived not far off at
Haughton