The two sisters looked at each other a moment, and then Miss Mary said a little nervously:
“Not just yet, sister. Some day, if they still care to know we will tell them, but not just yet.”
Eileen pressed the hand in hers with silent sympathy, while warm-hearted Paddy took the opportunity to administer two more hugs in the middle of which Jack entered and claimed that it was his turn next.
“Look what aunties have given us,” cried Paddy, ignoring his request. “Their own beautiful fans that they had for their first ball.”
Jack duly admired, and then asked what they were going to give him that they had worn at their first ball.
“Hadn’t you two sashes!” asked Paddy of the little ladies; “he could wear one round his waist, and one for a tie, and just think how pleased he would be, and how he would strut about in the ball-room, like a dog with two tails.”
“I’ll strut you about in a few minutes,” remarked the maligned one, “speaking of your elders and betters in that light fashion.”
“Betters!” echoed Paddy scornfully. “Did you say betters?”
“I did, Madam. Do you mean to dispute it!”
“It is so utterly silly, it is hardly worth while,” and then she ducked hastily to avoid the missile aimed at her head, and a second later they were flying round the room after each other.