"Well, if you forget unpleasant things, and you don't forget that, perhaps it will be pleasant."
"I am quite certain it will be infernal," said Jack. "Go and dress, Kit."
Lady Conybeare frowned impatiently.
"Oh, Jack! when will you learn that I cannot do what you ask if you talk to me in that way?" she cried. "I was just going to dress. Now I can't, and we shall both be late, which will be very tiresome. You will curse and swear at me like St. Peter for keeping you waiting. How stupid you are, and how little you know me!"
Lord Conybeare looked at his watch.
"It is exactly three minutes to six," he said. "You needn't go for half an hour yet. There is loads of time—loads!"
Kit got up at once.
"That's a dear boy," she said. "Gracious! it's past the half-hour! I must fly! Good-bye, Alice; Conybeare and I will look in on you after our dinner. I think you said you were going to have a nice round game with counters. Good-bye, Tom, and learn not to be a prude."
"I'm sure you would teach me, if anybody could," said Tom rather viciously.
Kit adjusted the lace round her throat again.