We rushed to the house -- and there were Uncle Alec and Aunt Janet and Aunt Olivia ! The excitement was quite tremendous . Every body talked and laughed at once , and it was not until we were all seated around the supper table that conversation grew coherent . What laughter and questioning and telling of tales followed , what smiles and bright eyes and glad voices . And through it all , the blissful purrs of Paddy , who sat on the window sill behind the Story Girl , resounded through the din like Andrew McPherson 's bass -- `` just a bur-r-r-r the hale time . '' `` Well , I 'm thankful to be home again '' said Aunt Janet , beaming on us . `` We had a real nice time , and Edward 's folks were as kind as could be . But give me home for a steady thing . How has everything gone ? How did the children behave , Roger ? '' `` Like models , '' said Uncle Roger . `` They were as good as gold most of the days . '' There were times when one could n't help liking Uncle Roger . CHAPTER XIX . A DREAD PROPHECY `` I 've got to go and begin stumping out the elderberry pasture this afternoon , '' said Peter dolefully . `` I tell you it 's a tough job . Mr. Roger might wait for cool weather before he sets people to stumping out elderberries , and that 's a fact . '' `` Why do n't you tell him so ? '' asked Dan . `` It ai n't my business to tell him things , '' retorted Peter .
`` I 'm hired XXXXX do what I 'm told , and I do it .
Like around as at before behind for of through to