"There are five women," he announced; "and I'm the only man. It's a bad lookout for me!"
"Why?" asked Mona, who had been sitting at the head of the table rather distrait and silent.
"Because," said Jack slowly, "Captain Willoughby told me this morning that it is a bad thing to spend too much time with women."
Mona's cheeks flushed a deep crimson. Miss Webb glared at Jack through her pince-nez, and then Mona laughed outright.
"I'm afraid your lot is cast amongst women for the present, Jack. When you are Captain Willoughby's age, I advise you to be careful how you cultivate their society."
"Mona!" said Miss Webb warningly.
"Oh yes," said Mona; "I mean it. And if a woman, Jack, gets tired of your company, and doesn't like the idea of spending all her life with you, take yourself off like a man, and don't be talking over your grievances with everybody you come across!"
Jack said no more. His sister's words were like Captain Willoughby's, beyond his comprehension.
Jill's walk to the Golden City was a very halting one. When she was put to bed at night she generally reviewed her path through the day, and sometimes Bumps was favoured with her confidences.