"No, I won't. I am not a load of hay to be pitched about from pillar to post. And my gowns are not legion."
"There's the white serge, and the black heolian, and——"
"Amelia," I said, "if you don't go away I shall ring the tortoise for help—help from a stranger passing down the lane. I am a pestered, servant-driven creature, and I require as much help as a drowning man."
And she went without another word to me, but muttering softly to herself, of which I caught a word or two: "Moidered with the heat! Poor thing, I have known as sunstroke——" &c., &c. She disappeared round the broom bush, and I laughed more than I have done for many days.
*****
Dimbie brought great news with him. He flung himself down upon the grass, tilted back his hat, wiped his brow, and said—
"I have retired from business, Marg."
"Well, that doesn't make sitting upon the damp grass an act to be commended," I said severely.
An amused giggle came from behind me. It was Amelia crossing the lawn with a lettuce in her hand.
"I thought you were getting tea."