Cicely said defiantly:
“They’re the prettiest cottages in the county.”
“In our cottages, Cis, Daddy and I look at the kiddies. If they’re all right, we’re satisfied.”
“Satisfied with rows of ugly brick houses with slate tiles . . .?”
“Absolutely.”
“What’s the matter with our children?” asked Cicely.
Tiddy replied with imperturbable and exasperating good humour:
“You must find that out for yourself, old thing. It’s no use jawing at people. That only makes ’em the more obstinate. Sooner or later, if you keep your peepers peeled, you’ll catch on. I’m wondering just how long you will keep it up.”
“Keep what up?”
“Self-deception—humbugging your own powers of observation.”