“I know that, Aunt Temperance,” said Aubrey, trying to laugh.
“And you may as well open your mouth and take your physic with a good grace. If not, there’ll be another dose to follow.”
“What?” demanded Aubrey with drawn brows, and a flash in his eyes.
“‘Three can keep a secret if twain be away,’” was the enigmatical answer. “Now then, answer Lady Lettice.”
“He has no mind to promise—that can I see,” said Lady Louvaine, sorrowfully.
“He shall, afore he go,” was the cool reply of Temperance.
“Aunt Temperance, I am not a babe!” exclaimed Aubrey rather angrily.
“That you are, and in sore need of leading-strings.”
“Aubrey here?” asked his mother, coming in. “Well now, I do think one of you might have told me. But you never think of me. Why, Aubrey, it must be six months since we saw you!”
“Four, Mother, under your pleasure.”