We might as well be frank. And while Barbara's not a
beauty, as soon as the bones in her neck get a little flesh on
them she won't be hopeless, and she has a flipant manner that
Men like."
"I intend to keep Barbara under my eyes this summer,"
mother said firmly. "After last Xmas's happenings, and our
Discovery today, I shall keep her with me. She need not,
however, interfere with you, Leila. Her Hours are mostly
diferent, and I will see that her friends are the younger boys."
I said nothing, but I knew perfectly well she had in mind
Eddie Perkins and Willie Graham, and a lot of other little kids
that hang around the fruit Punch at parties, and throw the peas
from the Croquettes at each other when the footmen are not near,
and pretend they are allowed to smoke, but have sworn off for
the summer.
I was naturaly indignant at Sis's words, which were not
filial, to my mind, but I replied as sweetly as possable:
"I shall not be in your way, Leila. I ask nothing but Food
and Shelter, and that perhaps not for long."
"Why? Do you intend to die?" she demanded.
"I intend to work," I said.
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