'I know—it's because mamma is an American!' Ferdy announced, with confidence.
'And what has that to do with it?' asked Laura.
'Mamma spends so much money—there isn't any more for anything!'
This startling speech elicited an alarmed protest from Miss Steet; she blushed and assured Laura that she couldn't imagine where the child could have picked up such an extraordinary idea. 'I'll look into it—you may be sure I'll look into it,' she said; while Laura told Ferdy that he must never, never, never, under any circumstances, either utter or listen to a word that should be wanting in respect to his mother.
'If any one should say anything against any of my people I would give him a good one!' Geordie shouted, with his hands in his little blue pockets.
'I'd hit him in the eye!' cried Ferdy, with cheerful inconsequence.
'Perhaps you don't care to come to dinner at half-past seven,' the girl said to Miss Steet; 'but I should be very glad—I'm all alone.'
'Thank you so much. All alone, really?' murmured the governess.
'Why don't you get married? then you wouldn't be alone,' Geordie interposed, with ingenuity.
'Children, you are really too dreadful this evening!' Miss Steet exclaimed.
'I shan't get married—I want to have the hounds,' proclaimed Geordie, who had apparently been much struck with his brother's explanation.
'I will come down afterwards, about half-past eight, if you will allow me,' said Miss Steet, looking conscious and responsible.
