“My dear boy, you oughtn’t!” remonstrated Honor; “indeed you shouldn’t call her that.”
“Why not? I am sure she is ancient, and she is a war-horse, for she loves a battle and the sound of prancings. She’s always arguing about something or other. What was it to-day? I heard her talking, so I stayed in the kitchen till she had gone.”
Honor tried to look shocked, but the others laughed audibly and then quickly became silent.
“We had better send for Mr. Abbott,” said Victoria, “and find out just what Aunt Sophia means. If she only could have taken time to explain to us a little!”
“That is a good idea,” said Honor and Katherine together.
“We will telegraph him this morning and ask him to come out as soon as possible,” added Honor. “Perhaps he will come this afternoon.”
“In all this storm?” asked Victoria, glancing at the weather.
The rain was descending in torrents, pattering on the tin roof of the piazza, and pouring in a steady stream from the water-spout.
“Why not?” said Honor. “Aunt Sophia came, and Mr. Abbott doesn’t mind weather. You know he told us to send for him whenever we needed him, and I am sure we need him now. Probably he will come out this afternoon. Peter, put on your rubber coat, please, and be sure to wear your rubber boots.”
“What for?” asked Peter, calmly. “I am very comfortable as I am.”