Page:The Other House (London, William Heinemann, 1896), Volume 1.djvu/173

Rh hope, then, that you'll join our little party?" He looked about him again, irresolute, and his eyes fell on the packages gathered hard by, of which the nature was betrayed by a glimpse of flaxen curls and waxen legs. She immediately enlightened him. "Preparations for a birthday visit from the little girl at the other house. She's coming over to receive them."

Again he dropped upon a seat; she stood there and he looked up at her. "At last we've got to business! It's she I've come to ask about."

"And what do you wish to ask?"

"How she goes on—I mean in health."

"Not very well, I believe, just to-day!" Mrs. Beever laughed.

"Just to-day?"

"She's reported to have a slight cold. But don't be alarmed. In general she's splendid."

He hesitated. "Then you call it a good little life?"

"1 call it a beautiful one!"

"I mean she won't pop off?"

"I can't guarantee that," said Mrs. Beever.

"But till she does"