"But, darling," said Diana, "why do you say that? You don't want
to die. You are quite happy, aren't you?"

"Yes, I'm very happy, but I want to die, all the same."

"Oh, darling, don't say that," said Diana; "there is a great deal
for you to do in this world before you die."

"Yes, but you see, darling," said Betty, "if I don't die soon, I
shall be too old to sit on Jesus' knee."

Diana is very particular about the children's manners, and Hugh
came face to face with a great difficulty a moment later, over his
ginger beer. "If I don't say I thank you, mother doesn't like it,
and if I do say I thank you, Bindon stops pouring."




Chapter VI


In answer to a really desperate telegram from Zerlina, I left
Hames hurriedly, and arrived at Zerlina's, to find her out and all
the children apparently well. I was shown upstairs into the
drawing-room. In Diana's house I am never "shown" anywhere;
however, in Zerlina's I am, so it is no use discussing that
question. The drawing-room into which I was shown was empty of
furniture except for the sofas and chairs which were arranged
round the room against the wall. As Zerlina's room does not err