AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 286, 3 December 1930, Page 20

AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR.

(By Julia O'Sulllvan, 29, Douglas Eoad, Mount Eden; age 15.) "Now remember," said mother, "if anyone comes to the door you must not open it before you ask who it is." Such were mother's instructions as she was leaving the house to call on a eick friend. Aβ I -was the oldest, I was left in charge of the younger children. After mother had gone, silence reigned supreme through the house. Every door that creaked, every breath of wind, made me give nervous looks behind my chair. Suddenly, a loud rat-tat on the front door made me jump up, scattering my work on the floor. "Who could it be?" I reflected, "not mother, for she said she would not be home for two hours, and told me not to wait up for her." Then another knock resounded through the nail, and, with shaking legs and halting steps, I reached the front door. "Who is there," I called faintly. The answer came back in a clear, sweet voice: "It is I, Cousin Margaret." At these words I was tlfrilled with excitement. I opened "the front door to see in front of me a-slim young girl of 'about eighteen, with laughing blue eyes, and dark curls peeping out from under a smart little hat of felt. She wore a blue coat with grey fur on the collar and sleeves. I was so amazed-at the striking personality of the pretty stranger that I stood and stared at her. Then the sweet voice spoke again. " Well, aren't you even going to invite me in ?" I thought I lad been very rude to stare so much, so I cordially invited my cousin inside. When we reached the kitchen she settled herself comfortably in an armchair, as if prepared for a good chat. I set about making some supper, while Margaret engaged herself by talking to the children, who seemed shy and awkward in the presence of such an attractive visitor. When supper was ready, I seated myself opposite my cousin. "I suppose you are wondering how I came to be here," she said, and' as I nodded assent, she went on, "Well, tins is tne story. My_ father and mother went away on business, so, as I was alone, I decided to pay you. a surprise visit." Then I told her that mother had gone out to visit a sick friend. "Wβ will give her a surprise," she whispered. Just at that moment the door opened, and mother walked in. Hearing the murmur of voices she had come in silently, so as not to disturb us. When she saw Margaret, she stopped in surprise. Then she hurried forward with outstretched hands and embraced the girl warmly. "My dear child! " exclaimed mother. "What brought you here, and why so suddenly?" Then Margaret explained the circumstances, and then we retired to bed, I myself, dreaming of the scrumptious tiiur I would have with such a jolly cousia.-