Page:The book of Betty Barber (IA bookofbettybarbe00andr).pdf/45

 “I really think,” said Major C, rubbing his arms and legs, “we won’t go further.”

“Just as you please,” said Major D Flat haughtily, “You don’t seem accustomed to Flats.”

“Indeed, he doesn’t,” called a small voice.

“I believe he’s broken my toe,” called another.

“Let’s pelt him,” called other voices.

It seemed to the Major as if black heads appeared on every step.

Major D Flat opened the door hastily. “I think, if you don’t mind,” he said, “you had better go.” And he almost pushed Minora and Major C out of the door and down the steps.

“Well, well, well,” said Major C, “if this is visiting, and if those are Flats:”

“I’m going home,” said Minora. “It is all your fault. You would spoil anything. Anybody would have thought that, whatever you couldn’t do, at least you ought to be able, after all the practice you’ve had, to walk upstairs.”

“Minora,” said Major C, “go home.”

And Minora went rather quickly.

The Major stood still, thinking.

“I begin to think,” he said, “that Betty Barber’s fondness for the Sharps and Flats is a great mistake. But I have not yet visited the Sharps, perhaps that was an unfortunate beginning. I will try again.” And Major C marched across to the other side of the road. The door of the last house stood ajar, and the Major walked up the steps and tapped gently.

There was no answer, so the Major peeped in. The staircase looked every bit as black as the one on the opposite side of the road, and the Major felt very much inclined to turn round and go away; but he heard footsteps on the stairs, so he pulled himself together and coughed twice. At once the door was flung wide open; black heads appeared on the staircase, and a black maiden stood before him.

“You want to see Major F Sharp,” said the black maiden. 27