None of us had ever seen her , but we knew she was very deaf , and had very decided opinions as to the way in which children should behave . `` Whew ! '' whistled Dan . `` We 're in for a jolly afternoon . She 's deaf as a post and we 'll have to split our throats to make her hear at all . I 've a notion to skin out . '' `` Oh , do n't talk like that , Dan , '' said Cecily reproachfully . `` She 's old and lonely and has had a great deal of trouble . She has buried three husbands . We must be kind to her and do the best we can to make her visit pleasant . '' `` She 's coming to the back door , '' said Felicity , with an agitated glance around the kitchen . `` I told you , Dan , that you should have shovelled the snow away from the front door this morning . Cecily , set those pots in the pantry quick -- hide those boots , Felix -- shut the cupboard door , Peter -- Sara , straighten up the lounge . She 's awfully particular and ma says her house is always as neat as wax . '' To do Felicity justice , while she issued orders to the rest of us , she was flying busily about herself , and it was amazing how much was accomplished in the way of putting the kitchen in perfect order during the two minutes in which Great-aunt Eliza was crossing the yard . `` Fortunately the sitting-room is tidy and there 's plenty in the pantry , '' said Felicity , who could face anything undauntedly with a well-stocked larder behind her . Further conversation was cut short by a decided rap at the door . Felicity opened it . `` Why , how do you do , Aunt Eliza ? '' she said loudly .
A slightly bewildered look appeared on Aunt XXXXX 's face .
Cecily Dan Eliza Felicity Felix Sara afternoon minutes morning sitting-room