This was too much even for reticent dignity.
'I--er--don't--I mean, doubtless; but--er--it is not--er--a subject which comes within the range of practical politics.'
'I should hope not,' cried Rose. 'My dear dad! fancy your being responsible for my actions. It isn't fair!' Her face of aggrieved decision made the others laugh.
'Perhaps it isn't, Miss Tweedie,' remarked Lewis gravely; but I can assure you that we officials are all responsible for our female relations in the first degree. A merciful Government has, however, drawn the line at cousins. So Mrs. Boynton could only lose her own pension, if she were found out.'
Gwen made a moue of derision.
'That is not much to risk. I wish I had known this before. Lewis! do you think you could prevail on them to give me another chance with the satin?'
'What on earth is delaying the breakfast?' fussed Colonel Tweedie, moving off. He hated persiflage, especially between his guest and his secretary.
'Coming, sir, coming,' said George, leaning over to look; 'there is a regular procession of silver dishes filing up Jacob's ladder.'
'Oh dem silver dishes,' hummed Rose gaily, leaning over to look, too. 'How funny it is, isn't it?'
'Funny!' echoed Dan, 'it is simply appalling.'