"Yes," said Puggy. "Ena stayed outside, she couldn't stand the smell of them. Dawn took a toy rattlesnake and gave it to a big monkey. He was awfully frightened of it at first, and then chattered with rage, and then began to examine it—and—"
"Susy's in London!"
Christina could keep her news no longer. Elephants and monkeys were nothing to her compared with Susy.
"I'm so glad I went to see Mrs. Bolland instead of coming with you," she added breathlessly; "for I should never have heard about Susy, and the doctor said unless she had friends, she'd have to go to the workhouse!"
"Well, she ought to go there," said Puggy indifferently; "she is just the kind for the workhouse."
Christina's eyes blazed. She flew at him in fury.
"She's my friend, and you're a hateful boy to say such things! I wish you were in the workhouse yourself!"
"Quite right," cried Dawn delightedly; "give it to him, Tina; let's have a free fight. I'll side with you against him."
"You're a couple of long-haired babies!" retorted Puggy, with heat. "Do you think I care for both of you rolled into one! Come on, and I'll knock your noses flat for you."
"Children, what is this? The United Kingdom quarrelling! That's all quite wrong! And Tina angry too! I'm sure it must be something very serious."