"Tommy, what do you mean by kicking that gentleman," remonstrated Sheila. "Sit down and be a good boy."
Tommy put out his tongue at her.
The girl flushed.
"You must all go to bed," she said. "And oh, Peter, do go, there's a dear. They were as good as gold till you came."
He turned away with a laugh, and made his way to the drawing-room to talk over the matter again with Miss Gregson, and to assure her that he was ready to help if needed, reminding her that as he lived only a few minutes' walk from the Park gates he could easily come at any moment of the day or night. He laughed as he said this, but poor Miss Gregson could only sigh at the possible prospect of things coming to such a pass that they would have to send for him at night!
Soon the sound of hurrying feet were heard and Sheila flew into the room demanding the help of Miss Gregson.
"You simply must come," she said catching hold of her arm. "They are all in rebellion and the smallest girl is crying for her mother. That wretched little Tommy is slaughtering all the dahlia heads with Peter's stick which he left behind him."
Miss Gregson looked appealingly at Peter.
"Can I be of any service?" he asked.
"I'm afraid you'll only make them worse," answered Sheila. "It would be better for Miss Gregson to come as they know her."