Rafe. But I do think that is why Father is so angry with brother Rufus.
Cicely. And why is Mother so—so unkind to poor cousin Phyllis?
Rafe [very solemnly]. Because—because Rufus did say that when he was come of age and was a man he would marry cousin Phyllis!
Cicely. Oh! But I think that's very, very nice! Why doesn't Mother like it, Rafe? They'd never go away to any other house at all—and then, beside,—Allison and I could be their bride-maidens!
[Enter Gillian with an armful of greens.
Gillian [sitting down among them]. Here's work for us all, my pets. We must e'en make our fingers fly an we would finish our task.
Cicely [full of importance]. Oh, good Gillian, Rafe doth say——
Rafe [trying to repress her]. It's no use to ask Gillian, Cicely. Didst not hear my Father tell her she mustn't talk of it?
Gillian. That's best, Master Rafe. Let Gillian tell you a tale whilst we work.
Allison. A fairy-tale, Gillian? [Whispers full of awe.] Are the fairies about to-night, dear Gillian?