"Jolly weather, isn't it?" said Basil. "I say, aren't we going to have a time! How are all the others? How's Maggie? Are you going to have holidays, too, while we are having ours, Ermie?"
Ermengarde's face flushed again.
"It is unfair," she said. "I wish you'd speak to father about it, Basil. We are only to have half-holidays. Lessons all the morning, and the afternoons with you. I do call it a shame! It's Aunt Elizabeth's doing. She arranged it with Miss Nelson a week ago. I do wish, father, you'd interfere."
"My dear, I never dream of interfering with your Aunt Elizabeth.—A pretty mess I'd get into if I did [sotto voce].—I make no doubt, Ermie, it's a very wise arrangement, and you fellows can have the mornings quite free for long expeditions or anything of that sort."
"Oh, we'll have lots of the girls in the afternoon," said Eric. "I do hope that big ferret isn't making his way out. He is a stunner, sir; why, he killed—Ermie, keep your legs away—he has teeth like razors, sir, and once he catches on, he never lets go. He'll suck you to death as likely as not. Now, what's up?"
Ermengarde started from her seat. She felt slightly frightened, and very cross.
"You bring home horrid pets, Eric," she said. "And you have no sympathy, not a bit, and you are selfish, too——"
"Oh, he's a scamp," interrupted Basil; "never mind him."
Again he stretched out his hand and took Ermengarde's.
"Tell me all about the young'uns," he said. "How are the bees? Did you make a good sale of the honey? I want to buy out my share—come close, I've a secret to whisper to you."