"And ever since the first day at sea," said Anna-Felicitas, also addressing Mrs. Twist, "up to as recently as eleven o'clock last night, he has been what I think can be quite accurately described as our faithful two-footed companion."
"Yes," said Anna-Rose. "As much as that we've been friends. Practically inseparable."
"So that it really is very surprising," said Anna-Felicitas to Mr. Twist, "that you didn't tell your mother about us."
Mr. Twist got up. He wouldn't wait for Edith. It was unhealthy in that room.
He took his mother's arm and helped her to get up. "You're very wise, you two," he flung at the twins in the voice of the goaded, "but you may take it from me you don't know everything yet. Mother, come into the drawing-room, and we'll talk. Edith'll see to these girls. I expect I ought to have talked sooner," he went on, as he led her to the door, "but confound it all, I've only been home about a couple of hours."
"Five," said Mrs. Twist.
"Five then. What's five? No time at all."
"Ample," said Mrs Twist; adding icily, "and did I you say confound, Edward?"
"Well, damn then," said Edward very loud, in a rush of rank rebellion.