"Mayn't I just come in to show you how to set about it?" she queried sweetly.
"We don't need showing, once we've got the hot water, do we, Ted?"
"N-n-no," said Ted.
Of course Denis burnt himself, but nothing was broken. Nell called directions through the door, and the washing up was finished at last. When Ted emerged into the kitchen, carrying some plates, she accosted him demurely:—
"Have you really finished? I want Denis to go down into the cellar and fill the coal-box."
"I will," he said, seizing on the scuttle.
"No, really, Ted—it's horrid to let you do things—"
"It's ripping, Nell!" he declared with an earnestness that somehow sent her thoughts longingly to Kilbrannan—to have him there!
He paused in the doorway, coal-box in hand.
"What's wrong, Nell?" he asked uneasily.