“Hold your tongue all the same!”
“Oh, but I can't do that—I can't do——”
“Very well, then; you can say ‘H'm,’ or something of that sort, to give them the idea that you are very wise indeed, and like to think well before answering.”
“H'm.”
“Understand me, now. I am taking you up because you are to make it appear that you have just heard of the prince's visit, and have hastened up to town in a transport of joy to express your unbounded respect and gratitude to him, and to invite him at once to your country house! Do you understand me?”
“H'm.”
“I don't want you to say ‘H'm’ now, you fool! You must answer me when I speak!”
“All right—all right, mammy. All shall be as you wish; but why am I to ask the prince down?”
“What—what! arguing again. What business is it of yours why you are to invite him? How dare you ask questions!”
“Why it's all the same thing, mammy. How am I to invite him if I must not say a word?”