Spud groaned. “She has us in her power, fellows.”
“Yes, I have,” Molly exulted laughingly. “And I shall make you do anything I want!”
“Well, don’t want too much,” said Hoop.
“I hope,” inquired Spud concernedly, “that our friend Mr. Hooper is properly attentive, Molly? If he doesn’t do what you want him to let us know and we’ll kill him. And Clara, too. Is he quite satisfactory?”
“Clara is perfectly dear,” answered Molly. “And so is Hoop.” Hoop tried to look bored but was quite evidently pleased. “So you all are,” she concluded, beaming about her.
“We thank you,” said Ned, laying his hand on his waistcoat in the vicinity of his heart. “Any little thing we can do for you—”
“I shall never believe in you again, Ned,” said Molly sadly, “after what Spud told me. Whenever you say anything nice I shall think that you’re after my pillow-case.”
“In that case—” began Ned, but he was drowned by a chorus of groans. “I shall sneak another apple,” he finished.
“Sneak one for me, too,” said Hoop. “Where do these apples grow, Molly?” he asked carelessly. Molly made a face at him.
“I know but I sha’n’t tell you,” she answered. “If I did you might all come over here after some and get caught.”