‘Well, don’t ask Mrs. Moon,’ said Bets. ‘She’s sure to say no!’
They went to find Gladys. She wasn’t in the kitchen, for they peeped in at the window to see. She wasn’t upstairs either, for they went up and called her. Their mother heard them and came out of the study to greet them as they ran downstairs again.
‘Did you have a lovely day?’ she said. ‘I was pleased it was so fine for you.’
‘Yes, a super day,’ said Pip. ‘Mother, can we have a drink of iced water? We’re melting!’
‘Yes, if you like,’ Mrs. Hilton said. They shot off to the kitchen. They peeped in. Mrs. Moon was there, knitting.
‘What do you want?’ she said, looking unexpectedly amiable.
‘Just some iced water, please,’ said Pip. ‘But we weren’t going to ask you for it, Mrs. Moon. We were going to ask Gladys. We didn’t want to bother you.’
‘No bother,’ said Mrs. Moon, getting up. ‘I’ll get it.’
‘Is Gladys out?’ asked Bets.
‘Yes,’ said Mrs. Moon shortly. ‘Now, take these ice-cubes quick, and slip them into a jug. That’s right.’