‘I’m afraid—’
‘Lady Brotherton can’t want you now. Do oblige me. You will find it fun.’
She smiled outright—evidently at the fancy of any relation between her and fun.
‘Do go and put a cap on, and a cotton dress, and come,’ I persisted.
Without another word she left the room. I was still alone in the library when she came to me, and having shown her what I wanted, we were already busy when the rest arrived.
‘Oh, Peasey! Are you there?’ said Clara, as she entered—not unkindly.
‘I have got a substitute for Miss Brotherton, you see, Clara—Miss Coningham—I beg your pardon.’
‘There’s no occasion to beg my pardon. Why shouldn’t you call me Clara if you like? It is my name.’
‘Charley might be taking the same liberty,’ I returned, extemporizing a reason.
‘And why shouldn’t Charley take the same liberty?’ she retorted.