The pair in the distance started.
“What—!” they heard Josephine's sharp exclamation.
“What's that?—What would be romantic?” said Jim as he lurched up and caught hold of Cyril Scott's arm.
“Josephine wants to make a great illumination of the grounds of the estate,” said Julia, magniloquent.
“No—no—I didn't say it,” remonstrated Josephine.
“What Josephine said,” explained Robert, “was simply that it would be pretty to put candles on one of the growing trees, instead of having a Christmas-tree indoors.”
“Oh, Josephine, how sweet of you!” cried Julia.
Cyril Scott giggled.
“Good egg! Champion idea, Josey, my lass. Eh? What—!” cried Jim. “Why not carry it out—eh? Why not? Most attractive.” He leaned forward over Josephine, and grinned.
“Oh, no!” expostulated Josephine. “It all sounds so silly now. No. Let us go indoors and go to bed.”