.. and
they were rather relieved when the drawing-room door opened and Mother
appeared, knitting her scarlet muffler as she walked. The scene of
scolding, explanation, and excuses that followed--for it was half an
hour after bed-time--was cut short by Maria informing the company that
she was "awfully tired," with a sigh that meant she would like to be
carried up to bed. She was carried. The procession moved slowly, Tim
and Judy bringing up the rear. But while Tim talked about a water-rat
he meant to kill next day with an air-gun, Judy used her eyes
assiduously, still hoping to discover Cousin William crumpled up in
some incredible hiding-place. They told their mother nothing. The
matter was private. It was between themselves and him. It would have
to be cleared up on the morrow--if they remembered. On the upper
landing, however, there was a curious sound. Maria, half asleep in the
maternal arms, did not hear it, apparently, but the other two children
exchanged sudden, recriminating glances. A door stood ajar, and light
came through it from the room within. This curious sound came with it.
It was a sneeze--a regular Nindian sneeze.
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