"Unless Auntie Millicent wants me to ring the bell!"
"But she did not want you to ring the bell just now, so that has nothing to do with the question."
"Oh, but I'm so dreadfully glad, auntie."
Hecla danced round the table to her seat, and plumped into it.
"I don't want any pudding, please."
"But pudding is good for you." And Miss Storey sent a helping, as usual. "That is to be eaten, my dear."
Hecla began it in a distracted style. "Oh dear—what is Ivy like, auntie, please?"
"She was a very dear little girl when we saw her last," Miss Anne replied. "You and she will be great friends, I am sure."
Hecla gave a leap in her chair, which set the glasses rattling, and her spoon fell—handle and all—into her rice pudding.
"My dear Hecla!" protested Miss Storey, but she was unheard.