"We are queer mixtures," mused philosophic Dicky.... "I wonder where Tilly is!"
————
Five minutes later the drawing-room door opened again, this time to admit little 'Melia. She paused and drew back, at the spectacle of her late ally sprawling at ease before the scanty fire.
"Hallo, 'Melia!" said Dicky cheerfully.
"Hallo!" replied Amelia cautiously. "Have you come to--see mother?"
"Not to-day, thank you," said Dicky. He regarded the little girl curiously. "I say, 'Melia, have I offended you in any way?"
"You? Me? No!" replied Amelia, in wide-eyed surprise. "Why?"
Dicky smiled coyly.
"There used to be a pleasant little form of greeting," he intimated.
"You still want to?" cried 'Melia in a flutter.