“It’s this. Flower is sometimes—sometimes—oh, it’s dreadful to have to tell!—Flower is sometimes not nice.”
Polly’s eyes danced.
“You’re a darling, David!” she said. “Of course, that sister of yours is not perfect. I’d hate her if she was.”
“But it isn’t that,” said David. “It’s so difficult to tell. When Flower isn’t nice, it’s not a small thing, it’s—oh, she’s awful! Polly, I don’t want any of you ever to see Flower in a passion; you’d be frightened, oh, you would indeed. We were all dreadfully unhappy at Ballarat when Flower was in a passion, and lately we tried not to get her into one. That’s what I want you to do, Polly; I want you to try; I want you to see that she is not vexed.”
“I like that,” said Polly. “Am I to be on my ‘P’s and Q’s’ for this Miss Flower of yours? Now, David, what do you mean by a great passion? I’m rather hot myself. Come, you saw me very cross about the lemonade yesterday; is Flower worse than that? What fun it must be to see her!”
“Don’t!” said David, turning pale. “You wouldn’t speak in that way, Polly, if you knew. What you did yesterday like Flower? Why, I didn’t notice you at all. Flower’s passions are—are—— But I can’t speak of them, Polly.”
“Then why did you tell me?” said Polly. “I can’t help her getting into rages, if she’s so silly.”
“Oh, yes, you can, and that’s why I spoke to you. She’s a little vexed now, about your having brought the—the kitchen-maid here. I know well she’s vexed, because she’s extra polite with every one else. That’s a way she has at first. I don’t suppose she’ll speak to you, Polly; but oh, Polly, I will love you so much, I’ll do anything in all the world for you, if only you’ll send Maggie home!”
“What are you dreaming of?” said Polly. “Because Flower is an ill tempered, proud, silly girl, am I to send poor little Maggie away? No, David, if your sister has a bad temper, she must learn to control it. She is living in England now, and she must put up with our English ways; we are always kind to our servants.”
“Then it can’t be helped,” said David. “You’ll remember that I warned you—you’ll be sorry afterwards! Hullo, Flower—yes, Flower, I’m coming.”