Austin chuckled. His mother looked scandalised.
And then Sidney laid her hand caressingly on her arm.
"Of course I will come, if dad thinks he can spare me. Is he to be asked?"
"I have asked him already. He won't come. We must have your uncle."
"You won't get him, I am afraid. He is going up the river for a week's fishing to-morrow."
"I want another man badly."
"Monnie has a cousin staying with her. Ask him."
"But then I should have to include her, and I don't want another woman."
"I'll stay at home. Why did you ask me?"
"Sidney, don't be silly. I really need you."