"There's still the funeral," Helen said oddly.
"And let's hope they'll bury him soon," John added, and so finished with old Halkett.
Helen was still thoughtful. "Perhaps we ought to go and be nice to George. There won't be anything we can do, but we might ask him if there is."
"The less you have to do with George—" John began, and Miriam interrupted him, clicking her tongue.
"Helen, Helen, haven't you heard about George and Lily Brent? A dreadful story. Ask John."
"If you're not careful," he said menacingly, "I'll do what she did to him."
"No, no, you won't, Johnny; for, in spite of everything, you're a little gentleman."
"Oh, do be quiet, you two! Rupert's trying to say something."
"Send a note of condolence to George," he advised, "and I'll go to the funeral. It's no good asking John to do it. He wouldn't shine. Heavens! it's late, and I haven't cleaned the boots!"
The boys went about their business and left the girls to theirs.