The hungry,
Satanic humour in them roved, seeking what it might devour. It fell
upon Mr. Rickman.
"What have you got there?"
Miss Harden's reply was inaudible.
"Let me in. I want to look at it."
"Don't, Kitty." Apparently an explanation followed from Miss Harden.
It also was inaudible.
"Lu-_chee_-a.! Where is Miss Roots, B.A.?"
"Please, _please_, Kitty. Do go into the morning-room."
This painful scene was cut short by Robert, who announced that tea was
served.
"Oh joy!" said Miss Palliser, and disappeared.
Lucia, following, found her examining the tea-tray.
"Only two cups," said Miss Palliser. "Isn't it going to get any tea
then?"
"Isn't what going to get any tea?"
"It. The man thing you keep in there."
"Yes. But it doesn't get it here."
"I think you might ask it in. It might amuse me."
Lucia ignored the suggestion.
"I haven't talked," said Miss Palliser, "to a man thing for ages."
"It hasn't come to be talked to. It's much too busy."
"Mayn't it come in, just for a treat?"
Lucia shook her head.
"What's it like? Is it nice to look at?"
"No--yes--no."
"What? Haven't you made up your mind yet?"
"I haven't thought about it."
"Lucia, you're a perfect dog in the manger. You don't care a rap about
the creature yourself, and yet you refuse to share it with your
friend. I put it to you. Here we are, you and I, living in a howling
wilderness untrodden by the foot of man, where even curates are at a
premium--is it right, is it fair of you, to have a presentable
man-thing in the house and to keep it to yourself?"
"Well--you see, it--it isn't so very presentable.
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