deary

It comes when Callas, resplendent even in a bathrobe, glides into the kitchen to sing at Bruna while the poor deary cooks her an omelet.

“Back to your rooms with you all. Your sessions start in an hour, dearies. Get bathed and dressed. On with you. Shoo! Shoo!”

“Have a good time, dearies!” said Mrs. March, as the sisters went daintily down the walk.

Step on a crack, my dearies, step on a crack and teach your granny to suck eggs from her one basket.

Deary, deary," she went on, "but it is coming down!