The enchanted castle

192 THE ENCHANTED CASTLE
ho, Jimmy !
" Cathy ! I say ! What Mabel
ahoy
!
" he cried in a loud, cheerful voice that
sounded very unreal to himself.
The dining-room door opened a cautious
inch.
" I say—such larks ! " Gerald went on, shoving
gently at the door with his shoulder. " Look
out ! what are you keeping the door shut for?"
" Are you— alone ? " asked Kathleen in
hushed, breathless tones.
"
" Yes, of course. Don't be a duffer !
The door opened, revealing three scared faces
and the disarranged chairs where that odd
audience had sat.
" Where are they ? Have you unwished
"
them ? We heard them talking. Horrible !
" They're in the yard," said Gerald with the
best imitation of joyous excitement that he
could manage. " It is such fun ! " They're just
like real people, quite kind and jolly. It's
the most ripping lark. Don't let on to
Mademoiselle and Eliza. I'll square them.
Then Kathleen and Jimmy must go to bed,
and I'll see Mabel home, and as soon as we
get outside I must find some sort of lodging
for the Ugly-Wuglies—they are such fun
though. I do wish you could all go with me."
" Fun ? " echoed Kathleen dismally and
doubting.
" Perfectly killing," Gerald asserted resolutely.
" Now, you just listen to what I say to
Mademoiselle and Eliza, and back me up for
all you're worth,"