"Oh, but you could go and tell this Mr. Brading that your friends did not wish you to accept this appointment—and—and—"
"But look here, Molly. You say you must keep a servant, and that she wastes things dreadfully. Don't you see that what I can earn will help to pay for what Hannah wastes?"
"You ridiculous boy! As though we should let you do that!" exclaimed Molly, as she poured the boiling water into the tea-pot.
"Boy!" repeated Arthur. "You forget that I am assistant-accountant to the great emporium of Brading and Co. Boy, indeed! I ought to be growing up by this time at any rate."
They were both laughing when they carried the tea into the dining-room, but Annie was still looking very grave.
"Have you been to tell Mamma?" asked Molly.
"Not yet. She is a little put-out because tea is so late. It was very careless of both of us."
"It was my fault," said Molly, "for I promised to do Hannah's work; and so I will take Mamma's tea up to her, and then I can explain."
While she was speaking Molly went to the chiffonier cupboard, but could not find what she wanted. "Didn't you order some biscuits yesterday, Annie?" she asked, as she peered into the corners.
"Oh, never mind the biscuits! Mamma will like bread and butter to-day."