"I wonder what she was hoping?" I sighed.

"If you say another word, Dorothy, I won't tell you any more about
the Fairy Prince," said Lisbeth.

"Why, then," I continued, seeing the threat had the desired effect,
"since Mr. Selwyn hasn't turned up, perhaps you would care to - "

"Be a pirate?" put in the Imp. "To come for a row with us?" I
corrected.

"Aboard the good ship Black Death," he went on, "'with the skull
an' cross-bones at our peak."

"Thanks," said Lisbeth, "but really, I don't think I should. What
a horrible name!"

"What's in a name? a boat by any other - " I misquoted. "If you
like, we'll call it the Joyful Hope, bound for the Land of Heart's
Delight."

Lisbeth shook her head, but I fancied the dimple peeped at me for
a moment.

"It would be a pity to disappoint Louise," I said, reaching up to
stroke the fluffy kitten.

"Yes," cried Dorothy, "do let's go, Auntie."

"For the sake of Louise," I urged, and held out my arms to her.