"Oh, yes, she's first with everyone. It's a very nasty stifling hot day."
"Poor Ermie, you're cross, so you see everything distorted. You know whose pet you are, as well as possible—and the day is perfect, superb."
"Am I really your pet, Basil?"
"You conceited puss, you know you are. So is Maggie, too. She's a little darling."
The latter part of Basil's speech brought the cloud once again to Ermengarde's face.
"Oh, of course Maggie is everyone's pet," she said.
Her brother interrupted her. "Don't begin that nonsense over again, Ermie; it's too childish. You are under punishment, I don't know for what. Of course I'm awfully vexed. But why abuse poor little Mag? I say, though, do you like apples?"
"Apples? Pretty well."
"You mean awfully. I have brought you some beauties."
"How can I get them? I'm a prisoner here."