"You—you are put out over something, Tracy?" she asked nervously.
The frown deepened.
"N-no. I am not 'put out.' I merely anticipate the sensation."
"I—I don't understand. What mean you?"
"At present, nothing."
"Tracy, please do not be mysterious! Are you like to be put out?"
"I trust not, Lavinia."
"But what annoys you?"
Instead of answering, he put a question:
"I hope you amused yourself well—last night, my dear sister?"