“Why, by making him grateful to Piers, of course!”
“But why should he be grateful to Piers? He says Piers is a young cub.”
“Piers,” said Pen, “must rescue you from deadly peril.”
“Oh no, please!” faltered Lydia, shrinking. “I should be frightened! And just think how dreadful it would be if he didn’t rescue me!”
“What a little goose you are!” said Pen scornfully. “There won’t be any real danger!”
“But if there is no danger, how can Piers—”
“Piers shall rescue you from me!” said Pen.
Lydia blinked at her. “I don’t understand. How can Piers—”
“Do stop saying “How can Piers”!” Pen begged. “We must make your father believe that I am a penniless young man without any prospects at all, and then we will run away together!”
“But I don’t want to run away with you!”