“We’ve got to be up in good time in the morning,” he said, in the benevolent official manner.
They all laughed.
“Nay,” said Muriel. “Don’t leave us all lonely, John Thomas. Take one!”
“I’ll take the lot, if you like,” he responded gallantly.
“That you won’t either,” said Muriel, “Two’s company; seven’s too much of a good thing.”
“Nay—take one,” said Laura. “Fair and square, all above board, and say which.”
“Ay,” cried Annie, speaking for the first time. “Pick, John Thomas; let’s hear thee.”
“Nay,” he said. “I’m going home quiet tonight. Feeling good, for once.”
“Whereabouts?” said Annie. “Take a good un, then. But tha’s got to take one of us!”
“Nay, how can I take one,” he said, laughing uneasily. “I don’t want to make enemies.”