"Your brother is better at suggestions than I am," says Mona, gently, who is always somewhat subdued when in the room with Lady Rodney.
"Nolly, do you hear that? Come over to the fire directly, and cease counting those hateful raindrops. Mona believes in you. Isn't that joyful news? Now get out of your moody fit at once, like a dear boy."
"I sha'n't," says Mr. Darling, in an aggrieved tone. "I feel slighted. Mrs. Rodney has of malice prepense secluded herself from public gaze at least for an hour. I can't forget all that in one moment."
"Where have you been?" asks Lady Rodney, slowly turning her head to look at Mona. "Out of doors?" Her tone is unpleasant.
"No. In my own room," says Mona.
"Oh, Nolly! do think of some plan to cheat the afternoon of an hour or two," persists Doatie, eagerly.
"I have it," says her brother with all the air of one who has discovered a new continent. "Let's talk of graves, of worms, and epitaphs."
At this Doatie turns her back on him, while Mona breaks into a peal of silver laughter.
"Would you not like to do that?" demands Nolly, sadly "I should. I'm quite in the humor for it."
"I am afraid we are not," says Violet, smiling too. "Think of something else."