The Red Grange - Mrs Molesworth

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1891 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IV. AN UNWELCOME GUEST. Uncle Rupert's return was delayed even beyond the day or two first mentioned. He had been gone a week, when at last we heard definitely that he might be looked for that same evening. I was delighted to hear it, yet, as can be understood when I say that the last few days had been quite wonderfully fine and mild, and that several hours of each had been spent by Lion and me together, I had not moped or fretted during his absence. 'You've been a very good young lady indeed, ' said Mrs. Fanshaw approvingly--' so bright and cheery, and looking so well, too, for the Colonel to see you.' I felt myself quite a heroine to be so commended. 'I'm very glad uncle's coming back, ' I replied; 'more glad even than you know, Mrs. Fanshaw.'--' For I can tell him about Lion, and get leave to invite him to tea. I do so want to show Lion my rooms and everything, ' I was thinking to myself, while good Mrs. Fanshaw smiled, and thought, doubtless, that I had a very pretty way of expressing myself. Lion looked pleased too when we met, as usual, that morning at the ruins, and I told him my news. 'I'm very glad Colonel Rupert is coming back, ' he said; 'for though you are quite sure he will like your playing with me, still, I'd rather he knew about it.' 'Do your grandfather and grandmother know?' I asked suddenly. 'Of course they do, ' he replied. 'You don't think I'd not tell them? And of course the first thing they said was that you must tell your uncle as soon as he came back.' 'Well, I'm going to tell him, ' I said, jumping up and down on a little grassy hillock as I spoke. 'Come along now, Lion; we've time for another "I spy" before the bell rings.' But Lion was not quite in his usual spirits, though he seemed kinder than ever that...