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, and oh, Pussy, think if we could only get Father and Mother and The Lamb safe back! We _must_ go, but we’ll wait a day or two if you like and then perhaps you’ll feel braver.”
“Raw meat makes you brave, however cowardly you are,” said Robert, to show that there was now no ill-feeling, “and cranberries—that’s what Tartars eat, and they’re so brave it’s simply awful. I suppose cranberries are only for Christmas time, but I’ll ask old Nurse to let you have your chop very raw if you like.”
“I think I could be brave without that,” said Jane hastily; she hated underdone meat. “I’ll try.”
At this moment the door of the learned gentleman’s room opened, and he looked out.