“Oh, I beg your pardon!” Kitty said. “But how in the world did you guess that I had forgot the licence?”
Mr. Standen rubbed his nose reflectively. “Struck me when Meg gave me your letter. What I mean is, told me everything else, but didn’t say a word about the licence. What’s more, knew dashed well you hadn’t enough money to purchase it, and had a strong notion Dolph hadn’t either. Meant to have been here with it sooner, but the thing was I got detained. Had to buy the Broughty girl a toothbrush.”
“Had to do what!” exclaimed Kitty.
“Dash it, Kit, couldn’t let her go to France without one! Must see that!” expostulated Freddy. “Not the thing at all! Bought her a hairbrush and comb as well. Meg saw to the rest, but if ever there was a hen-witted female it’s Meg!”
“Freddy, are you telling me Olivia has gone to France?” demanded Kitty, dazed.
“Gone to Dover,” corrected Freddy. “Boarding the packet tomorrow.”
Mr. Westruther, regarding him out of narrowed eyes, said silkily: “You have been busy, coz, have you not?”
“I should dashed well think I have!” said Freddy, stirred by the memory of his activities.
“You have—you will agree!—a trifle of explaining to do!”
“Not to you, Jack!” said Freddy, meeting his eyes fair and square.