"Well, dear," began his mother persuasively, "would you like a little party this afternoon?"
"People coming to tea?" asked William guardedly.
"Yes, dear, you'd be such a help—and——"
William interrupted.
"I'll eat up all they leave afterwards for you," he said obligingly; "but I think I won't come this time."
"Thank Heaven!" murmured Ethel.
"I'm not much good at parties," said William with perfect truth and with a perfunctory grimace at his sister.
"But wouldn't you like to help to hand things round, darling?" asked Mrs. Brown.
"No, thanks, but I'll eat up all they've left for you afterwards."
"How kind!" said Ethel.