Page:Wren--The young stagers.djvu/73

Rh eye like that of Mrs. Crickford-Crocker) and say, 'Do that again—and Wody Tijer,' and he'd shake his forefinger at me and I'd wilt in terror, and look round for Woby Tijer. I expected him to spring on my back every time I went upstairs in the dark, and, when I woke from a ghastly dream of him, I used to lie and hold my breath, quaking, while I waited for his cold cold claw to clutch my throat. "

"Buster! How dramatic! But what did the old gentleman mean?" asked Mummy.

"I have since realised that the worthy old General was merely saying, 'Do that again—and woe betide you’ What?  Well, Mrs. Crickford-Crocker has got it in for me, and I feel like I did when Woby Tijer was on my track."

"Tell me all about it, my child."

"Well, 'twas thus, dear Lady. I knew something would happen to me when you and Burgoyne-Fitzwilliam would not come to the beastly Ball. Fancy Dress Balls ought to be held every Saturday night. Well, I rolled up, quite pleased with myself in my black velvet, as Hamlet, and who should I see before my astonished eyes