“But let me feel your feet, pet. Oh, to think of your running out like this in your house-shoes! You will catch your death! Here, I will sit down on this step and keep you in my arms. Now, is not that cozy, my fur cloak wrapped round you, feet and all? Is not that nice, little Eve?”
“Yes, very nice,” said Evelyn. “It is almost as good as if I were back again on the ranch with mothery and you.”
“Ah, the happy old days!” sighed Jasper.
“Yes, they were very happy, Jasper. I almost wish I was back again. I am worried a good bit; things are not what I thought they would be in England. There is no fuss made about me, and at school they treat me so horribly.”
“You bide your time, my love; you bide your time.”
“I don’t like school, Jas.”
“And why not, my beauty? You know you must be taught, my dear Miss Evelyn; an ignorant young lady has no chance at all in these enlightened days.”
“Oh! please, Jas, do not talk so much like a horrid book; be your true old self. What does learning matter?”
“Everything, love; I assure you it does.”
“Well, I shall never be learned; it is too much trouble.”