"I am afraid I do not know enough; mamma would help you so much better than I."
"But then, you see, she is not here."
"She is not very far," answered Nellie, smiling; "and, do you know, Christina, I should very much like my sister Ada to hear about it; that is if you do not mind; she is such a bright girl, and would be so interested, and might perhaps do something to help you."
"Do you think she could? What sort of help do you mean?"
"If you carry out your idea, you will want plenty of little clothes, for instance."
"Clothes! So I shall; I really think, Nellie, I had only thought about loving them and teaching them. Look here! Should you consider me dreadfully unpolite if we went up to consult your mamma after tea, instead of sitting here?"
"I should like it very much indeed; but your aunt?"
"She will not mind; and I do not wish to say anything till I have my ideas a little more in shape. Fancy my having forgotten clothes!"
Nellie laughed pleasantly; and as the maid entered at the moment with the tea, she turned her attention to Lion, who lay with his foot bound up, looking rather miserable.
"Poor Lion!" she said, stroking his head.