_Can_ you spare Rosa ?" "Oh, my grief and conscience, Billy! Of course I can--I mean I could--but Rosa isn't here, dear child! It's her day out, you know." "O dear, of course it is! I might have known, if I'd thought; but Pete and Eliza have spoiled me.

They never take days out at meal time--both together, I mean--until to-night." "But, my dear child, what will you do ?" "I don't know.

I've got to think.

I _must_ do something!" "Of course you must! I'd come over myself if it wasn't for my cold." "As if I'd let you!" "There isn't anybody here, only Tommy.

Even Alice is gone.