The girl suddenly swept her eyes from the wall to Mr. Teesdale's inquiring face. “You said it just now,” she told him, with a nod and her brightest smile. “You said it without knowing when you called me 'Missy.' That's what they always call me at home—Missy or the Miss. You pays your money and you takes your choice.”
“Then I choose Missy,” said Arabella. “And now, father, I came with a message from my mother; she wants you to take Missy out into the verandah while we get the tea ready. She wasn't tidy enough to come and see you at once, Missy, but she sends you her love to go on with, and she hopes that you'll excuse her.”
“Of course she will,” answered Mr. Teesdale for the girl; “but will you excuse me, Missy, if I bring my pipe out with me? I'm just wearying for a smoke.”
“Excuse you?” cried Missy, taking the old man's arm as she accompanied him to the door. “Why, bless your life, I love a smoke myself.”
John William had jumped up to follow them; had hesitated; and was left behind.
“There!” said Arabella, turning a shocked face upon him the instant they were quite alone.
“She was joking,” said John William.
“I don't think it.”
“Then you must be a fool, Arabella. Of course she was only in fun.”
“But she said so many queer things; and oh, John William, she seems to me so queer altogether!”