In the hall of Number Seventeen Cherry Tree Lane, Mr. Banks was busy tapping the barometer and telling Mrs. Banks what the weather was going to do. "Moderate South wind; average temperature; local thunder; sea slight," he said. "Further outlook unsettled. Hullo—what's that?" He broke off as a bumping, jumping, thumping noise sounded overhead. Round the bend in the staircase Michael appeared, looking very bad-tempered and sulky as he bumped heavily down. Behind him with a Twin on each arm came Mary Poppins, pushing her knee into his back and sending him with a sharp thud from one stair to the next. Jane followed, carrying the hats. "Well begun is half done. Down you go, please!" Mary Poppins was saying tartly. Mr. Banks turned from the barometer and looked up as they appeared. "Well, what's the matter with you?" he demanded. "I don't want to go for a walk! I want to play with my new engine," said Michael, gulping as Mary Poppins' knee jerked him one stair lower. "Nonsense, darling!" said Mrs.
