"Kathleen tells me that she has already consented to do so, and I should be very pleased to join her. Now, Kathleen, where is that bacon you spoke about?"
They went into the pantry and took matters into their own hands as if the place belonged to them and as if they had been cooking my breakfasts for years. I positively felt in the way, and hinted as much--with an inclination to stammer.
"Perhaps--perhaps you'll be able to do without my assistance."
The young woman was quite clear upon that subject, and did not hesitate to say so.
"Thank you; I would much rather be without your assistance. I don't care to have men meddle in domestic matters."
She spoke as if she had been fifty instead of perhaps twelve. I wondered if she had her sentiments from her mother; I could have sworn she had them from someone.
"Then in that case I might--I might have a wash and--and put myself into another coat."
She looked me up and down with something in her air which was not suggestive of approval.
"I'm sure you might. You don't look at all tidy; not in the least like Christmas Day. Only please be ready in five minutes."
I was, so was the bacon; everything was ready in that five minutes. I do not know how they did it, those two children, but they did. There was the table laid, places for three, and we three sat down to an excellent meal. Marjorie served the bacon. I have tasted a good deal worse, mind you, and the plates were hot! Kathleen poured out the tea, and I ate and drank and looked on, and wondered how it all had happened. Presently Marjorie asked a question.