“It can’t be so bad as that,” said Caroline. “Remember, your sister is not foolish.”
“Flatter an ugly woman,” said Bobus, “and it’s a regular case of fox and crow.”
“Mercy! here they come!” cried Allen.
“Mother, do you go away! This is not work for you. Leave us to settle the rascal,” said Bobus.
“No, Bobus,” she said; “this ought to be settled by me. Remember that, whatever the man may be, he is Janet’s husband, and she is your sister.”
“Worse luck!” sighed Allen.
“And,” she added, “he has to go away to-morrow, at latest,” a sentence which she knew would serve to pacify Allen.
They had crossed the parterre by this time, and were almost at the window.
It was Bobus who took the initiative, bowing formally as he spoke, in German—
“Good morning, Herr Professor. You seem to have a turn for entering houses by irregular methods.”