‘He may consider I am abusing my privileges in preparing to bring you out like this,’ he said.
But Dot cried,
‘Nonsense,’ with haste and impatience. ‘It is the last thing he would think of,’ [p 82] ]she said; ‘why, he will be delighted, of course. He does not dream he has a wife talented enough to sing in the Centennial Hall before a mighty audience of all musical Sydney.’
‘Then you really will not tell him?’
‘Is there a stronger word than “No?” One absolute and irrevocable? If there is, consider it said.’
He laughed.
‘Suppose my nervous prudence makes me present him with the bagged cat.’
‘In that case,’ said Dot, ‘I should take my revenge in flat A’s. Have you no regard for me?’
He forgot the dust and played another slow scale.