Then he found himself being scrutinized.
“Haugh!” said the big lady, making a noise like the casual sounds emitted by large wading birds. “They both take after the Sydenhams, anyhow. They might be brother and sister!”
“Practically they are,” said Aunt Phœbe.
Lady Charlotte confuted her with an unreal smile. “Practically not,” she said decisively.
There was a little pause. “Well, Master Stubland,” said the Visitor abruptly and quite terrifyingly. “What have you got to say for yourself?”
As Peter had not yet learnt to swear freely, he had nothing to say for himself just at that moment.
“Not very Bright yet,” said Lady Charlotte goadingly. “I suppose they have run wild hitherto.”
“It was poor Arthur’s wish——” began Aunt Phyllis.
“We must alter all that now,” Lady Charlotte interrupted. “Tell me your name, little boy.”
“Peter Picktoe,” said Peter with invention. “You going to stop here long?”