t that of
Lord Carresford, and, with a low cry, she started forward with both
hands outstretched.

"Jack," she gasped, "oh, Jack!" And then all at once her strength seemed
to fail her, and she sank down on the lowest step, shaking from head to
foot, while every particle of color went out of her face.

Ten minutes later Mrs. Bell and Mrs. Hamilton, who were spending a
pleasant morning together in the latter's room at the hotel, were
startled by the sudden and violent opening of the door, and the
precipitate entrance of Lulu and Winifred, both hatless, breathless, and
almost beside themselves with excitement.

"Oh, mamma, mamma," cried Lulu, flinging herself upon her astonished
mother, "the most wonderful, exciting, extraordinary thing has
happened! Lord Carresford is kissing Mrs. Randall on our piazza, and
she's got her arms round his neck, and is laughing and crying both at
the same time. We don't know what it all means, but we told Aunt Daisy,
and she said we'd better come for you."

CHAPTER XVI

UNCLE JACK

"I think it's the most interesting thing that ever happened in all our
lives," remarked Lulu in a tone of conviction. "To think of Lord
Carresford's turning out to be Betty's own uncle, and we never knowing a
thing about it."

It was late in the afternoon, and the two little girls were sitting in
their favorite spot on the bathing house steps, discussing the events of
the day.

"It is very interesting," said Winifred, with a little sigh of content.
"It's really quite like a book thing; don't you think so?"

"Just as interesting things happen really as they do in books," said
Lulu with superior wisdom. "Aunt Daisy says truth is stranger than
fiction, and she ought to know, because she writes books herself. Lots
of interesting things have happened to us, but I don't think anything
was ever quite so wonderful as this one."

"I should think Betty and Jack would be just crazy. I know I should be
if a lord turned out to be my uncle, especially if he were as nice as
Lord Carresford."

"Just think," said Winifred reflectively, "the Rossiters said their
mother was surprised we were allowed to be so intimate with Betty,
because we didn't know anything about her family. Won't they be
surprised when they hear all about it. I don't suppose the Randalls will
be any different now they know they've got a lord for a relation, though
it would be enough to make some people rather stuck up; don't you think
it w