Page:The book of Betty Barber (IA bookofbettybarbe00andr).pdf/51

 “You’d better keep out of his way,” said Minora, “He’ll never have a Sharp or a Flat on his staircase now. I don’t know what’s to be done. If Betty Barber thinks his staircase is dull, other children may think so too, and may keep away, and without the children he will never be happy.”

“He’ll do something, if he thinks the children would like it,” said one of the Sharps.

“Of course he will,” said the other, “he’s so fond of the children.”

“I must think about it,” said Minora, “perhaps I shall think of some plan.”

“You’ll think of something,” said the two Sharps in chorus.

“He’s not much quieter yet,” said Minora, “I can still hear him tramping up and down stairs, murmuring ‘Preposterous! Betty Barber! Sharps! Flats!’ What shall I do? I know, I’ll go and askof course I will, he’s sure to think of something. I’ll go this very minute.”

“Where are you going, Minora?” asked one of the Sharps.

“Let me come, too,” called the other.

Minora did not answer, and the side door banged.

33