"I believe you're really quite annoyed that he's showing an independent spirit now."
"Not at all. I'm delighted to be rid of him," John contradicted. "I suppose he'll share George's aquarium at Halma House."
"You don't mind my laughing? Because it is very funny, you know."
"Yes, it's funny in a way," John admitted. "But even if it weren't, I shouldn't mind your laughing. You have, if I may say so, a peculiarly musical laugh."
"Are you going to have Joan's scaffold right center or left center?" she asked, quickly.
"Eh? What? Oh, put it where you like. By the way, has your mother been girding at you lately?"
Miss Hamilton shrugged her shoulders.
"She isn't yet reconciled to my being a secretary, if that's what you mean."
"I'm sorry," John murmured. "Confound all relations!" he burst out. "I suppose she'd object to your going to France with me to finish off the play?"
"She would object violently. But you mustn't forget that I've a will of my own."