Papa looked at Mark. Mark clenched his teeth, holding his laugh down tight. He seemed to think that as long as it didn't come out of his mouth he was safe. It came out through his nose like a loud, tearing sneeze. Mark was sent out of the room.
Daniel threw down his spoon and fork.
"If he goes, I go," Daniel said, and followed him.
Papa looked at Mary.
"What are you grinning at, you young monkey?"
"Emilius," said Aunt Charlotte, "if you send another child out of the room, I go too."
Mary squealed, "Tee-he-he-he-he-hee! Te-hee!" and was sent out of the room.
She and Aunt Charlotte sat on the stairs outside the dining-room door. Aunt Charlotte's arm was round her; every now and then it gave her a sudden, loving squeeze.
"Darling Mary. Little darling Mary. Love Aunt Charlotte," she said.
Mark and Dank and Roddy watched them over the banisters.