“Middling,” said Molly, taking the initiative as usual. “Robbed seventeen birds’ nests, climbed twenty-four trees, and jumped over a dozen five-barred gates.”
“Oh, did you!” murmured Phoebe, in a shocked tone, too horrified for silence.
Rhoda went into convulsions behind her handkerchief.
“Innocent little darling!” exclaimed Molly; “she thinks we did!”
“You said so,” answered Phoebe, reproachfully.
“You are so smart, my dear Mrs Molly,” said Madam, smilingly. “Did you all walk together?”
“No, I thank you!” responded Molly. “Gatty and the innocent little dear went to a Quakers’ meeting.”
Had Madam taken the assertion literally, she would have been alarmed and horrified indeed; for at that time all Dissenters were considered dangerous characters, and Quakers the worst of all. But, recognising it as one of Molly’s flights of intellect, she smiled placidly, and said no more.
“My dear, I think you will be acquainted with Mrs Eleanor Darcy?” asked Madam, addressing herself to Gatty.
“She has visited my mother, but only once,” answered Gatty.