"Is it that you don't wish to improve? Is it THAT?"
"I'll tell ye what I think it is," began Peg helpfully, as if anxious to reach some satisfactory explanation: "I think there's a little divil in me lyin' there and every now and again he jumps out."
"A devil?" cried Mrs. Chichester, horrified.
"Yes, aunt," said Peg demurely.
"How dare you use such a word to ME?"
"I didn't. I used it about MESELF. I don't know whether you have a divil in ye or not. I think I have."
Mrs. Chichester silenced her with a gesture:
"To-morrow I am to give Mr. Hawkes my first report on you."
Peg laughed suddenly and then checked herself quickly.
"And why did you do that?" asked her aunt severely.