“None whatever.” She was overridingly brisk. “He will be delighted to have me.”
“Twenty!” said Mr. Cathcart and shook his head. “An infant in law! I really think we must know more about Mr. Selsbury and his condition before—eh, Collings?”
Mr. Collings looked appealingly at the girl; she had never seemed more or looked less orphaned than at that moment.
“It would be wise, perhaps—?” he no more than suggested.
When Diana smiled her eyes wrinkled up and you saw both rows of her small white teeth.
“I have taken my cabin: a lovely one. With a bathroom and sitting-room. The walls are panelled in blue brocade silk and there is a cute little brass bedstead in the middle—so that you can fall out either side.”
Mr. William Cathcart felt it was the moment to bring down his foot.
“I am afraid I cannot consent to your going,” he said quietly.
“Why?” Up went her chin.
“Yes, why?” demanded Mr. Collings. He was anxious to know.