18 The Old Umbrella.

must know; and though they were
rather particular about some things,
such as dirty feet on a clean floor—
yet our little brother and sister liked
nothing better than to pay a visit to
Elm Cottage, where they often had
buttered toast for tea, and heard lots
and lots of stories.

I think they would have been in
and out there every day if they
could; but, happily for the good old
folks, the cottage was just too far to
allow of such constant invasions. In-
deed, it was considered too far for
them to get at, unless either father or
mother could go with them—until
this afternoon of which I am going
to tell you.