“Meta, do you know what time it is?”
“No,” absently.
“It is half-past eight.”
“Is it?” and Brownie’s eager eyes were not even raised from her book; she scarce heeded what her friend was saying.
“What have you there that is so interesting?” demanded Mattie, after watching her in silence for a few minutes.
“It is a little French story, and so intensely interesting! Must we go home now?” and Brownie looked up wistfully at the clock.
“Yes, it is about time. We shall be locked out if we do not get in before ten, you know.”
“Oh, well, there is time enough, then. I must read just a little more. I will read aloud, for I know you will like it, the story is so beautifully told. Do you understand French?”
“No.”
“Well, no matter, I will translate it as I go along;” and Brownie began and read for ten minutes as fast as her tongue could fly, Mattie soon becoming as deeply interested as herself.