“She adores Philip,” said Louise.
“Behold Mother’s discipline,” remarked Nan wisely.
Small, fat, curly-haired, almost a tiny edition of Louise, little Charlotte appeared in the door, having escaped her nurse. Eluding several outstretched hands, she dashed across the room and with some assistance perched upon Philip’s knee.
Philip placed her firmly and began to recite “There was an old woman as I’ve heard tell.”
Charlotte chuckled and poked his face with her chubby fingers.
“Now, fee b’ind mice.”
“I don’t know that one, do I?” asked Philip, teasing.
“Why, yes you do! Don’t you know?—’Fee b’ind mice, See how ay wun!”
“I don’t think I can remember it unless you tell me first what your name is.”
“Sh’lotte Mee-ni-a Buckets V’n Hoosen Doosen V’n Ness.”