I suppose it was, because she had lent the money for it.
Then she measured out the teaspoonful, and she had first go, because of being the eldest.

We asked at once what it was like, but Dora could not speak just then.
Then she said, 'It's like the tonic Noel had in the spring; but perhaps sherry ought to be like that.' Then it was Oswald's turn.

He thought it was very burny; but he said nothing.

He wanted to see first what the others would say.
Dicky said his was simply beastly, and Alice said Noel could taste next if he liked.
Noel said it was the golden wine of the gods, but he had to put his handkerchief up to his mouth all the same, and I saw the face he made.
Then H.O.had his, and he spat it out in the fire, which was very rude and nasty, and we told him so.
Then it was Alice's turn.

She said, 'Only half a teaspoonful for me, Dora.