Mr. Montague, upside down as usual, shrieked a greeting in his most appalling fashion. The gouty one threw a cushion at his cage; but possibly owing to nervousness, she missed it.
“Shut up, Mr. Dennis Montague!” she cried.
“Dennis Mudd! Dennis Mudd!” screamed the parrot. Then, soulfully:
“The noble Duke of York,
He had ten thousand men,
He marched them up a hill one day,
Then he marched them down—
Too-roo-lal-roo-lal-larry! Johnny come home to tea!”
After this long speech the creature was breathless, and the lady of the mansion and Miss Hammersly could converse. The former asked neither of her guests to sit down, nor did she, indeed, glance at Beth.
“I do not understand this call, Miss Hammersly!” said Mrs. Severn, haughtily.