Page:The book of Betty Barber (IA bookofbettybarbe00andr).pdf/34

 asked Half-term. “There are those who seem to think you may find it dull.”

“Well, as a matter of fact,” said the Major, “I never tried”

“Oh,” said Half-term, “if I were you I think I should try. Now, I find it a good plan to try everything.”

“I never tried to get into three verses,” said Lucy. “Perhaps Betty Barber would not be sick of me if I only had three verses.”

“Try it,” said Half-term, “it would be a most interesting experiment. Try it, will you, to please me?”

Lucy nodded. ‘I must try,” she said, “I must do something.”

“Thank you so much,” said Half-term. “Now, let me see, what was I going to do? I know, get to the tip-top of this very tall tree. Good.”

“One moment,” said Miss Crimson Lake, smiling sweetly. “One moment.”

“The tip-top of the tree,” said Half-term, examining the tree carefully. “Yes, this is certainly the best side to attack. I never saw such a tall tree. I can’t even see the top. Still, there must be one.”

“Mr. Half-term, I want to speak to you,” said Miss Crimson Lake.

But the boy would not listen to her, his thoughts were entirely occupied with the tree, and though she touched his arm he shook her off almost rudely, and set to work to climb.

Miss Crimson Lake was very much annoyed; but Easter, Summer, and Christmas began to laugh.

“He won’t stop for you,” shouted Christmas.

“He’s horribly energetic,” said Summer.

“‘He does everything as hard as he can,” said Easter.

“A very rude fellow!’ said Miss Crimson Lake, frowning crossly.

“He’s nothing of the kind,” said Christmas indignantly.

“He’s a jolly fellow,” said Easter.

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