"We wanted to stay with you," said Bertram.
"We wanted to stay with you," echoed Viola.
"We didn't want to dodge you in the Small Cats' House. But we had to," said Bertram.
"Yes, we had to," echoed Viola.
"Their luggage 'as come back with them," interrupted Mrs. Worfolk, grimly.
"Oh, of course, they must stay here," John agreed. "Oh, unquestionably! I wasn't thinking of anything else."
He beckoned to Bertram and Viola to follow him out of the room.
"Look here," he whispered to them in the passage, "be good children and stay quietly at home. We shall meet at Christmas." He pressed a sovereign into each hand.
"Good lummy," Bertram gasped. "I wish I'd had this on the fifth of November. I'd have made old Major Downman much more waxy than he was when I tied a squib to his coat."
"Did you, Bertram, did you? You oughtn't to have done that. Though I can understand the temptation. But don't waste this on fireworks."