"Don't fuss, Edwin. Louise, eat up your bacon."
"I can't," said Louise sullenly.
"Then you shouldn't have taken so much."
"I didn't. It was Father——"
"Eat it up at once," said Mrs. Denny peremptorily, as the baby cast his spoon upon the carpet. The tone of her voice ended the discussion.
Mr. Denny watched his daughter triumphantly, as she toiled over her task, called her attention to a piece of bacon she had left on the edge of her plate, and when she had finished told her she was a good girl and that it would do her good. After which he gave her a shilling.
"I don't want it," muttered Louise.
"You don't want it?" repeated Mr. Denny incredulously.
Louise looked at him. There was a world of uncomprehending contempt in the eyes of father and child alike, though the father's were amused, where the child's were bitter.
Mr. Denny laughed jollily.