"But if Ben comes down and finds the place hasn't been washed out, he will tell Miss Bertha."

"Let him tell her—who cares?"

"She will talk to me for an hour."

"Let her talk—talking won't kill you."

"I don't like to be talked to in that way by Miss Bertha."

"Fiddle-de-dee! You can tell her I wanted you," said Fanny, her eyes snapping with earnestness.

"Shall I tell her what you wanted me for?" asked Noddy, with a cunning look.

"Of course you needn't tell her that. But come along, or I shall go without you."

"No—you wouldn't do that, Miss Fanny. You couldn't."

"Well, won't you come?"