“Why? What makes you ask?”
“Oh, because you haven’t been here.”
“I have been busy writing a letter to your mother.”
“Did you tell her that I am a good boy? I am a very good boy; and so is Claudie.”
A leap and a grimace more astonishing than any he had yet accomplished sent Claude into fits of laughter.
“I declare,” said Miss Gertrude, looking down upon him, “I don’t believe your mother would know you if she were to see you now! Why, there is quite a colour in his lips. He really seems better, doesn’t he?”
“Yes, and he has been very good and easily amused all day, though he has not been able to go out.”
There was silence for a time. Both girls stood watching the game that was going on. But soon Christie said:
“If you please, Miss Gertrude, will you show me that stitch again? I have quite lost it.”
“Yes,” said Miss Gertrude; “I will show you. It is quite easy.”