She snatched up her little sister somewhat roughly.
“Don’t make the darling cry,” said nurse.
“All right,” replied Pen. “Sit down, baby; I have no time to ’tend you. Nursey, when I was at the sea I was a very ’portant person.”
“Were you indeed. Miss Pen? But you always think yourself that. And how is Miss Pauline?”
“Paulie?” said Penelope. “She’s bad.”
“Yes, all-round bad,” said Penelope.
As she spoke she formed her mouth into a round O, and looked with big eyes at nurse.
“The seaside didn’t agree with her,” said Pen. “Nor does the fuss, nor the petting, nor the nice food, nor anything else of that sort. The only thing that agrees with Paulie is me. She likes to have me with her, and I understand her. But never mind about Paulie now. I want to ask you a question. Am I the sort of little girl that lions would crunch up?”
“I never!” cried nurse. “You are the queerest child!”