'Don't be a little silly, Tricksy,' said Reggie to her in an undertone; and Tricksy allowed her dignity to subside.
Fresh hiding-places were chosen; and when at last the young people were so tired as to be disinclined to run any more, Marjorie suggested going indoors to see whether tea were ready.
The dining-room table was bare, and all faces fell.
'I'll just go into the kitchen and see what Elspeth is about,' said Marjorie; 'perhaps the servants are forgetting us.'
In the stone-floored kitchen, whither they all trooped after Marjorie, Elspeth was sitting knitting by the fireside.
'Elspeth, when is tea going to be ready?' inquired Marjorie, rather impatiently.
The girl looked up at her, then down again at her knitting with pretended indifference.
'Tea, Miss Marjorie? I wass thinking you would not be wanting any tea to-day.'
Marjorie's lips tightened, but she kept down the rising temper with an effort.
'Why not?' she asked. 'Here are Allan and Reggie and Tricksy from Ardnavoir; and we want our tea, please.'