“That’s Christopher’s kitten,” said Diana.
“Well, I don’t care if it is,” said Alice in her gentlest voice; “I want it. I think if I am so unfortunate as to lose my precious Lady Jane, I ought to have the child that’s most like her.”
“They are all sweet,” said Peggy. “Which is the kitten that doesn’t belong to anybody?”
“Let’s take Topsy,” said Peggy. “It would be a change to have a black-and-white kitten.”
“It would not be a nice change,” said Alice. “I’d like to go and find Christopher.”
He came in while the kittens were still there. “Oh, Christopher,” said Alice, “please I want Lady Janet. I want her very much because she’s so like her mother. I know she’s your kitten, but I want her very much, please, Christopher.”
“I want her very much, too,” said Christopher.
In spite of his pleasant smile, he had a determined face. He looked as if when his mind was made up he did not easily change it.
“You see, if I can’t have Lady Jane I want Lady Janet,” said Alice.