"Don't mind me," she said, whispering to David as she bent towards him.
"It's in real downright delight I am. I am expecting to have the most
wonderful joy all the afternoon that was ever given a girl. Ah, then,
it's illegant myself will be when you see me next, boys. And do look at
her! I declare she's getting crosser each minute."
"Hush, Kathleen!" said David. "You must not say unkind things."
"Don't trouble to reprove her, David," called out Alice in a calm and
lofty tone. "I assure you she doesn't annoy me in the least. Sometimes I
think there is a little gnat flying about and trying to sting me, but
that's all."
"And a charming metaphor, too," said Kathleen.
She ate her meal soberly, but occasionally a bubble of laughter came to
the surface, and her merry eyes glanced from Mrs. Tennant's face to
Alice's, and from Alice's to those of the boys. The moment the meal came
to an end Kathleen jumped up.
"Now, then, my angels, you come with me," she said, and she caught David
by the one hand and Ben by the other, and led her willing slaves into
the hall.
"Did you ever see anything like it?" said Alice to her mother. "She will
ruin the boys in addition to all her other mischief. Mother, must we
keep her long? It is really most disturbing."
"If you would only take poor little Kathleen as she is, you would find
her quite agreeable, Alice," was her mother's answer.
"Oh dear, mother! you seem to be just as much infatuated as the others.
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