“It's very late,” argued Aggie.
“Of course it is,” insisted Zoie. “Please, Alfred,” she pleaded, “do let Aggie take them.”
Alfred rose reluctantly. “Mother knows best,” he sighed, but ignoring Aggie's outstretched arms, he refused to relinquish the joy of himself carrying the small mites to their room, and he disappeared with the two of them, singing his now favourite lullaby.
When Alfred had left the room, Jimmy, who was now seated comfortably in the rocker, was rudely startled by a sharp voice at either side of him.
“Well!” shrieked Zoie, with all the disapproval that could be got into the one small word.
“You're very clever, aren't you?” sneered Aggie at Jimmy's other elbow.
Jimmy stared from one to the other.
“A nice fix you've got me into NOW,” reproved Zoie.
“Why didn't you get out when you had the chance?” demanded Aggie.
“You would take your own sweet time, wouldn't you,” said Zoie.