"Peoples always calls each other 'dear' whenever they doesn't like each other," she remarked.
Maudie flashed round upon her.
"That isn't true. I do like Duke—don't I, Duke? And Hec too—don't I love you dearly, Hec and Duke?"
The two little boys clambered down from their chairs, by slow and ponderous degrees, and a hugging match of the three ensued.
"Children, children," cried Martin, "you know it's against the rules for you to get down from your chairs at tea. Miss Maudie, dear, you shouldn't encourage it."
"But Hoodie said unkind 'sings to Maudie, and we had to kiss dear Maudie," said the little boys. "Naughty Hoodie," and they glanced round indignantly at Hoodie.
A hard look came over Hoodie's face.
"Always naughty Hoodie," she muttered to herself. "Nobody loves Hoodie. Nebber mind. Don't care."
"Little boys," said Martin, "you must go back to your seats and finish your tea. And don't call Miss Hoodie naughty for nothing at all but a little joke."
Hoodie gave a quick glance at Martin.