"Oh, it was quite easy," I replied airily.
"Was it?"
"Well, perhaps not quite easy," I corrected myself, "but fairly easy when you once get started."
"I never dare start," she said plaintively. "As soon as I open my mouth I——"
"Shut it again," I said. "But don't in future, keep it well open. Begin to-night, and I'll help you. Make a firm stand like Horatius."
"What did he do?" she asked with interest.
"He stood alone and—and looked after a gate."
"Oh, I could do that. If your father were a gate——" she began eagerly.
"What would you do?" inquired Peter, walking into the room and surveying her from head to foot.
"I—I——" she stammered.