"Oh, none I am sure," answered Bessie; "but you really did look most
extraordinary."

"I am glad no one was passing at the moment," said Alice. "What would
they have thought?"

"Does it matter what they think?" asked Kitty. "We never mind what
anyone thinks of us in Ireland. Ah, the dear old place; how I pine for
it! There now, my lungs are full, and we can go on again."

She picked up her parasol and began to stride forward.

"Isn't she a horror?" whispered Alice to Bessie.

"Hush!" answered Bessie; "she only does it to amuse us. The thing is to
take very little notice; we'll soon tame her down."

"Is it taming me you're after?" called back Kitty. "Well, then, you'll
never do that, for I come of a wild lot, and I have always been called
Wild Kitty from the moment I could speak. But there's no harm in me, not
a bit. Now, then, I'll walk as sober as you please. What shall we talk
about?"

"Is there anything you would like to ask us?" said Bessie.

"I am sure then, darling, I don't think there is. Wouldn't you like to
ask me some questions? I'm as open as day. I'll lay bare all the
thoughts of my secret soul to the pair of you, if you care to hear
them."