We did manage to get the taffy made but before we could sample the result satisfactorily , and just as the girls were finishing with the washing of the dishes , Felicity glanced out of the window and exclaimed in tones of dismay , `` Oh , dear me , here 's Great-aunt Eliza coming up the lane ! Now , is n't that too mean ? '' We all looked out to see a tall , gray-haired lady approaching the house , looking about her with the slightly puzzled air of a stranger . We had been expecting Great-aunt Eliza 's advent for some weeks , for she was visiting relatives in Markdale . We knew she was liable to pounce down on us any time , being one of those delightful folk who like to `` surprise '' people , but we had never thought of her coming that particular day . It must be confessed that we did not look forward to her visit with any pleasure . 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 XXXXX 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 .
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