Noel sat on the edge of the bed while its small owner knelt upon it, head bowed in hands and lodged upon his shoulder. He had made a tentative movement to encircle her with his arm, but this had been gently but quite firmly forbidden.
"You mustn't cuddle while I'm sayin' my prayers," said Peggy. "You must put your hands together and shut your eyes. That's what Mummy does."
Noel complied with these instructions, but when Peggy was fairly launched he ventured to violate the last and steal a look at the fair head that rested against his shoulder.
Peggy was saying the Lord's Prayer with evident enjoyment. Noel listened with respect. There was the swish of a woman's dress in the passage outside. He listened to that also, his dark eyes watching the half-open door. His attention began to wander.
"Noel!" said a small, hurt voice at his side.
Noel's eyes shut as if at the pulling of a string. "Sorry, Peg-top! Go ahead!"
"You mustn't call me Peg-top when I'm sayin' my prayers!" protested
Peggy. "I wanted you to say Amen."
"Amen," said Noel humbly.
"It's no good now." There was a sound of tears in Peggy's voice. "You've just spoilt it all."
"Oh, I say!" pleaded Noel. "Well, try again! I'll say it next time."