inside protruded, and the rug, being longer than the others, hid all the
ends, and, when strapped round just tightly enough to hold all together
comfortably without unnecessary squeezing, it made such a neat-looking
roll as compelled even Robin's admiration. Ella's travelling-cap had
been inside the bundle before, but Kate took it out and advised her to
carry it in her hand-bag, as being easily accessible if she did not wish
to undo the strap.

All was ready at last, the rugs, the hand-bag, and the tin trunk, to
which at the last moment Kate came running to tie a piece of red braid,
by which to distinguish it, making Ella and the boys laugh at what they
called her "incurable old-maidishness."

"Never mind," she replied, nodding sagely, "you will thank me when you
have to hunt for your box amongst twenty others exactly like it."

Kate had suggested going to the station to see them off, but her father
objected.

"We shall get on better alone," he argued. "We settle ourselves
comfortably in our corners at once, unroll our rugs, and make everything
ready before we start, instead of having to make spasmodic efforts to
think of last remarks and messages. Of course, if Ella were going alone
I should go to see her off, but as it is I would rather not have anyone
with us."

Mrs. Hastings thought this a rather hard-hearted way of looking at the
matter; but as Ella quite agreed with her father, feeling convinced she
could not be able to keep from crying if the farewells were too long
protracted, there was nothing for it but to yield, and as soon as the