CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
A remarkably dandified Tommy; a solemn and significant Tommy, who shook hands solemnly with his sister and Carron and then sat down and took off his gloves.
"I have come on business, Brigit," he announced quietly.
Carron rose. "Then I will go. Thanks very much, Brigit, for your hospitality—and I will look in again in three or four weeks, if you don't mind."
Tommy's frame of mind was too dignified to permit of his staring, but he was obviously surprised at Carron's presence, and when the man had gone he said with considerable importance: "Since when has Carron been calling on you?"
"This is the first time. Oh, Tommy—should you have come?"
"I have just left mother at Aunt Emily's," he answered, his voice explaining plainly what his dignity forbade his putting into words.
So her mother knew!
"New clothes; also gloves; also something smelly and very nice on your hair!"
Brigit bent over and kissed him tenderly, her face very sweet with affection. "Please elucidate, little brother. Has mother sent you?"