Part 3 (1/2)
Eric put on a comical face, which set all the nursery children laughing.
”Stand up, Eric. While you are at home, at least whenever you are in the schoolroom--in fact, I may say always--you have got to yield to my authority.”
”Thank you, ma'am. I didn't know it, ma'am.”
Eric pulled his forelock after the fas.h.i.+on of a charity school-boy.
The nursery children clapped their hands with delight, and a wave of color swept over Miss Nelson's face.
”I say, shut up and be respectful,” growled Basil.
Eric glanced at his brother. His whole funny face became rigid except his eyes, which still danced with mirth. He folded his hands on his breast, and said in a demure, mincing tone, ”I beg your pardon, Miss Nelson.”
Even the governess had to smile.
”It is granted, my dear boy. Now with regard to your pets. The rabbits are not to be in the house.”
”Oh, no, ma'am.”
”There's no rabbit-hutch.”
”I'll stow them somewhere, Miss Nelson.”
”See you do. The pigeons can share the dovecotes, I suppose.”
”Very well, Miss Nelson.”
”The ferrets----” here Miss Nelson almost s.h.i.+vered. ”Dangerous, disgusting beasts!”
”I say, don't,” exclaimed Eric. ”Shark's a stunner!”
”Their teeth,” continued the governess. ”I have heard that their teeth can penetrate through any obstacle.”
”Shark's teeth!” pursued Eric. ”Well, they ought to be strong; he has six rows; when he opens his mouth they start upright.”
”Six rows! Nonsense, Eric. Please don't talk in that silly way. And once for all understand that I cannot allow that animal to be kept on the premises.”
”But he's a stunner,” said Eric. ”Shall I bring him in for you to see?”
”You must not attempt it, sir. It is awful to think of such a horrid creature being so close to one, and I forbid you to bring it into the house.”
”You shall see him, you shall see him,” said Eric. ”He's a perfect tip-topper. He'd kill anything. I paid five bob for him, and six ginger-beers, and ten and a half Betty cakes.”
”Silence, Eric; I shall have to speak to your father. Keep the ferret in his basket or box until I can have a word with Mr. Wilton.”
”But he'll starve, ma'am. He'd gnaw _you_ if he was starving.”
”That will do. Leave the table now, all children. I can let you know before bed-time, Eric, what is to be done with that monster.”