‘Your ’ficial position in the Society,’ she said in her thin, musical little voice, also repeating words learned by heart, ‘will be that of Recording Secretary, and your principal duties to keep a record of all the Aventures and to read them aloud at Regular Meetings. Any Meeting anywhere is a Regular Meeting. You must further promise on your living oath not to reveal the existence of the Society, or any detail of its proceedings, to any person not approved of by the Society as a whole.’
She paused for his reply.
‘I promise,’ he said.
‘He promises,’ repeated three voices together.
There was a general clatter and movement in the summer-house. He was forced down again into the rickety chair and the three little officials were clambering upon his knees before he knew where he was. All talked breathlessly at once.
‘Now you’re in properly—at last!’
‘You needn’t pretend any more——’
‘But we knew all along you were really trying hard to get in?’
‘I really believe I was,’ said he, getting in a chance remark.
They covered him with kisses.