Laughing, and rosy with pleasure, they came back and got into bed together; and for an hour afterwards the two kept up a most animated conversation, intermixed with long chuckles and bursts of merriment, and whispered communications of immense importance. The arrangement of the painted needlebook was entirely decided upon in this consultation; also two or three other matters; and the two children seemed to have already lived a day since day-break by the time they came down to breakfast.
After breakfast, Ellen applied secretly to Alice, to know if she could write very beautifully she exceedingly wanted something done.
"I should not like to venture, Ellie, if it must be so superfine; but John can do it for you."
"Can he? Do you think he would?"
"I am sure he will, if you ask him."
"But I don't like to ask him," said Ellen, casting a doubtful glance at the window.
"Nonsense, he's only reading the newspaper. You won't disturb him."
"Well, you won't say anything about it?"
"Certainly not."
Ellen accordingly went near, and said, gently, "Mr.
Humphreys!" but he did not seem to hear her. "Mr.
Humphreys!" a little louder.