'O! IT IS so ridiculous!' says the apparition, stopping and
shrinking. 'Don't, Eddy!'
'Don't what, Rosa?'
'Don't come any nearer, please. It IS so absurd.'
'What is absurd, Rosa?'
'The whole thing is. It IS so absurd to be an engaged orphan and
it IS so absurd to have the girls and the servants scuttling about
after one, like mice in the wainscot; and it IS so absurd to be
called upon!'
The apparition appears to have a thumb in the corner of its mouth
while making this complaint.
'You give me an affectionate reception, Pussy, I must say.'
'Well, I will in a minute, Eddy, but I can't just yet. How are
you?' (very shortly.)
'I am unable to reply that I am much the better for seeing you,
Pussy, inasmuch as I see nothing of you.'
This second remonstrance brings a dark, bright, pouting eye out
from a corner of the apron; but it swiftly becomes invisible again,
as the apparition exclaims: 'O good gracious! you have had half
your hair cut off!'
'I should have done better to have had my head cut off, I think,'
says Edwin, rumpling the hair in question, with a fierce glance at
the looking-glass, and giving an impatient stamp. 'Shall I go?'
'No; you needn't go just yet, Eddy. The girls would all be asking
questions why you went.'
'Once for all, Rosa, will you uncover that ridiculous little head
of yours and give me a welcome?'
The apron is pulled off the childish head, as its wearer replies:
'You're very welcome, Eddy.
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