"Do you mean to tell me I didn't give you a whole box full the day before yesterday?" exclaims Mr. Dare, wrathfully, going up to the stolid child, and looking as if he would like to shake her.
"Day before yesterday?" murmurs the Boodie, with a glance so far from the present moment that it might be in Kamtschatka.
"Yes, exactly, the day before yesterday!" says Roger, furiously.
"How could I remember about that?" says the Boodie, most nonchalantly.
"Oh, don't scold the poor child," says Dulce, mildly, "she won't like it; and I am sure she is not in fault. Go away, Boodie, Roger doesn't like being shown up."
"Shown up! Upon my life I gave her those vile bon-bons," says Mr. Dare, distractedly, "If I wanted them couldn't I buy them? Do you suppose I go round the world stealing chocolate creams?"
At this, poor Julia getting frightened, and considering the case hopeless, rises from her seat and beats a most undignified retreat. This leaves the combatants virtually alone.
"There is hardly anything you wouldn't do in my opinion," says Dulce, scornfully.
A pause. Then:
"What a temper you have!" exclaims Roger, with the most open contempt.