"You're stupid, John. I only want some one to support me—on the step."
"Need we stand there? Rupert's with him. Won't that do?"
"No, I think we ought to say how-d'you-do, here, and then pass him on to Notya in the drawing-room."
"Very good. Stand firm. But they'll be hours rolling up the track. What the devil do we want with an uncle? The last time we stood like this was when our revered father paid us a call. Five years ago—six?"
"Six."
"H'm. If I ever have any children—Where's Miriam? I suppose she's going to make a dramatic entry when she's sure she can't be missed."
"I hope so," Helen said. "The first sight of Miriam—"
"You're ridiculous. She's no more attractive than any other girl, and it's this admiration that's been her undoing."
"Is she undone?"
"She's useless."