Baby, in high glee, was seated on Charlie's shoulder, where she could clutch both hands in his hair and pull until the tears almost started from his eyes.
"Emily and you have been talking a long while, and I presume you have fully decided on what day you are both to be rescued from your misery, and when I am to have the exquisite satisfaction of having my house completely turned upside down for your mutual benefit," said Esther.

"I trust it will be as soon as possible, as we cannot rationally expect that either of you will be bearable until it is all over, and you find yourselves ordinary mortals again.

Come now, out with it.

When is it to be ?" "I say next week," cried Charlie.
"Next week, indeed," hastily rejoined Emily.

"I could not think of such a thing--so abrupt." "So abrupt," repeated Charlie, with a laugh.