Archie's Grandpapa. 157

 

ee een

“Come along, come along!” said he.
“The strawberries are ready, and so is the
cream! How do you do, my dears ?”

“But where are the peacocks ?” asked
Tom, staring all round.

 

“Never mind, never mind,” said the old
gentleman; “strawberries and cream first,
and peacocks afterwards.”

They walked along the garden path to an
arbour covered with ivy leaves, that looked
like a great nest built for some big bird.
Inside were seats and a table, on which were
placed piles of juicy red strawberries and lots
of cream; and a nice old lady with a white
shawl on came out and kissed them. This
was Archie's grandmamma.

“Sit down, my dears,” she said.

“Archie,” whispered Tom, after looking at
her a minute; “I like your grandpapa and
grandmamma very much indeed; but I like
your grandpapa the best.”

“What does he say—what does he say ?”
said the old gentleman. “ Does he want any-
thing? Speak out, my dear—don’t be afraid !”