"George and Harry are not on the staff," he replied. "I'd get leave if I could, but it's impossible."
"Well!" She closed her parasol with a snap, and laid it on the seat beside her. "If it is impossible for you I must find someone else to go with me. Ah, the very man! Sir Peregrine, come here!"
A little startled, the Colonel turned to see Peregrine hurriedly obeying the summons. A bewitching smile was bestowed upon him. "Sir Peregrine, I want to dine in the suburbs, and Charles won't take me! Will you go with me?"
"Oh, by Jove, Lady Bab, I should think I will go anywhere!" replied Peregrine.
"Good. No dressing up, mind! I intend to go just as I am. You may call for me in the Rue Ducale: is it agreed?"
"Lord, yes, a thousand times! It will be capital fun!" A doubt struck him; he looked at the Colonel, and added: "That is if you don't mind, Audley, do you?"
"My dear Perry, why should I mind? Go by all .means: I wish I might join you."
"Oh, devilish good of you! At about six, then, Lady Bab: I'll be there!"
He raised his hat to her and walked away; the Colonel said: "What's your game, Bab?"
"I don't understand you. I had thought the fact of Sir Peregrine's being a connection of yours must have made him unexceptionable. Besides, I like him: have you any objection?"