"I am sure he would be delighted, Dan," replied Joshua without the slightest hesitation.
"It's of no use, Dan and Josh dear," said Ellen, shaking her head. "You musn't think of it. I can't go. Mother wouldn't be able to spare me. Why, don't you know"--
"Don't I know what, Ellen?" asked Dan.
"Don't you know that it's washing-day?" said Ellen with a sharp nod, as if that settled the question.
Dan's head was still resting upon his hand. He pondered for a few moments, and then raising his head, said, "Good little Ellen;" and kissed her. "Now let us have breakfast."
Breakfast being over, Dan said he wanted to see Susan.
"Tell her I want to speak to her most particularly," he said to Ellen. "And, Ellen! when Susan comes, you go out of the room, and Joshua as well. I want to speak to her quite privately."
Ellen and Joshua left Susan with Dan, and went into the passage; which gave Joshua opportunity to ask Ellen if she remembered when he used to be pushed into the coal-cellar. Yes, Ellen remembered it very well indeed; and they both laughed over the reminiscence.
"How black your face used to be!" exclaimed Ellen.
"And yours too, Ellen!" retorted Joshua saucily.