A quick flush mounted to Edgar's forehead.
"Phil?" he asked quickly.
She nodded, mutely, and took the last swallow of her tea.
Her companion looked as if he might be in the throes of the red mood.
"That's beastly," he said, dismayed to think that in all Phil's preoccupation he had had sufficient forethought to secure Violet for this perfect evening. "Since when?" he demanded fiercely.
"Since yesterday," she returned demurely, apparently unconscious that the arrangement caused annoyance.
"Very well, then, we'll take the yacht," he said, "and let the crowd go. Phil can help me sail her. I was intending to take the motor-boat and you alone."
"I don't know whether Mr. Sidney would care to," she returned coolly, "but it's very kind of you."
Edgar regarded her, baffled. "What—what had you planned to do?" he asked. He knew the question was inexcusable and braced himself for a snub; but the sweet Violet, exultant at his open disturbance, administered none.