I had it just now.'
'This sounds very sad,' said Albinia, interrupting the search for the
trophy. 'What were you doing in the painting-room? You know you had
no business there.'
'Why, mamma, little Awk wanted me to look at the pictures that Lucy
shows her. And then, don't you know his image? the little white bare
boy pulling the thorn out of his foot. Awkey said he was naughty not
to have his clothes on, and so I thought it would be such fun to make
a militiaman of him, and so the paints were all about, and so I gave
him a red coat and black trousers.'
'Oh, Maurice, Maurice, how could you?'
'I couldn't help it, mamma! I did so want to see what Algernon would
do!'
'Well.'
'So he came up and caught us. And wasn't he in a jolly good rage?
that's all. He stamped, and called me names, and got hold of me to
shake me, but I know I kicked him well, and I had quite a handful out
of his whisker; but you see poor little Awkey is only a girl, and
couldn't help squalling, so papa came up.'
'And in time!' said Mr. Kendal; 'he reeled against me, almost
stunned, and was hardly himself for some moments. His nose bled
violently. That fellow's fist might knock down an ox.'
'But he didn't knock _me_ down,' said Maurice. 'You told me he did
not, papa.'
'That's all he thinks of!' said Mr. Kendal, in admiration.
'Not a cry nor a tear from first to last. I told Sophy to let me
know when Bowles came.
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