"Why should he like a wench to sit on his knee, Aunt Esperance? She'd be very hot and heavy."
"I really must refuse to discuss that song any more. Forget it as soon as you can, and never, never sing it again."
"He was such a nice man," Edmund persisted. "He had such a beautiful helmet."
"Perhaps," said Miss Esperance, "if you are both good boys I'll take you over one day to Pier's Hill to see the soldiers being drilled." And in this entrancing prospect Edmund forgot all about the "unsuitable" song.
"Aunt Esperance would like you should come to tea with us this afternoon, Guardie, dear."
It was Montagu who spoke. Lessons were over, but he had sought Mr. Wycherly again to deliver this message.
"It is most kind of Miss Esperance," said Mr. Wycherly. "I shall of course be delighted and highly honoured, but why am I to have this treat to-day, is it a birthday?—No—I know it isn't a birthday——"
"Colonel Dundas is coming. He knew my daddie, and he knew my grandfather, and Aunt Esperance is very anxious he should see you. She said so."
"Don't you think," Mr. Wycherly said nervously, "that I might be a little in the way? If Colonel Dundas is such an old friend, they will have many things to talk over. Wouldn't it be better for me to come some other time?"
"No, it wouldn't; I'm sure it wouldn't. Aunt Esperance said that she most pertikler wants Colonel Dundas to see you. Do you think he'll be able to sing, Guardie, dear?"