CHAPTER CXXV
BETTINA ENTERTAINS A SMALL NEIGHBOR
"INDEED I will keep Kathleen for you," said Bettina to Mrs. Fulton. "I'll enjoy it. We'll have to invent some new plays and have such a jolly time that she won't miss her mother at all."
"You're sure you don't mind?" asked Mrs. Fulton, anxiously. "If mother were only stronger, I would leave her there——"
"Go right on, Mrs. Fulton, and don't worry one bit! Kathleen and I are going to have the time of our lives! Let's see—it's nearly three. Shall I feed her anything?"
"Well, she had an early lunch, and has just wakened from her nap. Perhaps she is a little hungry. Are you?"
"Bed'n delly," replied Kathleen with emphasis.
"Oh, I know something that's better for little girls than bread and jelly!" said Bettina, lifting the roly-poly little mite onto the kitchen table. "I'll make her some good cream toast! May I, Mrs. Fulton?"
"Indeed, you may, if you will," said Mrs. Fulton. "I'm afraid she won't always eat it, though. Well, I'll have to go, I suppose, if I get to sister Annie's train on time. Then we'll do a little shopping down town, and I'll be back for Kathleen at six o'clock sharp."
"Just whenever it's convenient for you, Mrs. Fulton. Good-bye!"