Angela Brazil

A Patriotic Schoolgirl Angela Brazil

Dona, are you awake? Donakins! I say, old sport, do stir yourself and blink an eye! What adormouse you are! D'you want shaking? Rouse up, you old bluebottle, can't you?""I've been awake since five o'clock, and it's no use thumping me in the back," grunted an injuredvoice from the next bed. "It's too early yet to get up, and I wish you'd leave me alone."The huskiness and general chokiness of the tone were unmistakable. Marjorie leaned over andtook a keen survey of that portion of her sister's face which was not buried in the pillow."Oh! the atmosphere's damp, is it?" she remarked. "Dona, you're ostriching! For goodness' sakebrace up, child, and turn off the water-works! I thought you'd more pluck. If you're going to arriveat Brackenfield with a red nose and your eyes all bunged up, I'll disown you, or lose you on the way. Crystal clear, I will! I'll not let you start in a new school nicknamed 'Niobe', so there! Have acaramel?"