Page:Delight - de la Roche - 1926.djvu/42

 Charley filled his mouth with the last of his fried potatoes, emptied his coffee-cup, and got heavily to his feet. He tripped over his own toes as he went out, leaving a smile on the faces of those behind him.

"One would think he was simple to hear him talk about his cabbages and all," said Mrs. Bye apologetically, "but he's got a grand head for business, I can tell you that."

"He has," agreed old Davy admiringly. "When him and me carry anything together, I always get the heavy end, and I never know how he manages it."

The sound of footsteps came from the dining-room. Annie quickly wiped her lips and fingers and went in. Mrs. Bye stirred the porridge and put fresh tea to steep. Old Davy returned to his stable. Pearl continued placidly to eat greasy, hashed potatoes. Delight snatched up Queenie and carried her to the window.

"You're a rum little kiddie," she said, looking into her upturned face.

"Ah hi poo."

"Do you? I like you too, if that's what you're saying. Can you count? Let's hear you count."

"Wa—poo—pee—paw—pi—pih—pebbin—"

"My word, you're fond of p's, ain't you?"

"Ay. Ah hi poo." And she clutched her neck and kissed her.

Annie rushed in with her tray. "Come along, Delight, you're needed. The whole troupe's there, and three of the second-floor boarders. Put the kid down and get a move on. Three ham and eggs, and two fish, cook. My goodness, you ought to see the troupe. Dr. De Silva and his College Girls. Funny-lookin' college girls. You ought to see the fat one with a yellow wig and a dirty pink kimono. That coffee hot?"