“Austin!” laughed Frances, faintly reproachful.
“Well, it is! Fancy a lot of women staring at each other over tea-cups and cake, and two odd men tripping about among the crew and wishing themselves at Kamschatka!”
“Who are the two?”
“Any tame sparrows caught in the trap.”
“You ought to watch them, and learn what you’ve to grow up to.”
“Catch me!”
“But Mamma is well?” persisted Frances. “And she likes Woodend, and her new house—you’re sure?”
“Oh, I suppose so!” exclaimed Austin, showing signs of impatience.
“She left Allerton for your sake, and I think you ought to remember that.”
“Don’t preach!”