“It was quite by accident.”
“That is always a young man’s plea. I saw these complications coming from the first. Deceit never succeeds.”
“On the contrary, this has succeeded perfectly,” Barnes protested. “I’m quite sure the doctor thinks none the worse of us.”
“He’ll never believe another word I say,” complained Aunt Philomela.
“And will trust you in delicate matters as never before,” affirmed Barnes.
“To tell him was the only honorable thing to do,” broke in Miss Van Patten.
“Then why don’t you tell Carl?” Aunt Philomela challenged.
And with this shot Aunt Philomela promptly withdrew before the enemy could fire back, forgetting, however, that she was deserting her most important outpost in so doing. Barnes could scarcely believe his good fortune as he saw her skirts switch upstairs.
“Well,” he sighed in relief, “that is over.”
“Aunt really quite approves,” breathed the girl.