“Indeed you have,” said Mrs. Mortimer, who seemed to resent the invasion quite as much as if she were, herself, in authority. “I have heard you children were mischievous, but I never could have dreamed of such a high-handed performance as this.”
“But it had to be high-handed,” urged Kitty, who took the guest’s speech very seriously. “There was no time for anything but a high-handed performance. Why, you know how fast a fire burns——” she said, turning to Mr. Mortimer, as to the one friend in sight.
“Indeed, I do,” he responded, heartily. “And now, that this rather unexpected event has occurred, some of its minor details must be attended to.”
The Maynards, despite their anxiety and worry, looked at Mr. Mortimer with open-eyed curiosity. They were not surprised at the attitudes of Miss Larkin and Mrs. Mortimer, but for a complete stranger to enter so into the spirit of their own intent, and, moreover, to have a lurking twinkle in his eye, that spoke well for his sense of humor, was, indeed, cheering.
“Yes, sir; that’s just it,” said Kitty, delighted to find some one who appreciated the need for immediate action. “We’ve asked these people here, and now we must provide for them.” She clasped her sooty little hands, as she looked confidently up into the kind face that smiled quizzically at her.
“Yes, that is so,” Mr. Mortimer agreed. And then he turned to Miss Larkin, who was still unable to cope with the situation.
“It seems to me,” he said, looking at his wife and his hostess, who were both fairly helpless with indignation, “that, if you will permit me, Miss Larkin, I will advise and assist the Maynard children in this rather trying matter. I am not surprised that you are a little overcome, and so at risk of seeming presumptuous, I am going to do all I can to bring about a more satisfactory state of affairs.”
“James,” said Mrs. Mortimer, “I think you are overstepping all bounds of propriety. I think that neither you nor Miss Larkin are called upon to interfere in this dreadful escapade of Mrs. Maynard’s children. Summon the servants, and let them do whatever may be necessary.”
Marjorie flushed crimson. She felt that a guest of Miss Larkin had no right to talk so about other guests who had been invited to the Maynard house by the Maynards themselves. But she also knew that a little girl must not express views contrary to those of a grown-up lady, so she said nothing.
“There, there, Hester,” said her husband, “don’t put your finger in this pie. One of our family is enough, and I propose to do all the interfering myself. Now, Kingdon and Marjorie, as I know nothing of your household, I’ll have to ask a few questions. Where did you propose to put these guests of yours to sleep to-night?”