“We must have Max,” said Charley; “for he keeps hanging about here still.”
“O, of course!” said Sir Philip.
“And Laura, I suppose,” said Charley, feeling more and more conscience-stricken.
“By all means, my dear boy!” laughed the father.
“And then there are the three girls, and the governess,” said Charley.
“Should you ask them?” said Sir Philip.
“O yes, decidedly!” said Charley. “I’m very fond of that second girl, Nelly; she’s only a child, but there’s something nice and frank and open about her. She will be sure to make up for the unpleasantry of having Max.”
“Very good, Charley—very good!” said Sir Philip.
“I wouldn’t be put off with any of them,” said Charley, in a curious hesitating way. “Perhaps they’ll say that they had better not all come; but they can’t refuse you anything, so insist upon them bringing the children and Miss Bedford.”
“Miss who?” said Sir Philip.