P.—You would be very sorry if they weren't at home, wouldn't you?
Mrs. M.—Oh, of course.
H.—What stupid questions Phœbe asks, doesn't she!
Mrs. M.—Well, never mind, everybody is stupid sometimes. What are you going to do while I am away?
H.—We are going to play, I suppose.
Mrs. M.—Hadn't you better go to the nursery then?
H.—Oh no, Mammy! it's so babyish to stay in the nursery! It's much nicer to stay in the drawing-room by ourselves, as if we were you and Pappy.
Mrs. M.—Only Pappy and I don't get into mischief when we are left in the drawing-room.
H.—We won't either. You tell us what we mustn't do in here, and we will be the best children in the world.
Mrs. M.—Well, now, let me see: you are not to have a pillow fight with the sofa cushions.