“No wonder. But I get so called over the coals for want of punctuality that I vow I can’t help being tickled that Wareham should be the sinner. How was it? Had a brown study got over him, Miss Dalrymple: Or did anybody fall asleep?”
“I think we were all to blame,” said Mrs Ravenhill kindly. “We should have made sure that every one was on board. To tell the truth, I did not for a moment believe that we had really started.”
Anne spoke again, languidly.
“Is not the subject threadbare? You will force Mr Wareham or me into invention of adventures, since there is nothing real to relate that we can flatter ourselves would interest you.”
The we and ourselves fell delightfully on Wareham’s ears.
“My dear Anne, you don’t do yourselves justice. Mr Forbes is dying to know how you were occupied when you should have been at the steamer.”
Anne lifted her eyebrows.
“Mr Forbes?” she said questioningly.
He hurried to disclaim.
“Not I. I am only glad you had Wareham to look after you.” Under his breath he grumbled, “Confound her!”