“I believe it is the big brother Harry is afraid of,” said Arthur, laughing. Graeme and Fanny laughed, too.
“I don’t think it is a laughing matter,” growled Harry. “How would you like it if she were to throw herself away on that red-headed giant?”
Arthur and Fanny laughed, still, but Graeme looked grave. “It would be just like a silly girl like Rose,” continued Harry, gloomily.
“Harry,” said Graeme, “I think you are forgetting what is due to your sister. You should be the last person to couple Rose’s name with that of any gentleman.”
“Of course, it is only among ourselves; and, I tell you, Graeme, you are spoiling Rosie—”
“Harry! be quiet. I don’t choose to listen to you on that subject.”
“I declare, Harry, you are getting morbid on the subject of Rosie’s conquests. It is the greatest folly imaginable,” said Arthur.
“Well, it may be so. At any rate, I shall say no more. Are you coming, Charlie? I must go.”
He went to the foot of the stairs, and called: “Rose, are you coming down again? I must go.”
Rose came flying down.