Peggy nodded. "Daddy and Mummy are goin' away all by theirselves, so I'm goin' away all by myself."
"And who's going to slap you and put you to bed when you're naughty?"
Noel enquired rudely. "Nick?"
"No!" said Peggy, affronted, "Captain Nick's a gentleman!"
"Is he though? Nasty snub for Noel Wyndham Esquire!" observed Noel. "Sorry, Peggy! Then unless Mrs. Nick rises nobly to the occasion, I'm afraid you'll go unslapped. Dear, dear! What a misfortune! I shall have to come down now and then and see what I can do."
Peggy embraced him again ecstatically at this suggestion. "Yes, dear
Noel, yes! Come often, won't you?"
"Rather!" said Noel cheerily. "I believe I'm going to be married some time soon by the way," he added as an afterthought.
Peggy's face fell. "Oh, Noel, not really!"
"Why not really?" said Noel.
Peggy explained with a little quiver in her voice. "You did always say that when I was growed up you'd marry me."
"Oh, is that all?" said Noel. "That's easily done. I'll get permission to have two. Whom does one ask? The Pope, isn't it? I'll go and cultivate his acquaintance on my honeymoon."