"If they ceased to be amusing; if they broke their legs or lost their money, or if they got paralytic strokes, or something. You'd visit them in their affliction, but not in the ordinary playful circumstances of life. That's because you're an angel. I," said Miss Palliser sententiously, "am not. Why do I always come to you when I feel most hopelessly the other thing?"
Lucia said something that had a very soothing effect; it sounded like "Skittles!" but the word was "Kitti-kin!"
"Lucy, I shouldn't be such a bad sort if I lived with you. I've been here exactly twenty minutes, and I've laid in enough goodness to last me for a week. And now," said Miss Palliser with decision, "I'm going."
Lucia looked up in some trepidation.
"Where are you going to?"
"I am going—to choose that book."
"Oh, Kitty, do be careful."
"I am always careful," said Miss Palliser, "in choosing a book."
In about ten minutes' time she returned. Her chastened mood had vanished.
"Lucia," said she, "you have an immense regard for that young man."