"They were what?" cried Miss Mallowcoid.
"Too busy, kissing,—kissing," Sir Joseph repeated.
The spinster rose.
"Rubbish!" cried Stephen. "He's only joking, Miss Mallowcoid."
"Of course!" interjected Mrs. Tribe.
"Well, what of it?" Sir Joseph exclaimed, "even if they were."
"But who, who were kissing?" the old spinster demanded, going up to Denis.
Denis laid his empty glass upon the tray and walked quietly out. Miss Mallowcoid evidently taking his departure as a hint, followed close behind.
In the smoking-room he turned and faced her.
"What is all this about?" she enquired.