"My dear," remarked Mrs. Delane, "Mr. Bannister doesn't like princes;" and she smiled satirically.
"What do you say, Jan?" asked the Squire, smiling in his turn.
"Oh, yes, do ask him, papa. I wish he would."
"Well, will you ask him to?"
"Really, George, you are the person to suggest it."
"Yes, Mary. But if I fail? Now, Jan?"
"Oh, don't be foolish papa. It's not likely——"
"Never mind. Will you?"
But Janet had, it seemed, finished her meal; at least she had left the room. Mrs. Delane looked vexed. The Squire laughed, for he was a man who enjoyed his little joke.
"Poor Jan!" he said. "It's a shame to chaff her on her conquests."