“Did you like the piece, Mary?” asked John.
“Oh, very much. I wish Aunt Sarah could have seen it. She missed so much fun.”
“Well, she could hardly have come with us, could she?” remarked John.
“Oh, no,” said Mary.
“Well, I should rather think not,” whispered Laing, who failed to identify ‘Aunt Sarah’ with the elderly person on the trunk.
“I shouldn’t have been happy if she had,” said Mary.
“I simply wouldn’t have let her,” said John, in that authoritative tone which so well became him.
“No more would I in your place, old chap,” murmured Mr. Laing.
Mary rose.
“Thanks for all your kindness, John. Good-night.”