'Well then, there is a cha-cha-rac-ter so—so like——'
'Oh, if you want to tell me, don't laugh like that. I can't hear a word you're saying.'
'Oh it is so—so—so like——'
'Yes, but do stop laughing and tell me.'
At last Kate had to stop laughing for want of breath, and she said, her voice still trembling:
'Well, there's a fellow in this book—you promise not to be angry?'
'Oh yes, I promise.'
'Well, then, there's someone in this book that does remind me so much—of you—that is to say, when you're cross, not as you are now.'
At this announcement Mrs. Ede looked up in astonishment, and she seemed as hurt as if Kate had slapped her in the face, whereas Ralph's face lighted up, his smile revealing through the heavy moustache the gap between his front teeth which had been filled with some white substance. Kate always noticed it with aversion, but Ralph, who was not susceptible to feminine revulsions of feelings, begged her to read the passage, and with an eagerness that surprised his mother. Without giving it a second thought she began, but she had not read half a dozen words before Mrs. Ede had gathered up her knitting and was preparing to leave the room.
'Oh, mother, don't go! I assure you there's no harm.'