“In fact,” said I, as a sudden thought struck, “I’m going to be married!”
“Whew! you never told me that!” exclaimed Slidder, with widening eyes.
“Will you be quiet, Robin?” said I, rather sternly; “how can I get over this very difficult matter if you go on interrupting me so?”
“Mum’s the word!” returned the boy, folding his hands, and assuming a look of ridiculous solemnity.
At that moment we heard a noise of pattering feet on the landing outside. The door, which had not been properly closed, burst open, and my doggie came into the room all of a heap. After a brief moment lost in apparently searching for his hind-legs, he began to dance and frisk about the room as if all his limbs were whalebone and his spirit quicksilver.
“Oh, there’s that dog again! Put it out! put it out!” cried Mrs Willis, gathering her old skirts around her feet.
“Get out, Dumps! how dare you come here, sir, without leave?”
“I gave him leave,” said a sweet voice in the passage.
Next moment a sweeter face was smiling upon me, as Edith entered the room.
There was a feeble cry at the window. I observed that the sweet smile vanished, and a deadly pallor overspread Edith’s face, while her eyes gazed with eager surprise at the old lady for a few seconds. Mrs Willis sat with answering gaze and outstretched arms.