“No,” said Mavis, “he only said he was spoilt. And he said he was a pretty little boy, and nice in some ways.”
“Well, we must do our best to make him nicer,” said Miss Hortensia; “though I confess I feel a little uneasy—you have never been accustomed to rough bearish ways. And if Winfried can be with you sometimes he might help you with Bertrand.”
“When is he coming?” asked Ruby.
“Very soon, but I do not know the exact day. Now run off, my dears; there is time for you to have half an hour’s play in the garden before dinner.”
It was curious that of the two little girls Mavis seemed the more to dislike the idea of the expected guest.
“Ruby,” she said rather dolefully, “I do wish Bertrand weren’t coming. He’ll spoil everything, and we shan’t know what to do with him.”
“There’s not much to spoil that I see,” said Ruby.
“What do you mean?”
“Oh, our nice quiet ways. Cousin Hortensia telling us stories and all that,” said Mavis. “And I’m sure Winfried won’t want to have to look after a rough, rude little boy. It’s quite different with us—Winfried likes us because we’re—ladies, you know, and gentle and nice to him.”
Ruby laughed.