'Never mind that. Ida has never seen it. We are going to show her everything. We want her to feel one of us.'
'We shall have a jolly lunch,' interjected Blanche. 'There are some lemon cheesecakes that I made myself yesterday afternoon. Cook was in a good temper, and let me do it.'
'I hope you washed your hands first,' said Horatio. 'I'd sooner cook had made the cheesecakes.'
'Of course I washed my hands, you too suggestive pig. But I should hope that in a general way my hands are cleaner than cook's. It is only schoolboys who luxuriate in dirt.'
'You'll come, Ranie?' pleaded Bess.
'If you really wish it.'
'I do, or I shouldn't be here. But I hope you wish it too. You ought to be longing to get out of doors on such a lovely morning. Houses were never intended for such weather as this. Come and join the birds and butterflies, and all the happiest things in creation.'
'I must go for my hat and sunshade. I wasn't born full-dressed, like the birds and butterflies,' replied Urania.
She ran away, leaving Bessie and Ida in the drawing-room. The younger children having rushed in and left their mark upon the room, had now rushed out again to the jaunting-car.
'A pretty drawing-room, isn't it?' asked Bess. 'It looks so neat and fresh and bright after ours.'