"I wish you would, my dear," said Tom seriously.
"Oh, I shall one day, never fear!" She caught sight of Jennifer's astonished expression and chuckled. "Now, Tom, behave yourself! You are shocking the child!" she whispered.
"I? What have I done? She's shocked at your forwardness!"
Sir Maurice had walked over to Cleone. She held out her hands, and he made as if to kiss them. She snatched them back.
"Oh, no, no!" she cried. "Sir Maurice!"
He smiled down at her upturned face.
"In truth, my dear, you've so changed from the little Cleone I know that I dare take no liberties."
Her mouth quivered suddenly; she caught at the lapels of his coat.
"No, no, don't say it, sir! I am the same! Oh, I am, I am!"
"What's Cleone doing?" inquired Lady Malmerstoke. "Kissing Maurice? Now who's forward?"