"What have you young people been doing all this time?" Miss Mallowcoid enquired in her most roguish manner.
"As a matter of fact we tried to reach Headlinge, and failed," said Denis, looking a trifle pale in spite of his tanned skin.
"I should have thought you could have gone there and back again twice over in the time," said Mrs. Delarayne, scrutinising her daughter with care.
"Well, we didn't," said Leonetta decisively.
"Had too much to say to each other on the way," Miss Mallowcoid interjected with a coy smile.
"Where's Agatha?" Denis demanded.
"She and Stephen have walked home; they were feeling tired."
"And Lord Henry?" Leonetta asked.
"He's gone off with my girl," said Sir Joseph with mock bitterness.