“N—no—yes—o—h!”
“Here, then, shut up, you!” commanded Blue, flinging a hand in the direction of the cage.
There was instant silence.
“Oh, don’t stop him! Let him sing! Dear, dear birdie!”
“Why, I thought the noise made you feel bad!”
“No,—oh, no!”
“Well, what does ail you?” cried Blue, almost with impatience. Then he patted the small shoulder tenderly. “Can’t you tell brother?”
Doodles still shook his head, but he reached for Blue’s hand, and stroked it.
“Whew! ’most school time! I must finish those dishes in a jiffy!”
Left to himself, Doodles lay limply against the cushions, now and then giving way to a long, heavy sigh.