“I have to suppose,” said Miss Merriot sharply, “that the gentleman is an original.”
Mr Merriot turned away to hide a laughing face. “These family arrangements — !” he said.
“But — but Papa says — ” began Miss Grayson. “Why, Tony, don’t you want to marry me?”
“I do not,” said Sir Anthony.
Miss Grayson blinked, but she did not seem to be offended. “Why don’t you?” she asked with naive curiosity.
At that Sir Anthony looked up, and there was a twinkle in his eyes. “I suppose, Letty, because my taste is at fault.”
“Well!” Miss Grayson digested this in silence. She disengaged herself from Kate’s arm, and went slowly to the table. Sir Anthony rose at her approach, and received one little hand in his large one. “Tony, will you tell Papa?” she asked.
“I have told him, my dear.”
“How did he take it?” asked Miss Grayson anxiously.
“Philosophically, child.”