This was unanswerable, and Perry remained silent for a few minutes, wondering what he had better say next.
Then the inspiration came.
“Look here, Cil,” he said; “you won’t get on any the better for having a painted and dirty face. I’ll get a bit of soap, and we’ll go down and have a good wash.”
“What’s the good?” said Cyril. “Dirty painted face goes best with things like this.”
“Yes, but you’re not going like this,” said Perry. “You must put on decent clothes.”
“Haven’t got any,” said Cyril sourly.
“No, but I have—two spare suits, and you shall have one.”
Cyril gave a start.
“I say, Per,” he whispered excitedly, “do you mean that?”
“Of course I do. My things will fit you, and you can have a regular rig-out.”