“Hullo, monkey!” he said, the minute he saw Robina. “So you are back once more—the proverbial bad penny, eh?”
He pinched her cheek. “’Pon my word, you are looking fine! And how do you like school, monkey? and how is every bit of you? Glad to have you back: expect we’ll have some fun now.”
“Sit down, Edward, and don’t keep Robina standing any longer,” said Miss Jennings.
Mr Starling winked solemnly at his daughter, and took his seat.
“Hallo! What are these?” he said, as he saw his letters.
“They are for you, father,” said Robina, eagerly: “but I think they are about me.”
“About you, monkey! How can you know?”
“Don’t encourage her. Edward, don’t read those letters at present,” said Miss Jennings.
“Oh, please do, father,” said Robina.
“Peese, farzer, peese!” said little Rose. And “Please, father!” came in a more pronounced voice from Violet.