lly little fellows; but Hector--we shall have to break him
in--he's just what we thought he'd be. Reginald is more likely to take
soon to our ways; he's a manly sort of fellow, and there's some fun in
him. However, you will soon be able to judge for yourself about them
all; only there's one thing--we must not let Mr Hector lord it over us.
If he attempts it, we must take the shine out of him."

Before Harry had told Paul half of what he wanted to know they reached
home, when, as may be supposed, the whole household was aroused into a
state of the greatest activity.

At last the beds were made, the supper-table was laid, the lamps were
lighted, and all was ready. Mrs Berrington and her daughters had sat
down, and taken up their work. Two of them had attempted to read, but
found that impossible just then. Biddy was watching over the pots and
pans in the kitchen. The boys were at the front door, now and then
running along the road to listen, when the cracking of whips, the tramp
of horses, and the sound of wheels was heard.

"Here they come! here they come!" cried the boys, in chorus.

Paul and Harry lighted their lanterns. "That's Uncle Frank," exclaimed
the latter, as a tall, gentlemanly-looking man rode up alongside their
father.

Mrs Hugh Berrington came out to receive them. Greetings were over by
the time the first dray drew up at the door. The captain and Mrs
Berrington assisted a lady to descend, and carried her in their arms
into the house. Two young ladies were next helped out, who appeared to
take very little notice of any one, until Mary and Janet, hurrying
forward, kissed them affectionately, and welcomed them to Stratton, when
they led them into the sitting-room.

"That's Aunt Augusta, and those two Evelina and Adela," whispered Harry.
"And here comes Sybil, the youngest; a jolly little bird, isn't she?
Then Gertrude, Edgar, and Albert are with their Aunt Emily in the other
dray. I shouldn't be surprised if Mr Hector were there too, for I
don't see him on horseback; but here comes Reginald--he'll want to be
introduced, or he'll not speak to you," and Harry laughed. "Here,
Reginald, old fellow, this is my brother Paul, and these are Rob and
Tommy," exclaimed Harry, as a fine-looking lad rode up and, dismounting,
shook hands with his cousins.

The second dray now drove up, and Hector, a delicate-looking youth, was
the first to get out, stretching himself and yawning as he did so.

A very nic