"And George's also!"
The tone jarred on Mr. St. John's ear, and he raised his eyes quickly.
"George's also, of course. What of it, Charlotte?"
The angry emotion had raised a storm within her, and her breath was laboured. But she strove for self-control, and pressed her hand to her heart to still it.
"You can think of Benja, you cannot think of Georgy! It is ever so."
"Nay, you are mistaken," said Mr. St. John, warmly. "I think as much of one as I do of the other: I love one as much as I do the other. If I answered you shortly, it is because I am busy."
Mrs. St. John was silent for a few moments, apparently playing with the child's pretty curls. When she spoke, all temper appeared to have been subdued, and she was cordial again.
"I want to keep their birthday, George."
"With all my heart."
"But to keep it grandly, I mean: something that will be remembered. We will have an outdoor fête----"