“Robert is young, and inexperienced,” said Josephine, suddenly turning with anger. “But I don't know why you talk about him.”
“Is he inexperienced, Josephine dear? IS he?” sang Julia. Josephine flushed darkly, and turned away.
“Ah, he's not so innocent as all that,” said Tanny roughly. “Those young young men, who seem so fresh, they're deep enough, really. They're far less innocent really than men who are experienced.”
“They are, aren't they, Tanny,” repeated Julia softly. “They're old—older than the Old Man of the Seas, sometimes, aren't they? Incredibly old, like little boys who know too much—aren't they? Yes!” She spoke quietly, seriously, as if it had struck her.
Below, the orchestra was coming in. Josephine was watching closely. Julia became aware of this.
“Do you see anybody we know, Josephine?” she asked.
Josephine started.
“No,” she said, looking at her friends quickly and furtively.
“Dear old Josephine, she knows all sorts of people,” sang Julia.
At that moment the men returned.