Читать книгу Betty Wales, Junior. A Story for Girls онлайн

36 страница из 54

“No,” said Madeline, sweetly, “but she told me that she was pleased to death to have one less guest to bother with.”

“I know she never said that,” retorted Bob, quite unmoved. “Nita’s always so polite. I hope she thought it though, but anyhow I couldn’t go. I went riding this afternoon and the horse ran away.”

“Did he spill you off on this spot, and have you been here ever since?” asked Madeline.

“Have I been here ever since?” repeated Bob indignantly. “He spilled me four miles from here, my friend, and I walked home and sent an exploring expedition after the horse, and dressed, and had dinner down-town and came here afterward. How’s that for strenuousness?”

“Well”—Madeline reverted to her original inquiry—“what are you doing now?”

“Oh, yes,” said Bob, cheerfully, “you did ask that. I—wait a minute, Madeline. There he is again.” Bob was off to the opposite end of the lighted space. “Why, I’m making more ‘Merry Hearts,’” she explained, returning and sitting down again at Madeline’s feet. “You know the Hilton House has a family of tame toads that live under the front steps. Well, I’m teaching them not to hop across the sidewalks, so they won’t be accidentally stepped on and come to untimely ends. They’re learning fast, too.”