, and it does relieve me so. The name of the other boy is
Orion, and he is called after a cluster of stars. I do know that much.
And oh, Phil! Phil! Phil! they are coming! they are coming!"

CHAPTER VIII.

THE STRAW TOO MUCH.

The crunching of wheels was heard distinctly on the gravel, and the
next moment the wagonette swept into view. The horses drew up with a
nourish at the front door of the pretty Rectory, and the five little
Dolmans rushed forward.

"Stand back, children, and allow your cousins to get comfortably out
of the carriage," called out Mrs. Dolman. "No excitement, I beg, from
any of you--I have had quite enough of that already. Stand quietly
just where you are. Lucy, where is Miss Ramsay?"

"Up in her room, I think, mamma. Shall I call her?"

"Not at present, although she ought to have been here. Now, Iris, get
out quietly--quietly, my dear. Apollo, give me your hand, you come
next; now, Diana--easy, little girl, easy--you will fall, if you jump
like that."

"I think nothing of a little easy hop like that, aunt," replied Diana.
She sprang from the carriage, disdaining the use of the steps. When
she found herself on the gravel sweep she stood very firmly on her two
fat legs and looked her five cousins all over.

"You aren't none of you much to boast," she said; "I'd wather have the
animals." Then she turned her back and gazed around her at the view.

Meanwhile, Orion was being helped out of the carriage. He was also
very sturdy and independent, and felt half inclined to follow Diana's
spirited example; but Mrs. Dolman would not permit this. She took the
youngest of the little heathen gods firmly into her arms and deposited
him on the gravel.

"There you are, little boy," she said, giving him a slight shake as
she did so, "and I do trust you will behave yourself."

Orion ran up to Diana and took hold of her hand. Diana took no notice
of him, but continued to admire the view.

Mrs. Dolman's face was quite red. She was very tired after her long
journey, and she had found the little Delaneys not the easiest
traveling companions in the world. It is true that Iris had been as
good as possible, but between whiles she had cried a good deal, and
her sad face, and somewhat reproachful expression, seemed to hurt Mrs.
Dolman even more than the really obstreperous, and at times violent,
behavior of her brothers and sister; for the fact is, the other three
little Delaneys had not yet got the slight