In the evening of Wednesday Phyllis was sitting with Ada in the
nursery, when Reginald came up with the news that the party
downstairs were going to practise country dances. Eleanor was to
play, Claude was to dance with Lily, and Frank with Jane, and he
himself wanted Phyllis for a partner.
'Oh!' sighed Ada, 'I wish I was there to dance with you, Redgie!
What are the others doing?'
'Maurice is reading, and William went out as soon as dinner was over;
make haste, Phyl.'
'Don't go,' said Ada, 'I shall be alone all to-morrow, and I want
you.'
'Nonsense,' said Reginald, 'do you think she is to sit poking here
all day, playing with those foolish London things of yours?'
'But I am ill, Redgie. I wish you would not be cross. Everybody is
cross to me now, I think.'
'I will stay, Ada,' said Phyllis. 'You know, Redgie, I dance like a
cow.'
'You dance better than nothing,' said Reginald, 'I must have you.'
'But you are not ill, Redgie,' said Phyllis.
He went down in displeasure, and was forced to consider Sir Maurice's
picture as his partner, until presently the door opened, and Phyllis
appeared. 'So you have thought better of it,' cried he.
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