"Something," said Ben.
"You said that before," retorted Alexia.
"Well, and so I say it again," said Ben, coolly.
"What was it, Polly?" begged Alexia, seizing Polly's arm. "You've some piece of news, I just know; do tell me what it is!"
"Oh, ask Ben," said Polly, catching his spirit of mischief.
"Oh, I never saw such perfectly dreadful creatures," cried Alexia, tossing back her long light braids impatiently. "Nip—Flip—whatever your name is,"—glancing down at Pip, "you tell me, that's a good boy. What is it?"
"I shan't," said Pip, with a snap that brought his white teeth together smartly.
"Well, you needn't take my head off," said Alexia, tumbling back.
"Pip, now you must beg her pardon," said Ben, coming out of his laugh.
"She told me to tell on you, and I'm not going to," said Pip, his pale eyes flashing.