"I will darn some more socks for you, darling, tired pet," whispered
Kathleen coaxingly. "I really am awfully sorry, but there is no help for
it. I must finish my own private affairs in my own half of the room."

She retreated from the door, and the scratching of the pen continued.

Alice downstairs felt like a caged lion. Mrs. Tennant admitted that
Kathleen's conduct was very bad.

"It won't happen again, Alice," she said, "for I shall remove the key
from the lock. She won't shut you out another time. Make the best of it,
darling. If we don't worry her too much she is sure to capitulate."

"Not she. She is a perfect horror," said Alice.

Mrs. Weldon's supper party was to begin at eight o'clock. It was now
seven, and the girls were to call for Alice at half-past. If Kathleen
would only be quick she might still have time.

The boys came in. They stared open-eyed at Alice when they saw her still
sitting in her rough school things, a very cross expression on her face.
David came up to her at once; he was the favorite, and people said he
had a way with him. Whatever they meant by that, most people did what
David Tennant liked. He stood in front of his sister now and said:

"What's the matter? And where's the little Irish beauty?"

"For goodness' sake don't speak about her," said Alice. "She's driving
me nearly mad."