‘Indeed, I know how kind you would have been,’ said Violet, holding her hand, and watching to see whether the displeasure was removed: ‘but it seemed a pity to disturb you. Please don’t be vexed; I’ll give you plenty of trouble yet.’
She had, roused herself enough to alarm Arthur and the nurse.
‘This will never do,’ he said, laying his hand on his sister’s arm, and drawing her away almost by force: ‘You MUST keep quiet, Violet.’
‘I will, indeed, but please, Theodora—’
‘She pleases all you wish. Never mind,’ said Arthur, fairly putting her out, then stepping back, ‘Lie still, and mind your big baby; that is all you have to do.’
‘Only don’t let her be vexed.’
‘No such thing.’
But when out of Violet’s hearing he could not refrain from telling Theodora his displeasure. ‘I thought you had more sense, or I would never have let you in.’
‘I knew nothing of it.’
‘Your own fault for marching off at that time in the morning! I had been up to tell you, and could not think where you were.’