Page:The book of Betty Barber (IA bookofbettybarbe00andr).pdf/52



Up the staircase, down the staircase, tramp, tramp, tramp. Major C was beginning to feel better. He stopped shouting, and started thinking instead. The longer he thought about it, the more determined he became never to allow a Flat or a Sharp on his beautiful, clean white staircase. Yet something must be done.

Minora thought his house dull, Betty Barber thought he was dull, perhaps other children would think him dull, too.

The Major looked up and down and sighed. Then he heard sounds of shouting outside the house. He walked to the window and looked out.

Quite a number of men and boys were gathered round a cart, which was drawn up opposite the front gate.

Major C threw open the window wide.

“Now, then, look where you’re throwing. One, two, three, are you ready? Here, catch these bars.”

Major C could hear the shouts, as the men began to unload the cart and carry the things to his own side door. The Major could scarcely believe his eyes, and almost tumbled out of the window in his desire to get nearer. Were the things for Minora? Major C looked at the cart again more carefully,

On the side was painted in large letters “Time Decorator.”

“Decorator?” said Major C very much puzzled. “Can Minora be thinking of decorating her staircase without consulting me?” 34