He held out his hand to her.
"All right, Chirpy, a bargain," he said.
And they sealed it with a warm grip of mutual appreciation.
"Now tell me what everybody has been saying about me," she said, getting to her feet.
He smiled as he leisurely arose.
"To begin with," he said, "I've seen mamma."
She looked up at him sharply.
"Go on! Wasn't she furious?"
"My dear child, that is but a mild term. She was cold as the nether mill-stone. I am afraid there isn't much chance for us if we persist in our folly."
"Don't be absurd! Tell me everything. Has that announcement been contradicted?"