“Thank you, Master Kirke,”—Miss Hobbs’s ample sides shook merrily,—“but while you’re seeing to ’Arry who’ll see to you?”
Kirke looked nettled, especially when she went on to say, “No, no, your ma’ll have enough young folks to keep steady without ’aving my ’Arry.”
“You’d better let him go to Santa Luzia.”
Page [32]
Mrs. Rowe smiled thoughtfully at these jesting remarks. A fortnight at the beach would doubtless be a benefit to the ailing child. Could this be arranged? She must consider the question.
“We are all fond of Harry,” she remarked, in handing Miss Hobbs the empty basket. “He’s a good little boy.”
“Oh, ’Arry’s decent, Mrs. Rowe,” responded Miss Hobbs, with a complacent glance at the hall clock.
“The clock is too fast, Miss Hobbs.”
“Is she? I thought she must be quite a few minutes on; but we won’t stay to hinder you.” And Miss Hobbs tied her sunbonnet.