"I wonder what she was hoping?" I sighed.
"If you say another word, Dorothy, I won't tell you any more about the Fairy Prince, said Lisbeth.
"Why, then," I continued, seeing the threat had the desired effect, "since Mr. Selwyn hasn't turned up, perhaps you would care to----"
--"Be a pirate!" put in the Imp.
"To come for a row with us?" I corrected.
--"Aboard the good ship Black Death," he went on, "'with the skull an' crossbones at our peak.'"
"Thanks," said Lisbeth, "but really, I don't think I should. What a horrible name!"
"What's in a name? a boat by any other----" I misquoted. "If you like, we'll call it the Joyful Hope, bound for the Land of Heart's Delight."
Lisbeth shook her head, but I fancied the dimple peeped at me for a moment.
"It would be a pity to disappoint Louise," I said, reaching up to stroke the fluffy kitten.