'You should help too, even though you're the youngest,' said Celestina bluntly.
'Oh, bother,' was all Biddy's reply.
They were at the Rectory gate by this time.
'Good-bye, Miss Biddy,' said Celestina. 'I must run home fast. But I don't think it's late.'
'Good-bye,' said Biddy. 'I've got my shells; have you got yours? Oh yes,' as Celestina held up a tiny little basket she was carrying. 'How dreadfully careful you are! Good-night. I'll ask mamma to let me come and see you very soon.'
On her way up the short drive to the house Bridget came face to face with Randolph.
'Oh, you're there, are you?' he said. 'Mamma was just asking if you'd come in, so I came to look out for you.'
Biddy was silent. This did not seem very like mamma's 'not caring,' as she had been saying to Celestina.
'It isn't late,' she remarked at last. 'Mamma said I might stay half an hour.'
'She was beginning to worry about you a little, all the same,' said Rough. 'Were you with the little Fairchild girl?'