On their arrival they found the Lelands, the Lacys, the Dinsmores, and
the Conlys gathered in the drawing-room and supper waiting.
"Two hours behind time! I really am afraid there has been an accident,"
Mrs. Lacy was saying, when the welcome sound of wheels called forth a
general exclamation, "There they are at last!" and there was a
simultaneous exit from the drawing-room into the hall, followed by
numerous embraces, welcomes, congratulations, inquiries after health and
the causes of detention.
They made a jovial party about the supper-table: all but Evelyn, who sat
silently listening to the exchange of information in regard to the way in
which each had passed the summer, and Edward's and Zoe's description of
the celebration of their Aunt Wealthy's one hundredth birthday; all
mingled with jest, laughter, and merry badinage.
As the child looked and listened, she was, half unconsciously, studying
countenances, voices, words, and forming estimates of character.
She had been doing so all the evening; had already decided that the Lacys
and Dinsmores were nice people who made her feel happy and at home with
them; that she liked Mr.
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