we can to that house you were so ’cute as to take the number of. I’m mis’rible, and I mean to be mis’rible, so don’t you expect nothing cheerful from me, Flossy.’
‘Very well, Peter,’ said Flossy meekly.
And then the little party, slowly and painfully, for Flossy was very, very tired, and poor Peter’s arms ached fearfully, retraced their steps. The baby had ceased crying and was asleep, and after about two hours’ patient walking and asking their way, the children found themselves in Bevington Square.
‘I’d better go up first to the door,’ said Flossy, ‘and ask her if she’d like a baby. You might stand round there, Peter, and you might keep Snip-snap with you.’
‘You needn’t press her about it,’ said Peter; ‘if she don’t seem quite delighted we won’t give up Dickory on no account; and kiss her before you go, Flossy, for
of course the lady will take her; and in a few minutes she won’t be our Dickory no more.’
Peter unfastened a corner of the old tartan shawl, and Flossy imprinted a grave kiss on the baby’s forehead. Then, with great solemnity, and with the air of one engaged on an important mission, she went up the steps of the great house and rang the bell. Flossy was an attractive little child, her hair was really beautiful, and she had a very wistful and taking manner.
‘Please,’ she said now to the tall, powdered footman, ‘I know the lady what cried is here; please can I see her? I’ve brought her a little baby, and I want to see her about it.’
Flossy did not look quite like a common child, and her face wore a very sweet expression when she spoke of the baby; nevertheless the footman only stared
at her, and would have certainly shut the door in her face, had not the lady of the house at that moment come into the hall. Flossy saw her, and quick as thought she darted past the servant and up to the lady.