Part 21 (1/2)
Wasn't that just like a man?
”I tell you what,” said Carol hopefully, ”let's bring the mattress and the blankets from my bed and put them on the floor here beside David, and we can all sleep nicely right together.”
”Oh, that's lovely,” cried Miss Landbury. ”You are the dearest thing, Mrs. Duke.”
Hurriedly, and with bated breath, they raided Carol's bed, tugging the heavy mattress between them, quietly ignoring the shaking of David's cot which spoke so loudly of amus.e.m.e.nt.
”I'll crawl right in then,” said Miss Landbury comfortably.
”I sleep next to David, if you please,” said Carol with quiet dignity.
Miss Landbury obediently rolled over, and Carol scrambled in beside her.
”Turn off the light,” suggested David.
”Oh, yes, Miss Landbury, turn it off, will you?” said Carol pleasantly.
”Who, me?” came the startled voice. ”Indeed I won't.”
”David, dearest,” pleaded Carol weakly.
”Go on parade in my pajamas, dear?” he questioned promptly.
”Let's both go then,” compromised Carol, and she and Miss Landbury, hand in hand, marched like Trojans to the switch in the other room, Carol clicked the b.u.t.ton, and then came a wild and inglorious rush back to the mattress on the floor.
”Good night, girls.”
”Good night, David.”
”Good night, Mr. Duke.”
”Good night, Miss Landbury.”
”Good night, Mrs. Duke.”
Then sweet and blessed silence, which lasted for at least five minutes before there sounded a distinct, persistent rapping on their door.
Carol and Miss Landbury rushed to the protection of each other's arms, and before David had time to call, the door opened, the switch clicked once more, and Gooding, his hair sticking out in every possible direction, his bath robe flapping ungracefully about his knees, confronted them.
”This is a shame,” he began ingratiatingly. ”I know it. But I've got to have some one to talk to. I can't go to sleep and-- Heavens, what's that on the floor?”
”It is I and my friend, Miss Landbury,” said Carol quietly. ”We are having a slumber party.”
”Yes, all party and no slumber,” muttered David.
”Well, I am glad I happened in. I was lonesome off there by myself.
You know you do get sick of being alone all the time. Shove over, old man, and I'll join the party.”
David looked at him in astonishment.