“We want to,” said Effie and Florence succinctly.
“But—but—” said Paul and Lynn agitatedly.
“It’s all right,” said Florence, “we ’cided all about it coming along, didn’t we, Eff? It’s we’s who haves to cough, not mother, an’ we don’t mind, do we, Eff?”
“Not a bit,” said Effie stoutly.
“But,” said Paul, looking at the opening of the bower as if she would dash out, “we promised your mother.”
Effie and Florence cut off any possible escape by jumping up and standing with their backs to the opening. “It’s too late, we’ve caught it by now,—haven’t we, Eff?” said Florence.
“Of course we have,” said Effie, “we’ve [p250] got it as much as you have now. Oh we are glad. Aren’t we, Florence?”
“Rather,” said Florence.
“Won’t your Aunt Kate be coming after you?” asked Paul, looking fearfully along the side of the gorge for the sight of a stout figure of vengeance crushing downwards to separate them.
“She thinks we’re only a little way in front,” chuckled the naughty children.