tter for the picture, and perhaps somebody would come along in time
to put back the curtain. They began to arrange the group. Mr. and Mrs.
Peterkin were placed in the middle, sitting down. Elizabeth Eliza stood
behind them, and the little boys knelt in front with the basket of cats.
Solomon John and Agamemnon were also to stand behind, Agamemnon leaning
over his father's shoulder. Solomon John was still looking around for a
string when the photographer himself appeared. He was much surprised to
find a group all ready for him. He had gone off that morning for a short
holiday, but was not unwilling to take the family, especially when he
heard they were soon going to Egypt. He approved of the grouping made by
the family, but suggested that their eyes should not all be fixed upon
the same spot. Before the pictures were finished, the station-master
came to announce that two carriages were found to take the party to
Gooseberry Beach.

"There is no hurry," said Mr. Peterkin, "Let the pictures be finished;
they have made us wait, we can keep them waiting as long as we please."

The result, indeed, was very satisfactory. The photographer pronounced
it a remarkably fine group. Elizabeth Eliza's eyes were lifted to the
heavens perhaps a little too high. It gave her a rapt expression not
customary with her; but Mr. Peterkin thought she might look in that way
in the presence of the Sphinx. It was necessary to have a number of
copies, to satisfy all the friends left behind when they should go to
Egypt; and it certainly would not be worth while to come again so great
a distance for more.

It was therefore a late hour when they left Kingston. It took some time
to arrange the party in two carriages. Mr. Peterkin ought to be in one,
Mrs. Peterkin in the other; but it was difficult to divide the little
boys, as all wished to take charge of the cats. The drive, too, proved
longer than was expected,--six miles instead of four.

When they reached their cousin's door, the "barge" was already standing
there.

"It has brought our luncheon-basket!" exclaimed Solomon John.

"I am glad of it," said Agamemnon, "for I feel hungry enough for it."

He pulled out his watch. It was three o'clock!

This was indeed the "barge," but it had come for their return. The
Gooseberry cousins, much bewildered that the family did not arrive at
the time expected, had forgotten to send to countermand it. And the
"barge" driver, supposing the family had arrive