'Because she looks so,' said Dora.
'And how do people look when they are a little cross, Dora?'
'I do not know,' answered Dora.
'Do they look so, my dear?' said Rupert, mimicking poor Helen's woe-
begone face in a very droll way.
Dora laughed, and Helen was still more displeased. 'Dora, it is very
naughty,' said she.
'What! to look cross?' said Rupert; 'certainly, is it not, Dora?'
Elizabeth and Anne were far in the rear, reaching for some botanical
curiosity, on the other side of a wet ditch, or they would certainly
have put a stop to this conversation, which was not very profitable
to any of the parties concerned. Dora was rather a matter-of-fact
little person, and a very good implement for teazing with, as she did
not at all suspect the use made of her, until a sudden thought
striking her, she stopped short, saying very decidedly, 'We will not
talk of this any more.'
'Why not?' said Rupert, rather sorry to be checked in the full
enjoyment of his own wit.
'Because Helen does not like it,' said Dora.
'But, Dora,' said Rupert, wishing to try the little girl rather
further, 'do not you think she deserves it, for being out of temper?'
'I do not know,' said Dora gravely, 'but I know it is not right or
kind to say what vexes her, and I shall not stay with you any longer,
Rupert, if you will do it.
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