He cast a daring glance across the room at Avery who was darning stockings under the lamp.
"Do they call you Aunt Avery because you are so old ?" he enquired, as Avery did not respond to it.
She smiled a little.

"I expect so," she said.
"Oh no!" said Jeanie politely.

"Only because we are children and she is grown up." Piers, with Gracie still lounging comfortably on his knee, bowed to her.
"I thank your majesty.

I appeal to you as queen of this establishment; am I--as a grown-up--entitled to drop the title of Aunt when addressing the gracious lady in question ?" Again he glanced towards Avery, but she did not raise her eyes.

She worked on, still with that faint, enigmatical smile about her lips.
Jeanie looked slightly dubious.