Caroline, however, did not think that he was made quite so welcome at
Kencroft as his exertion deserved. Colonel and Mrs. Brownlow were
sitting in the drawing-room with the blinds down, presumably
indulging in a Sunday nap in the heat of the afternoon, for the
Colonel shook himself in haste, and his wife's cap was a little less
straight than suited her serene dignity, and though they kissed and
welcomed the mother, they were rather short and dry towards Bobus.
They said the children had gone out walking, whereupon the two lads
said they would try to meet them, and strolled out again.
This left the field free for Caroline to propose the taking the two
girls to London with her.
"I am sure," said Ellen, "you have always been very kind to the
children. But indeed, Caroline, I did not think you would have
encouraged it."
"It?-—I don't quite understand," said Caroline, wondering whether
Ellen had suddenly taken an evangelically serious turn.
"There!" said the Colonel, "I told you she was not aware of it," and
on her imploring cry of inquiry, Ellen answered, "Of this folly of
Robert."
"Bobus, do you mean," she cried. "Oh!" as conviction flashed on her,
"I never thought of _that_."
"I am sure you did not," said the Colonel kindly.
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