“They may be,” retorted Sarah, “but I still cannot draw.”
“Well, why the devil can’t you, if you were taught?” demanded Ludovic reasonably.
“I had no aptitude,” explained Sarah.
“But consider, Sarah!” said Eustacie. “It is most important that you should be able to make just a little drawing!”
“I know,” said Sarah. “I am very sorry, and I quite see that a person who is unable to draw is unfit to take part in any adventure.”
“It seems to me,” said Ludovic, “that girls merely waste their time at school.”
“Yes, and what is worse, I have told Basil that she will bring her sketching-book,” added Eustacie. “Now it appears that she has not got one, and we are quite undone.”
“If she can’t draw, she can’t,” said Sir Tristram. “I shall have to join your party.”
Eustacie shook her head. “No, because I have told Basil that I do not care to see you, and he would think it very odd if you were to be of my party.”
Sir Tristram gave a resigned sigh. “You had better let me know at once just what lie it is you have told the Beau. What am I now held to have done?”