Page 129 - A Little Bush Maid

GOOD-BYE

"T was just a-goin’ to ring the big bell," said Mrs. Brown.

She was standing on the front verandah as the children came up the lawn.

"Why, we’re not late, Brownie, are we?" asked Norah.

"Not very." The old housekeeper smiled at her. "Only when your Pa’s away
T allers feels a bit nervis about you--sech thoughtless young people, an’ all

them animals and snakes about!"

"Gammon!" said Jim laughing. "D’you mean to say T can’t look after them,

Brownie?"

"T’d rather not say anythink rash, Master Jim," rejoined Mrs. Brown with a
twinkle.

"T guess Mrs. Brown’s got the measure of your foot, old man," grinned
Harry.

"Oh, well," said Jim resignedly, "a chap never gets his due in this world. T
forgive you, Brownie, though you don’t deserve it. Got a nice tea for us?"

"Sech as it is, Master Jim, it’s waitin’ on you," said Mrs. Brown, with point.

"That’s what you might call a broad hint," cried Jim. "Come on, chaps--race
you for a wash-up!"

They scattered, Mrs. Brown laying violent hands on the indignant Norah,

and insisting on arraying her in a clean frock, which the victim resisted, as
totally unnecessary. Mrs. Brown carried her point, however, and a trim
little maiden joined the boys in the dining-room five minutes later.