Page:The Lark - E Nesbit, 1922.djvu/7

8 beyond the park. Nobody minds anything if we don't go outside. Besides, no one will know, if Jane manages it as well as she mostly does manage things."

"Miss Jane Quested's Meretricious Magic. Manager, or General, Jane," said Jane, displaying herself as she rose with the square book under her arm. "I'm going to take this up to my room and learn the spell off by heart. It wouldn't do to have any mistakes, would it? I may take it?"

"You may take anything—but only on one condition," said Emmeline firmly.

"Conditions? How cautious and sordid! What condition?"

"That if you do see anything you'll tell us exactly what it was like. You never can tell what it will be that you see. Sometimes you see a shroud, or skeleton, or a coffin, I believe, if you're to die a maid."

Jane laughed.

"What a merry companion you are, Emmy; not a dull moment when you're about! Pity it's alone or not at all. I should have loved to have you with me to-night to keep my spirits up with your cheery chatter. But, alas! it can't be. Don't look so glum.

"If you call this a lark," said Emmeline, "I don't."

"Now look here, Em," said Jane firmly; "if you don't want me to do it, really I won't. You've been such a brick to us. Say the word and I'll chuck it. I really will. Don't look so glum. I'm not wholly lost to all gratitude and proper feeling."

"Oh, don't chuck it now!" pleaded Lucilla, "just when Emmy and I have reconciled our yeasty consciences to the idea."

"Shall I chuck it, Emmy?" Jane persisted. "Shall I?"