Page 90 of Threads that Remain

“I am gathering my thoughts,” said he, again in a most innocent tone.

“You are fifteen. You have no business gathering thoughts on this subject.”

“I have several thoughts on most subjects,” Ned grinned at his sister.

“So we have all noticed,” replied Sarah with exasperation.

Ned grinned again.

Edward pointed toward the door. “Out.”

Ned went. He made it as far as the corridor. Then his head reappeared around the door. “Sarah?”

“What?”

“Your bonnet is on crooked.”

She reached up automatically.

It was.

Ned disappeared again before she could throw anything at him.

Henry looked down very suddenly, apparently finding the carpet fascinating.

Sarah turned on him. “Do not laugh.”

“I am not.”

“You are.”

“I am trying very hard not to.”

“You are failing.”

“I know.”

Elinor said quietly, “I think it is probably best if we do not encourage him.”

From the corridor came Ned’s voice.

“I heard that.”

Edward called, “You were not meant to.”

“I know!”

Marianne laughed.

Elinor closed her eyes for half a second. “I sometimes think,” said she, “that we have raised a spy.”

“A very successful one,” said Edward.

“A very irritating one,” said Sarah.

“Those qualities are not mutually exclusive,” Edward added.

Chapter XLIII.