Mr. Davenport made a bad matter worse.
"I am sure there will be none of that romping which you so rightly—ah!—dislike," he said. "I always think—"
But what Mr. Davenport always thought will never be known, for her ladyship interrupted him.
"It is based on immorality," she announced; "it is an exhibition that would disgrace any Christian country, and more especially England."
"Why especially England?" asked Jim, who was conscious of a challenge in her words.
"Because English people seem to pretend to a high morality more than any other nation."
"And are you cruel enough to include your daughter-in-law in that category?" asked Jim.
"Eva Hayes is very English," said the old lady.
"I am sure she never made any pretence of an exceptional morality," remarked Jim, eating his nitrogenous food, and getting angry.