"Well, see here!" cried the boy, excitedly. "Because, you see, they're worth a lot, some of 'em. Why, there's agates,—why, they are perfect beauties! Just look!" He ran towards the sofa, but Margaret stopped him resolutely.
"To-morrow, Basil!" she said. "To-morrow you shall show me everything you like; but now you must go to bed, this very moment. I am pretty tired, but I shall sit outside on the landing, till you tell me that you are in bed; then I shall come in and make sure for myself, and tuck you in."
Basil illuminated the room again. "Will you?" he cried. "Honest, will you tuck us in?"
Margaret nodded, wondering, and withdrew to the landing, where she sat with her head in her hands, saying to herself, "Let nothing disturb thee, nothing affright thee—"
Basil spoke through the keyhole. "Cousin Margaret!"
"Yes, Basil; are you ready so soon?"
"No, not quite. I wanted to say,—do you think you ought to spank me?"
"No, certainly not, my dear!"
"'Cause you can, if you think you'd better."
"No, no, Basil; only do get to bed, like a good boy!"