“Can’t,” said Maggie, “for I’ll love ’em.”
“Well, at least promise you won’t love him.”
“Can’t,” said Maggie again, “for I shall.”
“I’ll die of raging jealousy,” said Peterkins.
“No, you won’t, you silly boy. Get off to the house and make yourself tidy. Come along, Belle.”
“I say, Maggie,” said Belle, “you mustn’t set those two boys by the ears. They’re fond enough of each other.”
“Of course I’ll do nothing of the kind,” said Maggie. “That’s a charming little chap, and Spot-ear is my rabbit as well as his. Jackdaw shall share two of his rabbits with me. Oh, it is such fun turning people round your little finger!”
Just then Molly, rather red in the face, ran up.
“Oh, you darling, darling Maggie!” she said. “So you’ve come!”
“Come!” cried Maggie. “I feel as if I’d been here for ever.”