You could watch us all the time if you'd a mind to." But Mrs.Peck did not laugh.

"I'd rather you didn't go, my dear," she said.

"So let that be the end of it, there's a good girl!" "Oh, but I--" began Columbine, and broke off short.

"Goodness, how you made me jump!" she said instead.
Rufus, his burly form completely blocking the doorway, was standing half in and half out of the garden, looking at her.
"Lawks!" said Mrs.Peck.

"So you did me! Good evening, Rufus! Are you wanting Adam ?" "Not specially," said Rufus.