Yet she had not done this, nor had she
spoken to him when bringing him his breakfast. These things found
their explanation in Elizabeth's character, with which Nutty, though
he had known her so long, was but imperfectly acquainted. Elizabeth
had never been angrier with her brother, but an innate goodness of
heart had prevented her falling upon him before he had had rest and
refreshment.
She wanted to massacre him, but at the same time she told herself
that the poor dear must be feeling very, very ill, and should have
a reasonable respite before the slaughter commenced.
It was plain that in her opinion this respite had now lasted long
enough. She looked over her shoulder to make sure that she had
closed the door, then leaned a little forward and spoke.
'Now, Nutty!'
The wretched youth attempted bluster.
'What do you mean--"Now, Nutty"? What's the use of looking at a
fellow like that and saying "Now, Nutty"? Where's the sense--'
His voice trailed off. He was not a very intelligent young man,
but even he could see that his was not a position where righteous
indignation could be assumed with any solid chance of success. As
a substitute he tried pathos.
'Oo-oo, my head does ache!'
'I wish it would burst,' said his sister, unkindly.
'That's a nice thing to say to a fellow!'
'I'm sorry.
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