Dorothy was at work at a table ironing.
“Dorothy,” said Phonny, “I’ve got a squirrel—a beautiful squirrel. If I had time I would stop and show him to you.”
“I wish you had time to shut the doors,” said Dorothy.
“In a minute,” said Phonny, “I am coming back in a minute, and then I will.”
So saying Phonny went into a sort of hall or entry which passed through the house, and which had doors in it leading to the principal rooms. There was a staircase here. Phonny supposed that Malleville was up in his mother’s chamber. So he stood at the foot of the stairs and began to call her with a loud voice.
“Malleville!” said he, “Malleville! Where are you? Come and see my squirrel.”
Presently a door opened above, and Phonny heard some one stepping out.
“Malleville,” said Phonny, “is that you?”
“No,” said a voice above, “it is Wallace. I have come to give you your first warning.”