"Eh?" says Mr. Monkton.
"That's why it's unfair!" says Tommy. "There is one poor lion there, and he hasn't got any Christian! Why didn't Mr. Dory give him one?"
Tableau!
"Barbara!" says Mr. Monkton faintly, after a long pause. "Is there any brandy in the house?"
But Barbara is looking horrified.
"It is shocking," she says. "Why should he take such a twisted view of it. He has always been a kind-hearted child; and now——"
"Well. He has been kind-hearted to the lions," says Mr. Monkton. "No one can deny that."
"Oh! if you persist in encouraging him. Freddy!" says his wife with tears in her eyes.
"Believe me, Barbara," breaks in Joyce at this moment, "it is a mistake to be soft-hearted in this world." There is something bright but uncomfortable in the steady gaze she directs at her sister. "One should be hard, if one means to live comfortably."
"Will you take me soon again to see pictures?" asks Tommy, running to Joyce and scrambling upon the seat she is occupying. "Do!"