Half abstractedly he began to listen to his elders' conversation.
"They promised to be here by nine," his mother was saying. "I do hope they won't be late!"
"Well, it's not much good their coming if the other house isn't ready, is it?" said William's grown-up sister Ethel. "I don't believe they've even finished painting!"
"I'm so sorry it's William's half-term holiday," sighed Mrs. Brown. "He'll be frightfully in the way."
William's outlook on life brightened considerably.
"They comin' removin' this morning?" he inquired cheerfully.
"Yes, DO try not to hinder them, William."
"Me?" he said indignantly. "I'm goin' to help!"
"If William's going to help," remarked his father, "thank Heaven I shan't be here. Your assistance, William, always seems to be even more devastating in its results than your opposition!"
William smiled politely. Sarcasm was always wasted on William.