Sir Charles, with mock gravity, ushered King Baby and his attendants in
first, then Lady Bassett, and got in last himself.
Before they had gone a mile Nurse No. 1 handed the child over to Nurse
No. 2 with a lofty condescension, as who should say, "You suffice for
porterage; I, the superior artist, reserve myself for emergencies." No.
2 received the invaluable bundle with meek complacency.
By-and-by Nurse 1 got fidgety, and kept changing her position.
"What is the matter, Mary?" said Lady Bassett, kindly. "Is the dress
too tight?"
"No, no, my lady," said Mary, sharply; "the gownd's all right." And
then she was quiet a little.
But she began again; and then Lady Bassett whispered Sir Charles, "I
think she wants to sit forward: _may_ I?"
"Certainly not. I'll change with her. Here, Mary, try this side. We
shall have more room in the landau; it is double, with wide seats."
Mary was gratified, and amused herself looking out of the window.
Indeed, she was quiet for nearly half an hour. At the expiration of
that period the fit took her again. She beckoned haughtily for baby,
"which did come at her command," as the song says. She got tired of
baby, or something, and handed him back again.
Presently she was discovered to be crying.
General consternation! Universal but vague consolation!
Lady Bassett looked an inquiry at Mrs.
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