"But I hate Algernon anyhow. Why not choose quite a simple name? Had you thought of 'John,' for instance?"
"No, I hadn't thought of 'John,' somehow."
"Or 'Gerald'?"
"'Gerald' I like very much."
"What about 'Dick'?" she went on eagerly.
"Yes, 'Dick' is quite jolly. By the way, did I tell you it was a girl?"
Miss Middleton rose with dignity.
"For your slice of plum cake and your small cup of tea I thank you," she said; "and I am now going straight home to mother."
"Not yet," I pleaded.
"I'll just ask you one question before I go. Where do you keep the biscuits?"