`` Why , how do you do , Aunt Eliza ? '' she said loudly . A slightly bewildered look appeared on Aunt Eliza 's face . Felicity perceived she had not spoken loudly enough . `` How do you do , Aunt Eliza , '' she repeated at the top of her voice . `` Come in -- we are glad to see you . We 've been looking for you for ever so long . '' `` Are your father and mother at home ? '' asked Aunt Eliza , slowly . `` No , they went to town today . But they 'll be home this evening . '' `` I 'm sorry they 're away , '' said Aunt Eliza , coming in , `` because I can stay only a few hours . '' `` Oh , that 's too bad , '' shouted poor Felicity , darting an angry glance at the rest of us , as if to demand why we did n't help her out . `` Why , we 've been thinking you 'd stay a week with us anyway . You MUST stay over Sunday . '' `` I really ca n't . I have to go to Charlottetown tonight , '' returned Aunt Eliza . `` Well , you 'll take off your things and stay to tea , at least , '' urged Felicity , as hospitably as her strained vocal chords would admit . `` Yes , I think I 'll do that . I want to get acquainted with my -- my nephews and nieces , '' said Aunt Eliza , with a rather pleasant glance around our group .
If I could have associated the thought of such a thing XXXXX my preconception of Great-aunt Eliza I could have sworn there was a twinkle in her eye .
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