"Jane says she's like a washed-out doll," Theodore answered, with a laugh at Jane's discomfited face.

"Oh, Master Theo, you shouldn't repeat what I say like that!" she cried in shocked tones.

"Well, Jane, you know quite well you did say so. She's not a bit like Aunt Selina, who is very tall, and thin, and dark. They're coming to call soon, and then you'll see them, most likely."

"Oh, but I shan't be downstairs, Theodore."

"Then they'll come up here to see you, never fear: They asked me lots of questions about you; and they'll be sure to want to see you out of curiosity," said Theodore candidly.

"I don't think I want to see them much," Jack remarked dubiously.

"Well, I don't think you'll like them much!" Theodore answered with a laugh.

"You shouldn't say that, Master Theodore," Jane interposed. "Miss Selina's a kind, generous lady; every one in the parish knows that. And Miss Penelope, for all she's a trifle cross-grained sometimes, is very clever, I'm told."

"I saw Tom Blake, Jane, as I came home. He's been stopping away from school this morning to go birds'-nesting."

"How often am I to tell you, sir, not to have anything to say to that naughty boy? He's one of the worst boys in the village."