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: “Oh! 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. There! I’m sure that’s nice. Shake hands. No, I can’t kiss you, because I’ve got an acidulated drop in my mouth.”
“Are you at all glad to see me, Pussy?”