They understood that he wished to be left to do some reading or writing, and after kissing him good night, went upstairs to their room.
But Meryl's eyes had already a new glow of hopeful anticipation, and it was easy to see she did not intend to waste much time in making up a mind already entirely decided.
Diana found her a little irritating.
"Really, Meryl!" she said, "you look as ridiculously pleased as a cat with kittens. You are quite the most unaccountable creature in the world. What, in the name of fortune, is the good of going to Rhodesia? Frankly, I'd rather stay in England."
But Meryl only smiled happily, and made no comment.
"Oh, put the light out," snapped Diana. "I really can't stand that superior, complacent air of yours any longer."
For answer the elder girl crossed the room and gave her a hug.
"Don't be cross, Di. You know you'll love the atmosphere of adventure when you are fairly started. Anyone can go to Norway."
"Adventure! Stuff! Heat and flies and sand, that's all we're in for; and uncle in a prosaic, 'I told you so' mood."
"We may see lions when we are trekking."