“I believe I did say something of the kind. It occurred to me that it might be an interesting experiment.”
“And did you mean that we could really do what we liked, about money and everything else, just as if we were really and truly the real owner in your place?”
Mr Farrell smiled somewhat grimly.
“If your sister asked me that question, I should say ‘Yes.’ Knowing as I do your capacity for extravagance, I am a little more cautious. Within reasonable limits that is, however, what I meant to imply.”
“Ah!” sighed Mollie deeply. “But it all depends on what you call reasonable. At any rate, you can only refuse, and things can be no worse than they are at present. Please, Uncle Bernard, may I begin my reign from to-day?”
“Your reign! You put it forcibly, my dear—more so than is perhaps quite pleasant in my ears. And you are the youngest of the four; your turn should come last, not first. When the others have had their trial—”
“But they have never asked for it; they don’t want it, and I do; and you said nothing about taking turns when you made the suggestion. If you let me begin, they could take warning from my mistakes. I don’t think you would find they disliked the arrangement. Do, please, be kind and say ‘Yes.’”
Mr Farrell reflected for a moment, bringing the tips of his fingers together.
“As you say, you are the first to express any desire to take me at my word. If it pleases you to assume the reins of government for a short time, I have no objection.”
“You mean it really? I can begin at once, and give what orders I like?”