"Aunty," she said, "what is a decorator?"
"A person who decorates; that is, adorns or beautifies. Why do you ask, my child?"
"It means a scene-painter too; a man who paints scenery for the stage," said Fred.
"Yes, that's it," said Emma, and she scampered away.
Fred sat silent for a while, and then he said:—
"Aunty dear, did you notice how queerly Emma behaved? Do you suppose she is thinking of going on the stage?"
"No, indeed, my dear boy," said his aunt calmly; "she has no idea of that kind, you may be sure."
"Well, take my word for it, she has something out of the way in her head. She's not often very particular to know the meaning of a word; she's not very keen after knowledge. I'm sure there's something in the wind."
There was no time for more; for a sudden familiar shriek struck their ears.
"A snake! oh, a snake! a snake!"