“You weren’t lazy, you were ill,” said Charley stoutly. “But you’re getting better now—you’ll soon be well, won’t you, Winnie?”
Charley spoke with a certain earnestness of manner which made his sister look at him to see what made him ask the question.
“Oh yes, I think so, Charley,” she answered. “I think I’m going to get well quite soon.”
Ronald’s thoughts were busy with the proposed plan of the tea-party.
“It would be jolly,” he said, “awfully jolly. Do you think mamma will let us have it?”
“Oh yes, I am almost sure she will,” answered Winnie. “I will ask her to-night. I was waiting till I had asked you, because I wanted to know first if you thought it would be nice.”
“Will it be soon?” Ronald asked eagerly.
“I should like it to be soon,” answered Winnie, “just as soon as we can have it. Next Saturday, perhaps. That is three days off.”
“Oh, jolly!” cried Ronald. “I like things to come soon. I can’t bear to wait.”
“No, I don’t think it would do to wait,” answered the little girl, her eyes turning towards the window, which overlooked the water-meadows where the swallows were beginning to gather.