her doll and faced the others with what is sometimes
called the courage of despair.

'I don't care,' she said; 'I won't, so there! It's just silly going
to places when you don't want to, and when you don't know what they're
going to be like! You can laugh at me as much as you like. You're
beasts--and I hate you all!'

With these awful words she went out and banged the door.

Then the others would not look at each other, and they did not feel so
brave as they had done.

Cyril took up a book, but it was not interesting to read. Robert kicked
a chair-leg absently. His feet were always eloquent in moments of
emotion. Anthea stood pleating the end of the tablecloth into folds--she
seemed earnestly anxious to get all the pleats the same size. The sound
of Jane's sobs had died away.

Suddenly Anthea said, 'Oh! let it be "pax"--poor little Pussy--you know
she's the youngest.'

'She called us beasts,' said Robert, kicking the chair suddenly.

'Well, said Cyril, who was subject to passing fits of justice,
'we began, you know. At least you did.' Cyril's justice was always
uncompromising.

'I'm not going to say I'm sorry if you mean that,' said Robert, and the
chair-leg cracked to the kick he gave as he said it.

'Oh, do let's,' said Anthea, 'we're three to one, and Mother does so
hate it if we row. Come on. I'll say I'm sorry first, though I didn't
say anything, hardly.'

'All right, let's get it over,' said Cyril, opening the
door.'Hi--you--Pussy!'

Far away up the stairs a voice could be heard singing brokenly, but
still defiantly--

'How many miles (sniff) to Babylon?
Three score and ten! (sniff)
Can I get there by candle light?
Yes (sniff), and back again!'

It was trying, for this was plainly meant to annoy. But Anthea would not
give herself time to think this. She led the way up the stairs, taking
three at a time, and bounded to the level of Jane, who sat on the top
step of all, thumping her doll to the tune of the song she was trying to
sing.

'I say, Pussy, let it be pax! We're sorry if you are--'

It was enough. The kiss of peace was given by all. Jane being the
youngest was entitled to this ceremonial. Anthea added a special apology
of her own.

'I'm sorry if I was a pig, Pussy dear,' she said--'especially because
in my really and truly inside mind I've been feeling a little as if
I'd rather not go into the Past again either. But then, do think. If we
don't go we shan't get the Amulet,