“No doubt whatever on that point,” replied Belle with fervor. 14
They entered the house, and soon found themselves seated round the table. Mr. Tristram greeted Maggie with his usual gentle dignity. Molly delivered herself of her message from the Castle. Mr. and Mrs. Tristram said that they would be delighted to join the Cardews at supper.
The meal was proceeding cheerfully, and Maggie was entertaining her host and hostess by just those pleasant little pieces of information which an exceedingly well-bred girl can impart without apparently intending to do so, when a shy and very clean little figure glided into the room, a pair of bright-brown eyes looked fixedly at Maggie, and then glared defiance at Belle, who happened to be seated near that adorable young person.
Peterkins was making up his mind that in future that coveted seat should be his—for he and Maggie could talk in whispers during the meal about Spot-ear, Angelus, and the rest—when his father said, “Sit down, my boy; take your place at once. You are rather late.”
The boy slipped into his seat.
“I am glad to see you looking so tidy, Andrew,” said his mother approvingly.
Andrew looked across at Maggie. Maggie did not once glance at him. She was talking in her gentle, lady-like tone to the rector.
Presently another boy came in, bigger and broader than Andrew.
Andrew said in a raised voice, “Here’s Jack, and his hands aren’t a bit clean.”
“Hush!” said the rector.