"Hickory, dickory, dock" was now performed in chorus, and if one of the trio made any mistakes, his companions were making such a row that they did not detect him. At the conclusion of the verse the little boys gave Mr. Wycherly a practical demonstration as to what they meant by tickling.
It was only when the racket had somewhat subsided that they heard Robina's timid voice outside the door bidding the children come at once to their breakfast.
"Det up, man," Edmund directed, "and take me to 'Obina."
"You are perfectly able to trot across to the door," said Mr. Wycherly, mildly remonstrant and much exhausted.
"Come in," shouted Edmund, "come and fesh me."
"No, don't do anything of the kind," cried Mr. Wycherly, horror-stricken; "he can quite well come to you."
"I'll surely no come in," said Robina in a slightly offended voice. "They're to come oot at once, the mistress is waitin' breakfast."
"Me tiahed," Edmund announced, languidly lying down beside Mr. Wycherly. "Me tay heah."
Robina knocked sharply. "Come at once," she cried. "Please, sir, make them come, or the mistress will be rale vexed."
"Go, Montagu," said Mr. Wycherly firmly. "I suppose I must carry this—myself."