As to the
books, Mysie stood aghast.
'I thought nurse and Lois had done them all for you.'
'They did them all wrong, so I took them down.'
Oh, dear! We must put them in, or there'll be a report.'
'A report!'
'Yes, Nurse Halfpenny reports us whenever she doesn't find our rooms
tidy, and then we get a bad mark. Perhaps mamma wouldn't give you one
this first day, but it is best to make sure. Shall I help you, or you
won't have time to eat any pears?'
Dolores was thankful for help, and the books were scrambled in anyhow
on the shelves; for Mysie's good nature was endangering her share of
the afternoon's gouter, though perhaps it consoled her that her
curiosity was gratified by a hasty glance at the backs of her cousin's
story-books.
By the time the two girls got down to the dining-table, every one had
left the room, and there only remained one doubtful pear, and three
baked apples, besides the loaf and the jug of milk. Mysie explained
that not being a regular meal, no one was obliged to come punctually to
it, or to come at all, but these who came tardily might fare the worse.
As to the blackberries, for which Dolores inquired, the girls were
going to make jam of them themselves the next day; but Mysie added,
with an effort, she would fetch some, as her cousin had had none in the
gathering.
'Oh no, thank you; I hate blackberries,' said Dolores, helping herself
to an apple.
'Do you?' said Mysie, blankly. 'We don't. They are such fun.
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