“’Tis black underneath and white on top, Mrs. Benson. ’Ow can that be? It looks as if one ’at ’ad been clapped on another!”
“That’s what it is, Cummins. It’s a double hat; but they’ll do anything in America. It’s a double hat with two black owls’ heads, and I’ll wager they charged double price for it!”
“She’s a lovely beauty in anythink and everythink she wears,” said Little Cummins loyally.
“May I call you ‘Cousin Robin’?” Carnaby asked as they walked along. “Robinette is such a long name.”
“Cousin Robin is very nice, I think,” she answered. “As a matter of fact I ought to be your Aunt Robin; it would be much more appropriate.”
“Aunt be blowed!” ejaculated Carnaby.
“You’re very fond of making yourself out old, but it’s no go! When I first heard you were a widow I thought you would be grandmother’s age,––I say––do you think you will marry another time, Cousin Robin?”
“That’s a very leading question for a gentleman to put to a lady! Were you intending to ask me to wait for you, Middy dear?” asked Robinette, putting her arm in the boy’s laughingly, quite unconscious of his mood.
“I’d wait quick enough if you’d let me! I’d wait a lifetime! There never was anybody like you in the world!”