CHAPTER XV.
"Well Daisy," said Mr.Randolph that evening, "how do you like your new play that you are all so busy about ?" "I like it pretty well, papa." "Only pretty well! Is that the most you can say of it?
I understood that it was supposed to be an amusement of a much more positive character." "Papa, it is amusing--but it has its disagreeablenesses." "Has it?
What can they be?
Or has everything pleasant its dark side ?" "I don't know, papa." "What makes the shadows in this instance ?" It seemed not just easy for Daisy to tell, for her father saw that she looked puzzled how to answer.
"Papa, I think it is because people do not behave perfectly well." It was quite impossible for Mr.Randolph to help bursting into a laugh at this; but he put his arms round Daisy and kissed her very affectionately at the same time.
"How does their ill behaviour affect your pleasure, Daisy ?" "Papa--you know I have to play with them." "Yes, I understand that.

What do they do ?" "It isn't _they_, papa.

It is only Alexander Fish--or at least it is he most." "What does _he_ do ?" "Papa--we are in a tableau together." "Yes.

You and he ?" "Yes, papa.

And it is very disagreeable." "Pray how, Daisy ?" said Mr.Randolph, commanding his features with some difficulty.