“Oh. So they’re not staying in a castle, then,” said George’s father. “Can’t have that. I won’t have George coming home all high and mighty.”

“George couldn’t possibly be high and mighty,” said his wife. “It’s as much as I can do to get her to keep her nails clean and wear clean shorts. Do be sensible, Quentin. You know perfectly well that George and her cousins always like to go off on extraordinary holidays together.”

“And have adventures,” grinned George, who was now in a very good temper indeed at the thought of going to join her cousins the next day.

“No. You’re not to have any of those awful adventures this time,” said her mother. “Anyway, I don’t see how you can, staying in a peaceful place like the village of Faynights Castle, living in a couple of old caravans.”

“I wouldn’t trust George anywhere,” said her husband. “Give her just a sniff of an adventure, and she’s after it. I never knew anyone like George. Thank goodness we’ve only got one child. I don’t feel as if I could cope with two or three Georges.”

“There are plenty of people like George,” said his wife. “Julian and Dick for instance. Always in the middle of something or other — with Anne tagging behind, longing for a peaceful life.”

“Well, I’ve had enough of this argument,” said George’s father, pushing his chair out vigorously, and accidentally kicking Timmy under the table. He yelped.

“That dog’s got no brains,” said the impatient man. “Lies under the table at every meal and expects me to remember he’s there! Well, I’m going to do some work.”

He went out of the room. The dining-room door banged. Then the study door banged. Then a window was shut with a bang. A fire was poked very vigorously. There was the creak of an armchair as someone sat down in it heavily. Then there was silence.

“Now your father’s lost to the world till lunchtime,” said George’s mother. “Dear, oh dear — I’ve told him at least three times about Faynights Castle, where your cousins are staying, bless him. Now, George, I do really think you can go tomorrow, dear — you look so much better today. You can get your things ready and I’ll pack them this afternoon.”

“Thank you, Mother,” said George, giving her a sudden hug. “Anyway, Father will be glad to have me out of the house for a bit! I’m too noisy for him!”

“You’re a pair!” said her mother, remembering the slammed doors and other things. “You’re both a perfect nuisance at times, but I couldn’t bear to do without you! Oh, Timmy, are you still under the table? I wish you wouldn’t leave your tail about so! Did I hurt you?”

“Oh, he doesn’t mind you treading on it, Mother,” said George, generously. “I’m going to get my things ready this very minute. How do I get to Faynights Castle? By train?”

“Yes. I’ll take you to Kirrin Station, and you can catch the ten-forty,” said her mother. “You change at Limming Ho, and take the train that goes to Faynights. If you send a card to Julian, he’ll get it tomorrow morning and will meet you.”