Maria presently came back and the
tea-table was laid. Kathleen gave Maria sixpence for the washing of an
extra cloth, and the well-spread table looked quite fresh and
wonderfully like a school-feast.
When Mrs. Tennant returned (she came in looking very hot and tired), it
was to see the room tidy, Kathleen seated in her own special chair
cobbling the boys' socks as hard as she could, and an appetizing tea on
the table.
"What does this mean?" said Mrs. Tennant.
"It means," said Kathleen, jumping up, "that you are to plant yourself
just here, and you are not to stir. Oh, I know you are _dead_ tired. I
will take off your shoes, poor dear; I have brought your slippers down
on purpose, and you are to have your tea at this little table. Now what
will you have? Hot sausages?--They are done to a turn, aren't they,
Maria?"
"That they are, miss."
"A nice hot sausage on toast, and a lovely cup of tea with cream in it."
"But--but," said Mrs. Tennant, "what will Alice say?"
"Maria and I don't care twopence what Alice says. This is my tea, and
Maria fetched it. Now then, dear tired one, eat and rest."
Mrs. Tennant looked at Kathleen with loving eyes.
"Did you buy these things?" she said.
"That she did, ma'am," cried Maria. "I never did see a more thoughtful
young lady."
"My dear child," said Mrs. Tennant, "you are too good."
Kathleen laughed.
"If there is one thing I am, it is not that," she said.
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