“Nixy.”
“But why not?” said Patty, smiling too, for she knew the Englishwoman had learned the slangy word from herself. “You’d have a lovely time. It’s so beautiful there, and the people are always so cordial and pleasant.”
“But I don’t want to go.”
“But you ought to want to. You’re too young to give up the pomps and vanities of this world. How can I make you go?”
“You can’t.”
“I know it! That’s just the trouble with you. I never saw such a stubborn, self-willed, determined——”
“Pigheaded?”
“Yes! and stupidly obstinate thing as you are! So, there now!”
They both laughed, and then Lady Hamilton said more seriously, “Shall I tell you why I won’t go?”
“Yes, do, if you know, yourself.”