‘But, mamma, may E. and F. Y. drink tea with us to-night?—we want them.’
‘Well, dears, we’ll see about it presently; now run along.’
‘But their mamma says she won’t let them come if you don’t write a note.’
‘Very well, dears, run along.’
‘But, mamma, will you give us the note to take?’
‘I’ll think about it, my love; perhaps I shall meet Mr Y. out walking; and now pray run along.’
Upon which M. looked up from the workbox she was arranging.
‘Mamma, may I have this seal?’
‘No, dear, certainly not; it was sent me by my little sister from England; and now run along after your brothers.’
I told her how much you were in the habit of saying ‘run along’ when you had any visitor with you—whereat we laughed. The poor little girl looked very sick, and I could not find anything to send her, not even a picture-book.