Read the given passage carefully and answer the following questions - 

Once there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. This story recounts an event that occurred during their stay away from London amidst the war, seeking refuge from the air-raids. They were housed with an old Professor who resided deep in the countryside, distant from the bustling life of the city—ten miles from the nearest railway station and two miles from the nearest post office. The Professor, a widower, lived in a vast house, managed by a housekeeper named Mrs. Macready, alongside three servants— Ivy, Margaret, and Betty. However, these servants play a minimal role in our story.

The Professor was an elderly man, whose appearance was most notable for the shaggy white hair that covered much of his face and head. Despite his odd looks, which initially unsettled Lucy, the youngest, and amused Edmund, the second youngest, they grew fond of him almost immediately. On their first evening, as the Professor greeted them at the door, Edmund struggled to contain his laughter, disguising it with feigned attempts at blowing his nose.

After bidding the Professor goodnight and retreating to their rooms, the children converged in the girls' room to discuss their new living arrangement. Peter, the oldest, was optimistic, proclaiming, "We've fallen on our feet and no mistake. This is going to be perfectly splendid. That old chap will let us do anything we like."

Susan echoed this sentiment, finding the Professor endearing. However, Edmund, fatigued and hence irritable, reproached his siblings for their tone, mimicking their mother's mannerisms. This sparked a minor squabble among them, with Lucy suggesting that they all retire to bed to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Peter reassured them, confident in the liberty their new home afforded them, emphasizing the vastness of the house which likely ensured their conversation remained private.