“It’s your duty,” said Ma.
“If you stay,” continued Pa, “I’ll make you a present of a brand-new banjo!”
“Thank you, no more banjo for me,” said Lily, laughing. “I’ve had my share.”
“All right, no more banjo,” agreed Pa, “provided you stay with us: that’s all I ask. I shall be afraid of nobody then; I’ll show them what an artiste is!”
And, warming to his subject, Pa built up his plans: the great English tours; and Eastern and Western America, Australia, South Africa:
“Eh, Lily? Wouldn’t you like to see it all again? Or else, for once, I’ll get up a troupe and take it round the world myself, with you in it!”
“But, Pa,” said Lily, very coldly, “I have business arrangements of my own, more engagements than I want.”
“It’s a business arrangement I’m proposing to you,” said Pa.
“And shall I come on in tights?”
“In tights, if you like.”