Page:The Semi-detached House.djvu/171

 good morning, and request the kids to attend to the summons they have received, or my little lady will suppose I have forgotten to give her note;" and amidst a fresh burst of merriment Lord Chester departed.

Again the Baroness was surprised, and wondered who the distinguished looking young man was, who was on such easy terms with the family; and she became more than ever anxious to put her acquaintance with the Hopkinsons on a better footing; admired their room, looked at their work, and commented on the school feast. "It was quite an event in our expedition. And, by the bye, I wish you had been with us, we had a charming picnic, and I scolded that naughty Willis for not asking you. To be sure I ought to have done it myself, but somehow I took it into my head that you were serious," (there was no doubt of the fact in its literal sense at that moment: Janet and Rose were in a frozen state of dignity) "and that you would object to our frivolous amusements. But I am so glad to hear from Willis that you do go out.