66
THE PRIME MINISTER
Peggy.
Yes, and papa, too.
Margaret.
But isn't papa very—very strict with you?
Peggy.
What's strict?
Margaret.
Being cross when you do things.
Peggy.
Auntie Dorothy says papa soils me.
Margaret.
[Another little laugh.] You mean spoils.
Peggy.
What's spoils?
Margaret.
Indulging you—giving you all your own way.
Peggy.
Papa is going to give me a puppy for my birthday.
Margaret.
Really! [Lifting the child on to her knee, her voice beginning to break.] Do you know, when I was a little girl like you my father gave me a little dog for my birthday.
Peggy.
Did your papa soil—spoil—you, then?
