Page 720 - of-human-bondage-

LXXXIX

he conversation between Philip and Athelny was bro-
Tken into by a clatter up the stairs. Athelny opened the
door for the children coming back from Sunday school, and
with laughter and shouting they came in. Gaily he asked
them what they had learned. Sally appeared for a moment,
with instructions from her mother that father was to amuse
the children while she got tea ready; and Athelny began to
tell them one of Hans Andersen’s stories. They were not
shy children, and they quickly came to the conclusion that
Philip was not formidable. Jane came and stood by him and
presently settled herself on his knees. It was the first time
that Philip in his lonely life had been present in a family
circle: his eyes smiled as they rested on the fair children en-
grossed in the fairy tale. The life of his new friend, eccentric
as it appeared at first glance, seemed now to have the beauty
of perfect naturalness. Sally came in once more.
‘Now then, children, tea’s ready,’ she said.
Jane slipped off Philip’s knees, and they all went back to
the kitchen. Sally began to lay the cloth on the long Span-
ish table.
‘Mother says, shall she come and have tea with you?’ she
asked. ‘I can give the children their tea.’
‘Tell your mother that we shall be proud and honoured if
she will favour us with her company,’ said Athelny.

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