She walked deliberately to the bell and rang it. The servant, a good-natured, round-cheeked girl, soon answered the summons.
"Will you light a fire in my bedroom directly?" said Matilda, "and have the goodness to let me know when it has blazed up bright and cheerful."
"Well, girls, come on if you are coming," said Maurice.
The others left the house, and Matilda was alone.
"What in the world did you bring her for?" said Jimmy, the moment they got outside.
"Now, look here, Jimmy," said Cecil, "we are not going to begin that sort of conversation at the very commencement of our holidays. Matilda is here, and we must make the best of her. But for Molly, we should none of us be having this delightful treat; Matilda is Molly's guest, and I expect her to be treated civilly."
"I wouldn't be rude to a lady for the world," said Teddy, drawing himself up.
"Nor I," burst from Charlie's lips; "only she doesn't seem to be your sort, Molly, nor yours, Cecil, nor yours, Miss O'Connor."
"Race me to the shore, Jimmy," said Kate suddenly.